In addition to the Working Groups there are also several Task Forces that operate within the framework of the Arctic Council. The Task Forces are appointed at the Ministerial meetings to work on specific issues for a limited amount of time. The Task Forces are active until they have produced the desired results, at which point they become inactive.
Experts from the Working Groups and representatives from the member states take part in the Task Forces. There are currently three active Task Forces in the Arctic Council.
Current Task Forces
Task Force on Arctic Marine Cooperation (TFAMC)
At the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Iqaluit 24 April 2015 a Task Force on Arctic Marine Cooperation was formed. The mandate is to consider future needs for strengthened cooperation on Arctic marine areas, as well as mechanisms to meet these needs, and to made recommendations on the nature and scope of any such mechanisms. The Task Force should complete its analysis of the issues no later than the 2017 ministerial meeting
Task Force on Telecommunications Infrastructure in the Arctic (TFTIA)
The Task Force on Telecommunications Infrastructure in the Arctic (TFTIA) was established by ministers of the Arctic Council states at the Iqaluit 2015 Ministerial Meeting. The Task Force, co-chaired by Norway and the Kingdom of Denmark, has the mandate to “…develop a circumpolar infrastructure assessment as a first step in exploring ways to improve telecommunications in the Arctic”. The Task Force is charged to report to Ministers in 2017.
Scientific Cooperation Task Force (SCTF)
SCTF will work towards an arrangement on improved scientific research cooperation among the eight Arctic States. It had its first meeting in December 2013 and will report to the Ministerial Meeting in 2017. The Task Force is co-chaired by Russia, Sweden and the United States.
Past Task Forces
There are also seven Task Forces which have completed their work and are no longer operational. Click each link to learn more and view documents.