The forum began with The Crown Princess giving a speech, in which she said:

"The research station in Abisko is where I first understood – many years ago – how even Sweden faces the consequences of climate change. I wish that everyone could go there, to see with their own eyes the dramatic changes taking place in the Arctic right now. I realize, of course, that this is not an option. But what we can do, and must do, is to listen to those with first-hand knowledge."

Read the full speech here .

The EU Arctic Forum has three main components: a high-level session with participants including foreign ministers and leading international experts, an Arctic stakeholder session featuring various themed panel debates, and an indigenous people's dialogue.