The Arctic Climate Change Emerging Leaders (ACCEL) Fellowship program aims to train the next generation of Arctic Ambassadors. The ACCEL Fellows 2104, Eleanora Milazzo und Dayanita Ramesh, were selected via an online competition that engaged over 115,000 people worldwide. The ACCEL Fellowship program is a unique summer opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, interested in building careers focused on international security, environmental issues, shipping and trade, energy and natural resources, or public relations and diplomacy.

In the program's first year, Dayanita und Eleanora will work in partnership with Ecologic Institute's Arctic Summer College, as well as partners and experts around the globe, to produce dynamic content that will be compiled into an "Arctic 101" series.

Eleanora MIlazzo is the ACCEL Europe Fellow, and is based at Ecologic Institute in Berlin. She is an Italian national, currently working towards a double masters in International Relations from MGIMO University in Moscow and LUISS Guido Carli University in Rome. Eleanora's studies include concentrations in Global Security, Russian Energy, Diplomacy, and Security, and Arctic Cooperation. Her thesis focuses on Arctic Cooperation and Natural Resources Management. Before accepting the ACCEL Fellowship, Eleanora worked as an intern and blogger on international and Arctic issues at the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC). Eleanora is the co-founder of the Strategic Analysis Club and associated journal at MGIMO and speaks five languages.

"The Arctic is going to face transboundary challenges connected to climate change. The opening of navigation in the Northern Sea Route and the prospect of commercial fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean call for improved legal regulation. The potential of this region and its fragile ecosystem must be preserved by combining a strong leadership of the Arctic Council with enhanced international cooperation. As a young researcher, I see the Arctic Summer College as a unique opportunity to gain new perspectives on Arctic governance and sustainability."

Dayanita Ramesh is the ACCEL North America Fellow, and is based at The Atlantic Council in Washington D.C. Dayanita is a recent graduate of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) where she received her M.A. in International Relations and Economics. Dayanita concentrated in Canadian Studies and International Conflict Management and is interested in climate change, the environment and indigenous peoples of the Arctic. She most recently interned at IHS Energy (formerly PFC Energy) where she researched offshore exploration of hydrocarbons. Dayanita hopes one day to work for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) or perhaps be a part of the US delegation to the Arctic Council.

"The Arctic is a frontier, much like the former American West, but should avoid the same rapid and corrupt development. We need strong, democratic, multilateral and environmentally minded government structures that will prevent the undo influences of the loudest voices and amplify those voices that are the quietest and most honest. The Arctic can be a model of cooperation and collaboration if all voices are listened to."