The International Institute for Sustainable Development, in partnership with the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group, developed the Circumpolar Young Leaders Program in 1999. Since then, CYLP has trained and placed closed to 40 northern young Canadians in organizations throughout the Circumpolar world. These are young people from the North typically between the ages of 19 and 30 who demonstrate leadership potential in sustainable development issues as part of their professional, community or academic careers. Those selected for the program are provided with extensive training and given an opportunity to work abroad for six months on northern issues at institutions based in another Circumpolar country.

Young Canadian northerners have been placed in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Alaska working with organizations such as; the Northern Forum, United Nations Environment Program – GRID, University of the Arctic and the Stockholm Environment Program. In 2007, the program was expanded to include a North to South component whereby two northerners were placed in a southern institution in Canada working on northern issues.

Our goal is to ground the next generation of leadership in sustainable development concepts, action and regional cooperation. This unique program works with emerging leaders to help them build their networks with current Arctic leaders, experts, institutions and their peers. It provides a channel for them to influence decisions today that will affect their future.

This program targets youth with leadership potential. Through their international exposure, their research and communications work, they make a positive contribution toward Arctic cooperation and sustainability. The program is building a cadre of northern young professionals who are moving into positions of responsibility to guide the Arctic region into the next generation.

The program consists of

• Online and in person training in regional issues and in communications and leadership skills.

• A six-month international or southern domestic placement at a leading organization or government department in Canada or in another Circumpolar country. During these assignments, participants undertake Arctic research, work on communications projects, and interact with experts and decision makers.

• Opportunities for possible participation in at least one regional meeting, such as the Sustainable Development Working Group of the Arctic Council, or the International Conference for the Arctic Research Program.

• Regular interaction among the participants via a list-serve, through which they share newfound knowledge and experiences and serve as a support network.

• Contributions to the Arctic Council’s international website for Arctic youth, http://www.ookpik.org, and the Arctic Futures Newsletter.

Program goals

• Provide northern youth with the foundation for building a career in sustainable development policy, science, research and practice, and making contributions to global sustainability;

• Provide northern youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to play a leadership role in their communities and to foster greater cooperation between Canada other Circumpolar countries;

• Build greater capacity in the North to participate in circumpolar research and policy development, including participation in local, regional and circumpolar decision-making processes.