Representatives from the Polar Connect initiative met with Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) in Anchorage, Alaska, on 19 May 2026.
Elizabeth Greenfield of the Swedish Research Council and Jørgen Qvist of NORDUnet participated in discussions with representatives from MIC and AIDEA on opportunities for collaboration related to resilient digital infrastructure and future connectivity between Europe, North America and Asia.
The first meeting brought together stakeholders from Alaska, Japan and the Polar Connect initiative to exchange views on Arctic connectivity, infrastructure development and areas of shared interest. Discussions included the role of international collaboration in supporting future digital infrastructure and strengthening connectivity across regions.
Following the meeting, Elizabeth Greenfield and Jørgen Qvist held a bilateral lunch discussion with Masayuki Komura, Director for Global Strategy at Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The meeting continued ongoing dialogue between the parties and followed earlier discussions in Japan and through the EU-Japan Working Group.
During the meeting, MIC reaffirmed its continued support for the Polar Connect initiative. The parties also discussed opportunities for continued cooperation as the project progresses through its current study and planning phases.
Polar Connect appreciates the constructive discussions with both MIC and AIDEA and looks forward to continuing the dialogue on resilient connectivity and international collaboration across the Arctic region.
