"Our goal is a secure, predictable future for the Arctic"

In a recent interview with Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Mr Paul Dziatkowiec, Head of Mediation and Peace Support at the GCSP, explains the importance of Track II dialogue, and outlines the rationale of the ‘High North Talks’ – a discreet dialogue platform hosted by the GCSP and focused on the Arctic, which aims to contribute to the GCSP’s and Switzerland’s shared goal of fostering a secure, predictable future for the Arctic. 

In addition to its contribution to polar research, Switzerland is also committed to peaceful and sustainable development in the Arctic at the diplomatic level. Through the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), it strengthens dialogue and cooperation between actors in the polar region. The founder and moderator of the unofficial dialogue platform 'High North Talks', Paul Dziatkowiec, reports on his work at the GCSP.

Both the GCSP, which is supported by the FDFA, and Swiss polar research prioritise the protection and sustainable development of the Arctic. These two areas are connected by science diplomacy, which promotes cooperation between researchers and can therefore also improve relations between countries – the Arctic Council being a good example of this.

Good offices

Although the GCSP is not an official actor in the Arctic Council, it contributes to stability and peaceful relations in the Arctic in the spirit of Switzerland's good offices.

The GCSP promotes knowledge transfer, networking and the development of joint strategies among those involved in the polar region. One of the GCSP's vehicles for encouraging peaceful cooperation in the Arctic is the 'High North Talks', an unofficial dialogue platform. 

Mr Dziatkowiec, what is the GCSP's goal in the Arctic?
Our goal is to contribute to a more secure, predictable future for the Arctic. In view of the serious international upheavals triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Arctic faces urgent problems that require joint solutions – in the areas of security, science and governance. Regrettably, the current international situation provides few opportunities for constructive dialogue.

In 2022, we therefore created a discreet space for such a dialogue in Switzerland, one of the few places where representatives of the countries involved can discuss the challenges of the Arctic constructively and quietly. By facilitating dialogue, we try to define common interests, build trust and find practical solutions.

Science diplomacy is perhaps the best hope for renewing cooperation across geopolitical borders.

What does your work entail?
The 'High North Talks' are an unofficial dialogue platform that brings together relevant people from the countries most involved in the Arctic. We use the instruments of diplomacy and mediation to facilitate discreet dialogue between well-connected individuals from these countries. By applying the Chatham House rule we protect the participants, which promotes a constructive and open exchange.

Essentially, we work together to develop creative policy ideas, including confidence-building measures. We encourage states to compartmentalise – to allow some level of cooperation on pressing issues affecting the Arctic, even while continuing to disagree on other global matters.

What role can science diplomacy play in the Arctic?
Science diplomacy is perhaps the best hope for renewing cooperation across geopolitical borders. It's worth remembering that it was science diplomacy during the Cold War that created the conditions for the cooperation that led to the eradication of smallpox and the closing of the hole in the ozone layer.

One of our areas of focus is the problem of accelerated thawing of the permafrost, which could lead to the release of billions of metric tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere, a serious loss of biodiversity, large-scale damage to physical infrastructure and possibly health epidemics. In an effort to mitigate such risks, we discreetly convene leading specialists in this field in order to develop tangible policy proposals for governments.

What progress has been made so far?
Most fundamentally, we've created communication channels to exchange messages informally in a protected environment and improve mutual understanding. In addition, we've developed key messages and actionable policy ideas in three separate but interlinked workstreams (security, science/environment and governance). This work includes proposals for confidence-building measures, the establishment of 'guard rails' and concrete ideas for the resumption of some cooperation in areas where it is most urgently needed, such as environmental protection and maritime safety – for the benefit of the whole world, not just the Arctic. These ideas have been conveyed to decision-makers in relevant capitals through direct discussions, Arctic conferences and, where appropriate, public communications. 

The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)

The GCSP, based in Geneva, is an international foundation established by Switzerland in 1995 to promote peace, security and stability. In addition to a dialogue platform, the GCSP offers executive education courses for leaders, facilitates networking, provides advice for specialists in the field and conducts applied research.

The Confederation supports the GCSP financially based on a mandate from Parliament. The GCSP is governed by its Foundation Council, which includes representatives of 54 states in addition to Switzerland. The executive director of the GCSP is Ambassador Thomas Greminger of Switzerland.

Swiss foreign policy instruments – good offices

Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of providing good offices. They are and will remain an important part of its foreign policy profile. They cover three areas: Switzerland's protecting power mandates, Switzerland as a host for peace negotiations, and Switzerland as a dialogue facilitator and mediator. Switzerland makes its good offices available upon request when its interests are affected and where it can be effective.