HKS Dinner Series

What happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic

A dinner with Denmark’s Ambassador to France Michael Starbæk Christensen

We are thrilled to invite you to the French HKS Chapter’s first event of 2024: a conversation on Arctic issues with Denmark’s Ambassador to France (and HKS alumnus) Michael Starbæk Christensen over a delicious dinner at Ricette Ristorante, an Italian restaurant in the fifth arrondissement of Paris.

The Arctic is at the very heart of our planet with many current existential issues for our future. It is brutally impacted by climate change: this region is warming three times as fast as the globe on average. The decline in sea ice is opening up new trans-Arctic routes and creating new business opportunities. 

Because of this changing landscape, great powers are getting more and more interested in this remote region of the world, with many geopolitical dynamics at play..

Although France has no territory in the Arctic, it is very much a polar nation. France has a long tradition of exploration and scientific expeditions in the Arctic. To enhance its diplomatic action in this region, the French government has appointed an Ambassador to the Poles since 2009 and has adopted a National Roadmap for the Arctic in 2016. France has been granted observer status by the Arctic Council, the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the Arctic.

As Denmark is one of five European member states to the Arctic Council, his Excellency Michael Starbæk Christensen will share with us in an exclusive and intimate setting the Danish and the European perspectives on Arctic issues at a time when all eyes are turning towards this region of the world!

Join us for this very rich event! Only 15 seats will be available for this dinner. Please save your spot by registering through Weezevent at the link below. We look forward to seeing you!

H.E. Michael Starbaek Christensen

Ambassador Michael Starbæk Christensen is currently the Ambassador of Denmark to France (since 2019). He is a distinguished diplomat with previous experience as the Diplomatic Adviser and EU Sherpa to the Danish Prime Minister, the Political Director and Director for Global Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen, and Deputy Head of Cabinet (Commissioner for Climate Change) at the European Commission. Ambassador Christensen received a Master of Law from the University of Copenhagen in 1993 and a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School in 2004.

Event organizer and moderator

Annick Steta – Co-Head of the HKS Chapter

A citizen of France, Annick Steta graduated from Sciences Po Paris and HEC Paris before obtaining a PhD in economics at Université Nancy 2. She holds a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School.

What to expect

WHEN: Tuesday, April 9th, 2024. From 8:00 pm onwards.

WHERE: Ricette Ristorante, 10 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris

WHO: Any Harvard affiliate (alumnus, fellow, professor, executive education…) – you can bring a +1

Registration: Only 15 seats available! 45 Euros for 2 courses and a drink. Additional drinks paid for by participants.