Russian Ministry of Education and Science discusses preparations for ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ Forum

Governor of Arkhangelsk Region Igor Orlov has held a meeting with representatives of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science in the run-up to the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the Forum, which will take place in Arkhangelsk on March 29–30. The main venue for the Forum will be the Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU).

Orlov and Minister of Education and Science Olga Vasilyeva discussed infrastructure preparations at NArFU, which will host the Forum’s main programme, including more than 30 thematic sessions and discussions. More than 1,500 guests from 11 countries, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, China, Norway, the United States, Finland, Switzerland, and Japan, are expected to attend the Forum.

The meeting participants also addressed issues concerning events at thematic venues, in particular the ‘The Arctic. Made in Russia’ International Youth Educational Forum. Some 180 students, young researchers, and entrepreneurs who are prepared to live and work in the Arctic are expected to attend the Youth Forum. Orlov and Ministry representatives went over preparations for the discussions at the Youth Forum and also made proposals regarding moderators and speakers.

Igor Orlov: “Large-scale preparations are under way in Arkhangelsk to create comfortable conditions to host Forum guests. A drama theatre, which will host one of the plenary sessions, is in the process of being rebuilt. At NArFU, the Center for Collective Use of Scientific Equipment, an exhibition hall, and a dormitory that will be used to accommodate guests are all close to completion. Arkhangelsk Airport is also undergoing modernization and a long-term project to rebuild and repair the city’s railway station has been launched. By March 1, we plan to complete all work to prepare key infrastructure facilities for the Forum.”

The Forum’s programme with its key theme of ‘People and the Arctic’ features more than 40 events, including 32 thematic sessions and discussions, two plenary sessions, and an expanded meeting of the State Commission for Arctic Development. Events planned on the sidelines of the Forum include: ‘The Arctic. Made in Russia’ International Youth Educational Forum, the Arctic Municipalities Forum, and the Arctic Business Forum.