Dmitry Rogozin: ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum to be held from March 29 to 30 in Arkhangelsk

Dmitry Rogozin chaired a session of the State Commission for Arctic Development on December 13 in Moscow. During the meeting, participants discussed the results of the implementation of Russian state policy in the Arctic in 2016, which was marked by the launch of the most powerful nuclear icebreaker in the world, the Arktika, as well as the filing of an application to the UN requesting that the boundaries of the continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean be extended. The State Commission also discussed its agenda for 2017, including creating support zones, securing sustainable and efficient sources of energy in the Arctic region, establishing the development concept for the Arctic transport system through to 2030, and drafting a new version of the State Programme for the Socioeconomic Development of the Arctic Region. The questions of international cooperation in the Arctic region, improving laws to protect indigenous peoples living in the Arctic, and the training of professionals to work in the Arctic were also given due attention.

Dmitry Rogozin, Chairman of the State Commission for Arctic Development, noted: “The ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum, which will take place in Arkhangelsk in March next year, seeks to achieve ambitious goals. As part of this event, we plan to demonstrate Russia’s significant achievements in developing the Arctic despite the current political situation and the international pressure on Russia. It is no coincidence, then, that Arkhangelsk, which is part of the Northern Sea Route, has been selected as the host city for the Forum.”

In addition, the business programme for the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 4th International Arctic Forum, which will be held on March 29–30, 2017 in Arkhangelsk, was published today. Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the event. The two-day programme of the Forum will include two plenary sessions (‘The Arctic: Territory for Life’ and ‘People and the Arctic’) and nine topical sessions in three key areas: Human Capital, Sustainable Development of the Arctic, and Science and Technology. Participants at the highest level will discuss international and interregional cooperation in the Arctic in the fields of high technology, business relations, and energy security, the region’s tourism potential, the development of transport infrastructure, and the training of qualified personnel to secure the development of the Arctic. The Forum programme will focus particular attention on ways to protect the livelihood of the local population and the environment of the Arctic region, medicine and healthcare in the Far North, prospects for the development of northern cities, and other topics. The next session of the State Commission for Arctic Development will also be held under the auspices of the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum.

The Forum will also host the Arctic Business Forum, ‘The Arctic. Made in Russia’ International Youth Educational Forum, the Northern Cities Forum, the Arkhangelsk Venture Fair, meetings with the heads of regions, and trips to visit companies in Arkhangelsk Region. Guests of the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum will also be able to attend business breakfasts on the topics of ‘An Arctic for the future: preserving the present’ and ‘Warm conditions for a cold climate’, where participants will be able to discuss issues of international cooperation and the preservation of the Arctic ecosystem in an informal setting.

The programme of the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum has taken into account the interests of the national and international research communities, business organizations, representatives of government agencies, and various Russian and intergovernmental unions and associations. The key theme of the event is ‘People and the Arctic’, which aims to introduce Russia’s approach to strengthening international cooperation for the efficient and sustainable development of the Arctic as a region where people can live, work, and play in comfort.