Europe: Students Solving Policy Crisis in the Arctic Region

Sciences Po is a founding member of CIVICA - the European University of Social Sciences, created in March 2019. CIVICA brings together today ten leading European higher education institutions in the social sciences, humanities, business management and public policy. One of CIVICA's four thematic priorities is Societies in Transition and Crises of Earth.

On 28 and 29 October, 2023, 18 CIVICA students from 13 countries simulated a crisis situation in the Arctic region. “Project Arctic: A simulation of climate-induced conflict in the Arctic Region” was offered by the IPLI Foundation, in collaboration with CIVICA. Two Sciences Po master's students joined the experience.

A very rich two-day programme for CIVICA students

Following a general introduction into the key dynamics in the Arctic region and the presentation of a crisis scenario, students were paired up to represent different delegations in an interactive role play. They engaged in intense negotiations with other delegations, which cumulated in an online simulation of an Arctic Council general meeting. At the end of the two days, each delegation compiled their strategies, proposals and visions into a policy brief.

Thanks to an interactive platform simulating the environment of the Arctic Council, students could also get to know each other and enjoyed creating new connections with students from other universities.

Acquiring new skills through online policy simulations

Besides learning more about current policy developments in the Arctic region, participants acquired key practical skills to prepare them to resolve conflicts and advance policies in multilateral settings. The students especially appreciated the opportunity to learn new skills outside of their classrooms.

Daria Miliakova is studying International Economy at Sciences Po's Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"I have been interested in the Arctic for a few years now. I worked in organisations which specialise in this region and wrote two of my undergraduate research papers on the issue of sustainable development in the Arctic. One of my dreams is actually to take part in a real meeting of the Arctic Council! Thanks to the Project Arctic organised by CIVICA, I got an idea of how the international negotiations work, and I realised how difficult it really is to find a compromise with the other parties while also sticking to your own agenda.

I am glad that I participated in the project, not only because I developed : and got to learn even more about the Arctic, but also because I met fascinating people with whom I share professional interests. I would definitely recommend other students to experience similar events - even if it is not necessarily the area of their interests, it is still inspiring to play the part of a diplomat!"

A successful partnership with the IPLI Foundation

The policy simulation was offered by the IPLI Foundation, a philanthropic organisation dedicated to supporting academic and applied research initiatives in the fields of development and multi-dimensional human security public policy issues. The partnership with CIVICA enriched the policy simulation by bringing together students from very diverse backgrounds.

IPLI Executive Director Timothy Reno says: "CIVICA's innovative, next-generation university model enabled the IPLI Foundation to deliver a highly dynamic educational ‘EU Policy Simulator’ experience to an impressively diverse range of students across Europe. IPLI looks forward to expanding cooperation with CIVICA into the future!"

This article was initially published on CIVICA's website. Stay tuned, subscribe to CIVICA's newsletter.