‘Innovations and Technologies in the Arctic’ Forum in St. Petersburg to Present Youth Projects for Arctic Development

The scientific and technical developments of Russia’s leading educational and research organizations will be presented at the ‘Innovations and Technologies in the Arctic’ Youth Forum, which will be held on 23–24 March in St. Petersburg as part of the plan of events of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023, which are being managed by the Roscongress Foundation.

The Forum aims to promote international youth projects for the development and security of Russia’s Arctic zone. In particular, the Forum participants will discuss different research activities in the study of the Arctic and Antarctica, essential services for settlements in the Arctic zone, rescue operations in extremely low temperatures, as well as training for work in the Far North and modern developments in the evolution of the Arctic.

The event will feature a case competition among young people to support initiatives for studying and solving topical development issues and ensuring security in Russia’s Arctic zone, promote the self-realization of young people, ways to enhance their competencies and skills, as well as creative thinking among young professionals. The winning teams of authors and individual authors of projects in the case competition will be invited to take part in the 1st Arctic Youth Forum ‘The Arctic: The New Generation’.

The Forum will be attended by representatives of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic, regional authorities, leading experts on scientific, technical, and applied developments, as well as educational organizations.

The ‘Innovations and Technologies in the Arctic’ Youth Forum seeks to encourage research on the sustainment, security, and development of Arctic territories. The Forum was established by the Russian Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergency Situations, and the Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM). The Forum is being organized by the St. Petersburg University of the State Fire Service of EMERCOM with the assistance of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic, as well as the St. Petersburg Committee for Arctic Affairs.

Russia is the chair of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023. As chair, Russia aims to promote the fulfilment of youth potential in the Arctic, ensure their access to education, as well as expand and strengthen youth exchanges in a wide range of areas, including volunteering, entrepreneurship, the development of creative industries, the environment, and the improvement of urban areas. Russia supports the Arctic Council’s educational projects for Indigenous children ‘Children of the Arctic’, ‘Nomadic School’, and ‘International Arctic School’, among others, while advocating for the development of cooperation and the exchange of experience in this area. In addition, Russia is in favour of developing and implementing special programmes, professional championships, and training that focus on the country’s northern regions.