The International Arctic Forum 2025 has started in Murmansk

The 6th International Arctic Forum has officially begun in Murmansk. It is being held on 26–27 March under the slogan “To Live in the North”. The Forum serves as a key platform for discussing the current socio-economic development of Arctic territories and developing various multilateral mechanisms for the shared exploration and effective use of the Arctic region’s vast resource potential. The event is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation.

“Global interest in the Arctic grows each year. Alongside Arctic states, an increasing number of countries without direct access to the Arctic Ocean are seeking to establish a presence in the region and take part in its development. On the one hand, this opens up broad opportunities for international economic, environmental, and scientific cooperation. On the other, it highlights the need for tighter regulation and greater care for the fragile Arctic ecosystem. The Arctic Council, long the main international platform for sustainable development in the region, has effectively suspended its work. Therefore, we must explore new formats for collaboration. The ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ Forum could be one such platform. This year’s theme is “To Live in the North”. Key topics include the Northern Sea Route strategy and the creation of new logistics chains, environmental conservation, tourism development, attracting new talent, and enhancing state support for investment projects in the Arctic. The Forum should help us find fresh solutions for sustainable development in the region and expand cooperation with partner countries,” said Yuri Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.

 The International Arctic Forum 2025 business programme features around 20 sessions, divided into four thematic pillars: “The Arctic and the Northern Sea Route: Competing on the Global Stage”, “The Arctic and the Northern Sea Route: A Magnet for Investment”, “The Arctic and the Northern Sea Route: Developing Key Settlements”, and “International Cooperation and the Environment”.

“The International Arctic Forum is a major event that aligns with Russia’s strategic goals for the development of the Far North. The Forum’s sessions tackle pressing challenges such as the development of the Northern Sea Route, the introduction of innovative technologies, improving quality of life in Arctic regions, environmental concerns, and the preservation of the culture of indigenous peoples. The Forum’s discussions will help shape joint solutions to these and other key issues. I am confident that the event will make a significant contribution to securing Russia’s long-term interests in the Arctic,” said Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the International Arctic Forum Organizing Committee.

Representatives from federal and regional governments, the business community, academia, and expert circles will discuss the future of the Northern Sea Route as a globally significant transport corridor; business development in the Far North with regard to environmental concerns and the interests of indigenous peoples; the development of the region’s resource base; Arctic tourism; and other pressing topics.

Among the key sessions are “The Enchanting North: Prospects for Tourism Beyond the Arctic Circle” on 26 March at 10:00, “The Northern Sea Route: 500 Years of History” on 26 March at 12:00, “A Long Term Development Model for the Northern Sea Route” on 26 March at 16:00, and “The Economy of Future Generations: Developing the Resource Base” on 27 March at 10:00. The central event of the Forum will be the plenary session, scheduled for 27 March. All sessions from the business programme will be streamed on the official website.

The sporting programme includes a celebratory event marking the 90th Celebration of the North. On 29 March, the 51st annual ski marathon will take place under the Forum’s banner. Attendees will also have the chance to try traditional northern sports, as well as to ski and snowboard.

Part of the cultural programme is the ‘Taste of the Arctic’ gastronomic festival, where a team of restaurateurs and chefs from across Russia’s Arctic zone is presenting a menu of regional cuisine. A Sami village has been set up, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the North’s indigenous peoples. Attendees can also enjoy film screenings, exhibitions and excursions, including a visit to the nuclear icebreaker Lenin.

Creative meetups are also being held as part of the International Arctic Forum, featuring participants in the “Soul of Russia. The Arctic” project. Two films, titled North Pole and The Widows’ Village, are being shown, highlighting the deep connection between past and present and celebrating the resilience, unity, and patriotism of the Russian people.