- This event has passed.
Leadership in the High North 2026: Advancing Maine’s Role in the Arctic
Leadership in the High North: Advancing Maine’s Role in the Arctic
April 22–23, 2026 Maine National Guard Regional Training Institute 289 Hildreth St. N, Bangor, ME
Contact: LTC (R) Darryl W. Lyon,— darryl.lyon@gmail.com
Event Description
Join Maine’s leading scholars, diplomats, business leaders, and security experts for a two-day symposium exploring our state’s growing role in the rapidly changing Arctic. From climate science and international trade to emergency preparedness and Indigenous inclusion, this conference connects Maine to one of the world’s most consequential regions.
Keynote Speaker: Ambassador Svanhildur Holm Valsdóttir, Embassy of Iceland
Day 1 — Wednesday, April 22
6:00 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks 6:30 PM Dinner 7:30 PM Keynote Address — Ambassador Svanhildur Holm Valsdóttir 8:30 PM Concluding Remarks & Preview of Day 2
Day 2 — Thursday, April 23
8:30 AM Breakfast Reception & Student Poster Session 9:10 AM Maine’s Academic Role in the Arctic — featuring Dr. Pips Veazey (UMaine Portland Gateway), Dr. Susan Kaplan (Bowdoin College), and UNE North 10:30 AM Maine’s Economic Role in the Arctic — featuring Maine International Trade Center, New England Ocean Cluster, and Maine Center for Entrepreneurs 12:15 PM Maine’s Diplomatic Role in the Arctic — featuring Dr. Mary Thompson-Jones, author of America in the Arctic 2:15 PM Maine’s Security & Emergency Management Role in the Arctic — featuring Benjamin Strong (Arctic Council), Magnus Nordenman, and USCG Sector Northern New England 3:30 PM The Way Ahead — closing discussion with Ambassador Valsdóttir and Commissioner Diane Dunn (Maine DVEM)
Lunch included. Extended networking breaks with student poster opportunities throughout the day.
Contact: LTC (R) Darryl W. Lyon,— darryl.lyon@gmail.com
Call for Student Posters
Students: Present your Arctic-relevant research alongside leading experts! Posters will be featured during structured networking sessions throughout the conference.
- Free attendance for student presenters
- Easels provided — just bring your poster (36×48″, vertical)
- Topics: climate, geopolitics, trade, security, Indigenous studies, marine science, and more
Contact: Tyler Lissy, UMaine SPIA — lissyt@maine.edu
Presented by: World Affairs Council of Maine • Archipelago • UMaine School of Policy & International Affairs • Maine International Trade Center
Supported by: Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management • ArcticToday
Community Calendar
Is your organization holding an internationally focused event in Maine? The World Affairs Council of Maine is eager to promote global goings on around the state. If you would like to include your event on our calendar please submit your request HERE. We will need two to three days to review and approve community submission.