With a strong personal engagement in Arctic education and research, as well as in the development of the region, President Grímsson will discuss and share his insights on various issues relating to how academic and research organizations as well as political structures can best contribute to the sustainable development of the north. The Board of UArctic has previously met with President Grímsson back in 2004 in Iceland.

Within the setting of the Arctic Circle conference, UArctic's Board will be joining a range of global decision-makers from all sectors, including political and business leaders, indigenous representatives, nongovernmental and environmental representatives, policy and thought leaders, scientists, experts, activists, students and media. The mission of the Arctic Circle conference is to facilitate dialogue and build relationships to address rapid changes in the Arctic, and it aims to support, complement and extend the reach of the work of the Arctic Council by facilitating a broad exchange of ideas and information at an open gathering held in mid-October of each year.