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UArctic is a network comprising universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organisations focused on education and research related to the North. UArctic enhances and strengthens the collective resources and infrastructures of its member institutions, enabling them to better serve their communities and regions.

UArctic strengthens communities in the North by collaborating in education, research, and outreach. This organisation fosters thriving communities and builds sustainable economies while creating valuable global partnerships. Founded under the Arctic Council and based across more than 200 institutions across the north, UArctic upholds the principles of sustainable development and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is committed to making a positive impact and driving meaningful change for a brighter future.

In addition to the UArctic Board Meeting, the three-day programme included presentations on the social, economic and political issues affecting the Northern Isles, Scandinavia and the Arctic and discussions on closer co-operation on research and development in areas including sustainable development, heritage and climate change. The attendees also had visit the World Heritage sites across Orkney in the company of a University of the Highlands and Islands lecturer on heritage and tourism.

On the exciting third day, attendees engaged in a dynamic session on Orkney Energy and Community Development, featuring inspiring speakers from local energy leaders, including the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum (OREF) ,Aquatera, Heriot-Watt University and Orkney Islands Council. Local community Arctic-related initiatives were showcased by Stromness Museum and the John Rae Society.

Elsa Cox, ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Orkney Development Manager and Board member of ScAN said: "The Scottish Arctic Network has been delighted to welcome the Board of UArctic to Orkney in recent days. This has been a great opportunity for the three Orkney-based ScAN members to showcase the islands, promoting future partnerships and knowledge exchange. ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø works with partners across the North, and we look forward to furthering our UArctic initiatives, fostering research and teaching collaborations alongside student exchanges, with a view to exploring solutions to shared challenges across Scotland and the Arctic. There is huge potential in this space to make a positive impact on the world and we are delighted to be part of this network."

Professor Donna Heddle, Head of Research Environment and Culture at UHI said: "We are honoured to have co-hosted the board meeting of the University of the Arctic in Orkney alongside our colleagues from Robert Gordon University and Heriot-Watt University. This three-day event is an important initiative that brings together stakeholders for the future development of Orkney and beyond and will potentially lead to further research and development opportunities. This meeting is particularly timely as we are currently collaborating with UArctic, especially in our Island Studies research area, to discuss and develop sustainable heritage recommendations for the future of the Northern Isles, Scandinavia, and the Arctic."

Cllr Sandy Cowie, Deputy Leader of Orkney Islands Council, said: "The Council was delighted to welcome the UArctic Board to Orkney. It was a great honour that they chose to hold this important event in our islands – recognising Orkney’s integral place within the Arctic community. The universities and organisations we have here in Orkney are deeply involved in research related to the Arctic. There is so much we can learn from other Arctic countries and islands, which face similar challenges and opportunities to ourselves – and indeed there is so much the Arctic community can learn from Orkney.

"To bring so many influential people and organisations to our part of the world and showcase this county and the outstanding work of our universities is fantastic. I am confident these past three days will lead to further events and visits taking place in Orkney."

The event was also supported by the Scottish Government and Orkney Islands Council.

Main image: Professor Nick Fyfe, ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø's Vice Principal for Research and Community Engagement, and Elsa Cox, Development Manager at ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Orkney, pictured with delegates at the meeting of the University of the Arctic.