Business programme 2025

Modern achievements in the Arctic have been made possible by the 500-year history of the Northern Sea Route. Throughout this history, Russia has led the way in the discovery, exploration, and development of both the route and the Arctic as a whole. Expanding the capabilities of the Northern Sea Route remains one of the state’s key priorities. Russia is creating a global transport corridor that can unlock the potential of the challenging Arctic territories. Cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, India, and the Persian Gulf in this endeavour is opening new opportunities and strengthening trade and logistics ties. The development of the Northern Sea Route involves the formation of a new economic model, the expansion of the Arctic icebreaker and cargo fleets, and ensuring year-round navigation along the route. What are the key aspects of this new economic model? What are the prospects for the Northern Sea Route, and how can they be utilized? How can logistics within the route’s waters be made more predictable and efficient? What directions and mechanisms of international cooperation will drive the development of the Northern Sea Route?

The emergence of the Northern Sea Route, possibly the last of today’s major logistical corridors, was predicted half a millennium ago, in 1525, by Russian diplomat Dmitry Gerasimov. His hypothesis about the possibility of a maritime passage from Europe to China along Russia’s northern coast laid the groundwork for the first map of the NSR. Ultimately, charting a route through the Arctic seas proved as challenging as reaching space. To ensure the uninterrupted transport of goods through the northern waters, Russia built the world’s only fleet of nuclear icebreakers. In the 21st century, the Northern Sea Route is not only a strategically vital national transport artery connecting the country’s Arctic regions but also a unique logistical corridor attracting growing international interest. What discoveries and achievements have contributed to the development of the NSR, and what is its primary driver today? How does the route impact the standard of living in Arctic regions? What makes its strategic and geopolitical significance unique? In which industries is the NSR becoming a catalyst for technological innovation? And what does the future hold for the Northern Sea Route?

The development of Russia’s Arctic zone remains one of the country’s top strategic objectives. Given the new challenges and limited resources, it is crucial to identify priority areas for the region’s sustainable socioeconomic development, balance the interests of the state, business, and society, and reconceptualize international cooperation. During the panel discussion, leading experts and representatives of the federal authorities, major corporations, and development institutions will discuss key issues concerning the implementation of the Arctic development strategy, evaluate key initiatives, and propose practical solutions for the effective development of the region. What results have been achieved in the first stage of implementing the strategy for Russia’s Arctic zone? Which industries are expected to become the main drivers of Arctic development in the coming years? How can we balance the interests of the state, business, and the population when developing the Arctic? What strategic initiatives deserve priority attention? How can we ensure the sustainable development of the region given budget constraints? What role does the Arctic play for Russia and the international community? What aspects of international cooperation should be taken into account when formulating a strategy?