The mission of Polar Research and Policy Initiative is to:
- raise the profile and understanding of the Arctic, Nordic, North Atlantic, North Pacific and Antarctic regions in the UK, the US, Europe and the Commonwealth;
- support polar researchers and polar research institutions in maximising the visibility, impact and reach of their research;
- increase and sustain the scientific, cultural, political and commercial engagement of the UK, the US and relevant EU and Commonwealth member states with our focus regions (especially the Arctic Council member states);
- help address some of the toughest political, social, economic and environmental challenges facing the peoples and places in its focus regions;
- support the sustainable development of the Arctic region, and facilitate greater bilateral trade and investment between Arctic states and EU and Commonwealth member states.
The initiative serves as the nexus between researchers, explorers, journalists, policymakers, governments, international organisations, NGOs, industry, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders. It provides research, advisory, advocacy and stakeholder engagement services; organises events and outreach activities; and hosts a digital platform, The Polar Connection. Its work is built on three pillars: sustainable development, environmental stewardship and Indigenous engagement.