Diplomats questioned on their countries' role in the Arctic

The evidence sessions will start at 10:40am on Tuesday 25 November in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords.

Witnesses

At 10.40am

• HE Mr Keiichi Hayashi, Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom
• HE Ms Foo Chi Hsia, High Commissioner for Singapore to the United Kingdom

At 11.40am

• HE Ms Nicola Clase, Ambassador of Sweden to the United Kingdom
• HE Mr Pekka Huhtaniemi, Ambassador of Finland to the United Kingdom
• Mr Alan Kessel, Deputy High Commissioner for Canada to the United Kingdom

Areas of discussion

In the first session:

• Their nations’ role as observers of the Arctic Council.
• Why their interest in the region has increased in recent years.
• How trade in Japan and Singapore could be affected by a reduction in sea ice and new Arctic shipping routes.

In the second session:

• Their countries’ priorities for the Arctic.
• The balance they strike between economic development and conservation.
• How Arctic states can ensure indigenous and local communities benefit from new economic development.
• The role that Arctic Council observers such as the UK can play.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select Committees
• Visiting Parliament: Select Committees