Arctic Communities Have Solutions to Share
Maria Kourkouli recently participated in the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik. (Photo: Markus Johnsen Thonhaugen)
Op-ed: Recently, I stood before an international audience at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik. In just 90 seconds, I had the chance to share a message I deeply believe in: Arctic communities aren't just facing challenges – they also have solutions to share.
This is an opinion piece written by an external contributor. All views expressed are the author's own.
It was exciting. The Arctic Innovation Lab is an event and a pitch competition that brings together young Arctic leaders with scientists, policymakers, and tech experts. My message was simple: We need to share our resilient strategies to thrive together.
As a research scholar with Business Index North, I'm part of a collaboration between Nord University's High North Center and Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center.
Our project, "What it means to be resilient: Lessons from the Arctic," invites Arctic communities to share their stories of adaptation, transformation, and resilience in the face of change.
Bridging Research and Community Practice
Arctic resilience takes many forms, and communities work together to find sustainable solutions. Our project amplifies these efforts through various channels: a peer-reviewed book of case studies, an interactive online map highlighting resilience stories, workshops and webinars to connect communities and experts, and podcasts to share insights broadly.
Through interviews with community members, we want to highlight how people in the Arctic are involved and understand their approaches to challenges. When communities share their experiences, they help build a stronger, more sustainable Arctic.
We need to share our resilient strategies to thrive together.
My master’s studies in Sustainable Leadership and Arctic Perspectives at Nord University have shown me that connecting research, decision-making, and community action is vital to sustainable development in the North.
This project does just that: it bridges academic research, community practices, and policy to strengthen Arctic sustainability in practical and impactful ways. These aren’t just success stories—they’re actionable lessons that other communities can learn from and build upon.
The Arctic Way Forward
My background in leadership and work psychology has taught me that resilience is never just individual—it’s communal. In the Arctic, community strength shapes the ability to adapt and thrive.
The Arctic doesn’t need saving; it needs listening to. Standing in Reykjavik, I was reminded that while the world discusses Arctic challenges, Arctic communities are already implementing solutions.
By collecting and sharing these stories, we aim to contribute to building a sustainable future led by the people who know the Arctic best.
Maria Kourkouli is a project participant in Business Index North and a master's student in Sustainable Leadership and Arctic Perspectives at Nord University Business School.