The Arctic Council: Intergovernmental Forum, Not a Government

The Arctic Council is not a government. It is a high-level intergovernmental forum established 1996 (Ottawa Declaration).

• Members: 8 Arctic states (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, USA).
• Permanent Participants: 6 Indigenous organizations (e.g., Inuit Circumpolar Council, Saami Council).
• Observers: Non-Arctic states, IGOs, NGOs.
• Decision-making: Consensus only; no binding legal authority.
• Focus: Environmental protection, sustainable development, scientific cooperation.

It coordinates policy but cannot legislate or enforce. Sovereignty remains with member states.