Presentation of the Goals and Programme of the Chairmanship of the Russian Federation in the Arctic Council in 2021–2023
On May 20, 2021, the Russian Federation takes over the chairmanship of the Arctic Council. Russia lays down the principle of responsible governance in the interests of sustainable development of the Arctic as the basis of its chairmanship in the Arctic Council. As a country that accounts for almost a third of the Arctic with a population of over 2.5 million, Russia is implementing an integrated, comprehensive development programme in high latitudes. Therefore, during the chairmanship in the Arctic Council in 2021-2023 Russia prioritizes balanced promotion of sustainable development of the region in its social, economic and environmental dimensions. Russia intends to pay primary attention to improving the well-being, health and quality of life of the inhabitants of the Arctic, including indigenous peoples, ensuring progressive social growth, which, first of all, will be based on sustainable economic development of the region. The growing positive potential of the Arctic must be used to ensure prosperity and progress in the interests of the entire population of the Arctic, to promote scientific, educational and cultural exchanges, tourism, and people-to-people contacts. The Russian Chairmanship in the Arctic Council will proceed under the motto: “Responsible Governance for a Sustainable Arctic”.