Public can explore Arctic leadership at free lectures

Weekly public lectures this spring at the 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø will examine leadership challenges and opportunities in the Arctic. Topics include Indigenous leadership, environmental stewardship, justice, media and military strategies.

The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series is hosted by 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø’s and UA Southeast’s Political Science departments and the 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Arctic and Northern studies program.

Lecturers will include Alaska Supreme Court Justices Jude Pate and Sue Carney, industry leaders, policymakers and researchers. The lectures are part of a broader course, Arctic Leadership: Theory and Praxis in the 21st Century, a comprehensive review of leadership dynamics in the Arctic.

The lectures will take place on Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. in Schaible Auditorium on the 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Troth Yeddha’ Campus in Fairbanks. All events are free and open to the public, with live streaming available via Zoom. Presenters will host Q&A sessions following each lecture.

Lecture schedule:

  • Jan. 23: Boroughs
    What role do borough mayors play in shaping Arctic communities? Local leaders will discuss economic development, infrastructure, and policy challenges in Alaska’s boroughs.
  • Jan. 30 & Feb. 6: Alaska State Legislature
    Explore the legislative priorities and challenges of the Alaska State Legislature in shaping Arctic governance.
  • Feb. 13: Justice
    Alaska Supreme Court Justices Jude Pate and Sue Carney will discuss justice in the Arctic, touching on sovereignty, resource rights and governance.
  • Feb. 20 & 27: Alaska Native leadership
    Indigenous leaders will share their vision for sustainable development, cultural preservation and innovation in the Arctic.
  • March 6: Alaska Native corporations
    Learn about the role of Native corporations in the Arctic economy, from cultural preservation to sustainable development.
  • March 20: Arctic Military leadership
    Examine the Arctic’s importance as a strategic frontier for global security with insights from military leaders.
  • March 27: Media in the Arctic
    Discover how media professionals shape public perception of Arctic issues and advocate for change.
  • April 3: Business and Industry
    Discuss the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurship and industry in the Arctic.
  • April 10: Arctic Environmental Leadership
    Leading environmentalists and scientists will address conservation, climate change and ecosystem protection in the Arctic.
  • April 17: Academia and research
    Explore the role of academia in solving complex Arctic challenges through groundbreaking research and collaboration.

Community members can attend individual lectures in person or via Zoom, while people interested in a more in-depth exploration can register for the full Arctic leadership course. Degree and non-degree students are welcome. Classroom discussions continue after the public lectures from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. for students enrolled in the course.

The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series invites everyone to engage with leaders and innovators shaping the region’s future. More details are available online.

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