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‘Arctic: Present and Future’ Forum in St. Petersburg To Address Responsible Management and Development of Human Capital

6 December 2022
Ответственное управление и развитие человеческого капитала обсудят  на Форуме «Арктика: настоящее и будущее» в Санкт-Петербурге

St. Petersburg will host the 12th ‘Arctic: Present and Future’ International Forum on 8–9 December. The forum’s business programme will feature over 50 sessions on 11 themes devoted to the development of Russia’s Arctic zone, including responsible management in the new conditions, adaptation to climate change, the development of human capital in the Arctic, and the establishment of an international public and scientific dialogue. The forum will take place as part of Russia’s two-year chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

The main theme of the event will be how to unify efforts to ensure the sustainable future of the macro-region amidst global geopolitical and economic changes. More than 400 speakers will take part in the forum. During the first plenary session, experts will consider issues related to state policy in Russia’s Arctic zone. The second plenary session will focus on the development of human capital in the region.

Among other things, participants in working sessions will discuss the development of infrastructure in the northern territories, new technologies, investments in Arctic projects, support for young people, the development of human resources, the preservation of ecosystems and cultural heritage, as well as ways to improve the creative economy, create a comfortable urban environment, and ensuring comprehensive security.

In addition, one of the key themes of the forum will be the development of private international cooperation in the Arctic. Representatives of more than 20 countries, including China, the United States, Norway, Turkey, India, Singapore, Iceland, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, Malaysia, Brazil, and Bolivia, are expected to attend the event. The experts will also discuss different aspects of interstate cooperation in the Arctic at a session attended by representatives of embassies of countries that maintain friendly relations with Russia.

«The Arctic has always been a territory of cooperation for numerous countries. Our job is to ensure that this remains the same at the human level despite the external situation. The ‘Arctic: Present and Future’ Forum over several years has shown itself to be a proven tool for public diplomacy in Arctic projects. Issues concerning the sustainable development of the Arctic are of concern to scientists in many countries today. This is evidenced by their great response to our invitation to take part in the forum. I am certain that we will be able to find common ground with interested Arctic and non-Arctic countries and organizations,» said Artur Chilingarov, President of the Association of Polar Explorers and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 12th ‘Arctic: Present and Future’ International Forum.

The 12th ‘Arctic: Present and Future’ International Forum will take place in St. Petersburg at the Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Centre. The forum is being organized by the Association of Polar Explorers with the support and participation of Russia’s Federation Council, State Duma, the Russian government, the State Commission for Arctic Development, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic, and other key ministries and agencies.

Russia is chairing the Arctic Council in 2021–2023. The comprehensive programme of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council aims to promote cooperation to improve the well-being and quality of life of the Arctic population, including the Indigenous peoples of the North, adapt the Arctic to the effects of climate change, conserve the biodiversity and unique ecosystems of the Arctic, ensure socioeconomic development, find solutions in matters concerning global energy and transport security, promote scientific cooperation in high latitudes, and strengthen international cooperation.