Responsibility, Surveillance, and Security in the Arctic: The Civil-Military Interface

As activity in the Arctic increases and the security environment evolves, search and rescue operations face new demands. This seminar brings together leading experts to discuss capability, coordination, responsibility, and the role of emerging technologies — and to explore how Iceland and its partners can strengthen safety in one of the world’s most challenging regions.

The programme addresses key questions shaping the future of Arctic SAR, including:

• How geopolitical tension influences SAR priorities
• Whether current preparedness is sufficient for large‑scale incidents
• The impact of new technologies on response capacity
• How states can maintain transparency and effective coordination across jurisdictional boundaries
• How civil and military actors can cooperate without undermining trust

The event includes presentations from Icelandic and international specialists.

The seminar is open to the public, but registration is required due to limited seating. Doors open at 13:30. The event will be livestreamed on the Varðberg website and covered by the media. The program will be conducted in Icelandic and English.

Click here to see the event on Facebook.

Registration for the event is required. Click here to register.