The program for our organization's leadership began with a joint session together with the leads of UArctic's Thematic Networks and Institutes. Through co-presentations between rectors and network leads of hosting institutions, experiences with running such networks and their contributions to member institutions' international collaboration was shared among the participants.
The challenge of sustainable development, as reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development goals was a prominent issue for the discussion in the Roundtable Discussion for Rectors that followed. Presentations two Norwegian members -- University of Bergen's Annelin Eriksen and UiT The Arctic University of Norway's Anne Husebekk, highlighted Agenda 2030 and the role of competence in building sustainable development for the Arctic.
Other interventions included a perspective on Arctic research from outside the Arctic region from Hokkaido University Vice-President Masanori Kasahara and a look at the role of
universities on digitalizing Arctic rural areas from Kajaani University of Applied Sciences rector Matti Sarén.
The Rectors also gave feedback their preliminary endorsement to the UArctic 2018 Congress Declaration, that will be adopted during the Congress on Tuesday.