Februry 2017

GREENLAND UPDATE

Premier, Kim Kielsen giving his New Year's statement

The Premier's New Year's statement

Premier Kim Kielsen ended 2016 with a statement on the current state of affairs in . The premier emphasized that Greenland step by step is working towards becoming a full and equal member among the nations of the world. In 2017 Greenland will establish a Constitutional Commission in preparations to achieving this goal.

In line with this goal Greenland is focusing on education and developing growth in industries such as and mining. The further development of the infrastructure has also commenced, as a new runway in Qaqortoq, the South of Greenland is being planned and expansions of airports to international airports in the capital Nuuk and in Northern Greenland is underway. The fishing sector is also experiencing positive developments, both in terms of prices and volumes.

The world is showing an increased interest in Greenland and the Government of Greenland is in turn making efforts to create opportunities and cooperation within trade, mineral resources and education. As a part of this effort Greenland has established its own representations in countries that are important to this cooperation in places such as Copenhagen, Brussels and Washington D.C. Coinciding with this there is also a growing number of consulates in Greenland, where both Nordic, European and Asian countries are represented. This shows a genuine desire to promote the development of economic, cultural and scientific relations between Greenland and these countries. The Premier thus concluded his statement by emphasizing that cooperation is the key, whether it is to achieve results within the country, or whether it is in the relationship between countries.

Mute B. Egede

Change in Government

Minister of Municipalities, Infrastructure and Housing, Ms. Martha Lund Olsen (Siumut) has stepped down her position as Minister in the End of January due to her intensions to run for the upcoming election to the municipalities in April. Februry 2017

Her successor will be apppointed in connection with the Parliament's session starting April 20th. In the meantime her areas of political responsibility are taken over by Minister of Mineral Resources, Mr. Múte B. Egede ( Ataqatigiit).

Suka K. Frederiksen

Commission on a New Constitution

One of the main priorities for Greenland is moving towards the goal of eventually becoming an independent country. In order to reach this goal, there is a need for both political stability and national gathering. This year Greenland will be establishing a Constitutional Commission, with the main task of preparing a proposal for a Greenlandic constitution. The constitution will include the basic rules for Greenland’s form of Government and organization.

The Government of Greenland has already provided a detailed statement for the establishment of the Commission, which includes further proposals for the work of the Commission and how the Commission is to be established.

The Greenland minister of Independence, Nature, Environment and Agriculture, Suka Frederiksen, has spearheaded the preparations for the establishment of the Commission, and has emphasized that the constitution is to be founded on the common values and culture of Greenland.

Doris Jakobsen visited the Danish Embassy during her stay in London. Among the participants is the General Secretary of the Nordic Council, Mr. Dagfinn Høybråten

"Nordic matters" in London

Minister of Education, Culture, Research and the Church, Ms. Doris Jakobsen participated in the opening of the project "Nordic matters" at the Southbank Centre in London. Februry 2017

Over one year, Southbank Centre invites you to look more closely at what is happening in Nordic art and culture. Find out more about sustainable food and communal singing, hygge and saunas, paternity leave and the struggle for gender equality.

There is music, dance, theatre, literature, spoken word, visual art, design, fashion and food from the Nordic countries to explore throughout the festivals in 2017.

Read more: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/nordic-matters

Future Greenland

Every second year Grønlands Erhverv (The Greenland Business Association) invites decision makers and business professionals on an international level to a conference on opportunities and development in Greenland.

This year, the conference will be held for the 5th time on May 9 - 10 in Nuuk. The focus themes are: Capital, Competences & Capacity.

Read more and sign up for the conference: http://www.futuregreenland.gl/en-gb/

Ambassadors' trip to Greenland

The Danish Foreign Ministry each year organizes visits to parts of the Danish Kingdom. This year, the trip will be a visit to Nuuk and Ilulissat, Greenland, from May 30 to June 2. The Head of the Representation in Copenhagen, Ms. Lida Skifte Lennert, looks forward to accompany you on the trip.

Februry 2017

Start May, the Protocol in the Danish Foreign Ministry and the Greenland Representation will invite participating Ambassadors and spouses to an introduction meeting at the Representation's premises.

Meantime, if you have any enquiries regarding Greenland, please feel welcome to contact the Greenland Representation, Susan Frydendahl, email: [email protected]. We have just produced a list of relevant literature, you can require at the same emailaddress.

Further, we would like to draw your attention to the activities taking place at Nordatlantens Brygge/The North Atlantic House:

February 25: Literary salon with Iben Mondrup and Jessie Kleemann http://www.nordatlantens.dk/da/arrangementer/2017/nordord-iben-mondrup-og-jessie-kleemann/

February 11 - April 30: Exhibition: "The Northern lights" and a lecture on March 29 http://www.nordatlantens.dk/da/udstillinger/2017/nordlyset/

February 25 - April 30: Exhibition: "Scars in the soal" http://www.nordatlantens.dk/da/udstillinger/2017/revner-i-sjælen/

March 1 - March 8: North Atlantic Film days http://www.nordatlantens.dk/da/udstillinger/2017/revner-i-sjælen/

Especially, we can recommend the film

March 5 - "Sume - the sound of a revolution" http://www.nordatlantens.dk/da/arrangementer/2017/nordatlantiske-filmdage-2017/sume-lyden-af- en-revolution-nordatlantiske-filmdage/