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July 16, 2026

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NEW THIS WEEK | July 14-17, 2026 | Aspen, Colorado USA

Aspen Security Forum

The Aspen Security Forum, presented by the Aspen Strategy Group, brings together government officials, military leaders, intelligence professionals, academics, journalists, and private-sector experts to discuss national security and foreign policy issues.

Those interested can register for the free livestream through the Aspen Security Forum website. If you are unable to watch live, recordings of the sessions will be available afterward on the Aspen Security Forum website and YouTube channel.


US Arctic Research Commission Chairman Thomas Dans will present on July 17 on the topic: "The Arctic: High North, Higher Stakes."


The 2026 agenda includes discussions on strategic competition, transatlantic security, Indo-Pacific affairs, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, energy security, defense innovation, intelligence, economic resilience, and the future of international alliances. The program is designed to provide participants with perspectives from government, industry, academia, and the media on issues shaping national and international security policy.

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China Launches First Scheduled Weekly Arctic Container Service to Europe

China’s Sealegend Shipping plans to launch the first scheduled weekly container shipping service between China and Europe via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) this summer, marking a significant step toward regular commercial container operations across the Arctic following last year’s record-setting transit.

Fans of the Arctic

Call it an alluvial face-off. On the southern end of Severny Island in the Russian Arctic, rivers rush down from rugged terrain flanking a broad valley. Upon reaching flatter ground, the waters slow and distribute sediment into cone-shaped features called alluvial fans. Several appear in opposing orientations alongside a braided river in this Landsat 9 image.

US Coast Guard, Norway Strengthen Arctic Partnership Through Multiple Joint Training Exercises

U.S. Coast Guard crew members from the Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Stone (WMSL 758) work alongside Norwegian crew members from HOPEN during joint training, off the Newport, Rhode Island coast, July 9, 2026. The training allows both crews to build familiarity, share operational expertise and improve coordinated response in Arctic conditions. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Laticia Sims)

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October 15, 2026 | Boulder, Colorado USA

Greenhouse Gases Up Close at INSTAAR: Public talk, expert panel, & lab tours

Learn about the INSTAAR measurement program & tour the radiocarbon & stable isotope labs. This is part of Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research’s (INSTAAR) 75th Anniversary seminars.

October 27-29, 2026 | Anchorage, Alaska USA

Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue

The Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue (ASDD), hosted by the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, brings together military leaders, government officials, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and international partners to discuss security issues affecting the Arctic. The dialogue focuses on topics such as defense capabilities, homeland security, military readiness, technology, infrastructure, and cooperation among Arctic nations and allies. Through presentations, panel discussions, and working sessions, participants share information, discuss emerging challenges, and identify opportunities for coordination on Arctic security and defense priorities.


Early registration for ASDD 2026 will open in June, and it is by invitation only. This event is not open to the media.  Due to the size constraints of the venue, early registration is encouraged. If you would like more information, please contact us at TSC-Engagements@groups.af.mil.

November 5-9, 2026 | Sitka, Alaska USA

Whalefest

Hosted by the Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka WhaleFest brings together scientists, educators, artists, conservation leaders, and community members to explore marine ecosystems, ocean conservation, and coastal culture through public presentations, wildlife experiences, educational programming, and community events focused on the North Pacific environment.

March 8-12, 2027 | Leipzig, Germany

Drivers and Impacts of a Changing Arctic

SAVE THE DATE! The Joint (AC)3 - MOSAiC Conference 2027 (JAMC27) offers a forum for open, multi-disciplinary scientific exchange on the overarching theme of "Drivers and Impacts of a Changing Arctic." The international polar research community is invited to present and discuss scientific results achieved over the past decade, including findings from (AC)3, MOSAiC, and other Arctic research activities. Conference goals are to synthesize recent advances, inform future research actions, and enhance societal uptake of research outcomes. Abstract submission will open in October 2026.

March 16-18, 2027 | Nuuk, Greenland

Arctic Biodiversity Summit

Hosted by the Arctic Council as part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship program, the Arctic Biodiversity Summit will bring together scientists, policymakers, Indigenous Peoples, youth leaders, and other Arctic stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on biodiversity conservation across the Arctic region. The summit is intended to serve as a strategic platform for advancing knowledge exchange, supporting sustainable development, and helping transform scientific and Indigenous knowledge into action-oriented policy and conservation efforts focused on protecting Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations.

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