Greenland and Japan Forge Partnership for Arctic Peace Research

Historic Cooperation Signed in Nuuk

In a significant step towards fostering peace and stability in the Arctic, Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Atsushi Sunami, President of the Japanese Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), formally signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on November 14, 2025. The signing ceremony took place in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, marking the beginning of a joint effort in Arctic peace research.

The agreement is designed to initiate collaborative work on peace research within the Arctic region, aligning with Greenland's strategic ambition to establish itself as an international hub for conflict and peace research, as well as for the promotion of peace and sustainable development in the Arctic.

Greenland's Vision for Arctic Peace

This cooperation is a direct reflection of Greenland's Foreign, Security, and Defense Strategy 2024-2033, which outlines the objective of creating a peace center, ideally with international contributions. The Greenlandic government, known as Naalakkersuisut, is actively working to maintain low tension and peace in the Arctic.

Minister Motzfeldt emphasized the critical importance of these efforts, stating, 'It has never been more important to strengthen efforts for peace.' She further highlighted Greenland's unique position, noting, 'There has never been a war in our country, and we want it to stay that way.' Motzfeldt expressed confidence that Greenland could 'provide knowledge about peace to the rest of the world and become a hub.'

The Role of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, a private, non-profit Japanese organization established in 1986, has a long-standing commitment to global peace and security. Through its Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI), SPF has been actively engaged in Arctic issues since the 1990s. The foundation receives substantial support from the Japanese government and is recognized internationally for its work in promoting cooperation and addressing social crises.

President Sunami's involvement underscores Japan's continued interest in Arctic affairs and its dedication to international collaboration for peaceful and sustainable development.

Key Areas of Joint Initiative

The newly signed MoC will lay the groundwork for a future peace center and facilitate joint initiatives across several crucial areas:

• International Education and Research: Focusing on Indigenous Peoples' inclusion and participation, peace, climate change, and sustainable development in the Arctic.
• Dialogue Facilitation: Promoting academic and policy discussions between Japan, Greenland, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Personnel Development: Supporting growth through fellowship programs, training, and exchange initiatives.

This partnership builds upon existing relations between Japan and Greenland, which have historically included cooperation in fishery trade and scientific research in the Arctic. The collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to the understanding and maintenance of peace in the rapidly changing Arctic region.