This is a special series produced by Investable Universe in 2021 as Polar Futures. For perspectives on the strategic challenges and opportunities in the new Arctic economy, our guest for Episode 1 was Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson, who served as one of the top Senior Arctic Officials during Iceland’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council from 2019-2021. He previously served as Iceland's Permanent Representative to the United Nations where he chaired the Third Committee of the General Assembly during its 72nd session. 

Mr. Gunnarsson was the Permanent Secretary of State of the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2009 until 2014, dealing with the aftermath of the economic crisis of 2008.

He has also served as Iceland’s Director of International Trade Negotiations, Director of Personnel, Deputy Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Geneva, Counsellor at the Mission of Iceland to the EU in Brussels, Counsellor in the External Trade Department and Legal Advisor to the Foreign Ministry’s Defense Department.