The annual Arctic Circle Assembly started today in Harpa, Reykjavík. The assemblly is an integrated part of the school year of University Centre of the Westfjords as it's mandatory part of the course Arctic Ocean Governance but commonly, UW alumni and academics from UW also speak at the ACA. 

On this first day a newly graduated CMM alumna, Harmony Wayner, did a talk on sustainable fisheries in Alaska and Iceland, but she's also the Board Vice Chair of Arctic Youth Network.

Our very own Dr. Matthias Kokorsch, academic director of Coastal Communities and Regional Development, presented the ClicNord research project that UW is collaborating in and Kristin Weis, CMM alumna, did a talk on tourism and sense of place but she is currently doing a PhD at George Mason University in USA.

A few students from UW have taken to opportunity to volunteer at the Arctic Circle Assembly, as it is an amazing opportunity to get close to esteemed experts and the biggest discussions about the developments in the Arctic and sub-Arctic area. 

The first day of the ACA was bright and beautiful in Reykjavik, with over two thousand guests at the assembly. Participants were able to catch a glimpse of some of the founder of the assembly, Mr. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, former president of Iceland, and some of the honourary guests, such as Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the Crown Prince of Norway and Prime Ministers of Canada and Greenland.

The Icelandic Coast Guard also performed a rescue exercise on the sea next to Harpa during the lunch break, which was a spectacular display with Mt. Esja in background.