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The article analyzes the perspectives of sustainable development in the Arctic through the cooperation between governments, researchers and local Indigenous minorities. Mainly focusing on social aspects of sustainable development and the importance of Indigenous participation, the author attempts to define the characteristics of possible models of collaboration that would satisfy all parties and would contribute to the well-being of the Arctic. Therefore, the already observed results of the involvement of Indigenous peoples of the Arctic region and other social policies have been revised. The article bases on information provided by the Nordic Council of Ministers, WWF and the International Polar Year. Sustainable development in the Arctic is connected to the definition of sustainable development introduced by the United Nations. Environmental issues have to be resolved by the government in cooperation with researchers as Indigenous peoples are mainly victims of environmental changes initiated by resource extraction and climate change. The social sphere, however, requires deep connections to the Indigenous population of the North as the Sustainable Development Goals consider the well-being of all people. A balance between the interests of both parties has to be maintained and this is only possible through serious scientific research. It is also important to secure the right of Indigenous peoples to preserve their way of life.