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The ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ booth will serve as a key platform for discussions about the Arctic agenda at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which will be held on 14–17 June. The business programme of the exposition of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic includes approximately 15 events dedicated to the most important areas concerning the development of the Far North, some of which will be held as part of the plan of events of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023, which are managed by the Roscongress Foundation.

“The Arctic-focused booth first appeared at the SPIEF in 2022. At the time, this platform resulted in the signing of agreements and the development of specific solutions aimed at the sustainable development of key sectors in the Arctic, including the organization of year-round navigation along the Northern Sea Route, the modernization of the telecommunications industry, and preferential regimes. I am certain that the events planned this year will provide a new impetus to the development of high latitudes and showcase the advantages of the Russian Arctic to the SPIEF guests,” said Anton Kobyakov, an advisor to the Russian president and executive secretary of the SPIEF Organizing Committee.

As part of the plan for Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council, the booth will host four events dedicated to important aspects of the development of the Far North. 

Participants in the session ‘Protecting and Monitoring Arctic Biodiversity’ will discuss the impact of climate change on the Arctic, the use of modern technologies for biodiversity conservation, and the creation of a network of observation stations in the Far North, as well as the involvement of business and public organizations in environmental activities.

The session ‘Northern Sea Route. Results and Plans’ will address the development of a global transport corridor in the Arctic, while the session ‘The Russian Arctic – Focal Point. Protected Areas in the 21st Century’ will provide experts with an opportunity to discuss various ways to improve legislation concerning environmental protection.

Another event that will be held as part of Russia’s chairmanship will be the session ‘Filmmaking in the Arctic: A Dialogue between Nature and Technology’, during which the participants will consider various aspects of how the filming process is organized in the northern latitudes. The event is part of the ‘Soul of Russia’ International Festival of the Peoples of the North.

One of the main themes of the programme will be the development of investment potential and the business environment in the Arctic. The leaders of all nine regions of Russia’s Arctic zone will demonstrate the investment potential of their regions as part of a special presentation. Another session will be devoted to the new focuses of state support for investment projects in the Arctic.

“The Arctic is a key component in the future economic prosperity of all of Russia. The development of Russia’s Arctic zone over the coming depends on the success of efforts to attract young and talented personnel to the regions of the Russian Arctic, proper interaction between the state and business in this region, and well-structured processes within the preferential regimes,” Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov said.

The business programme of the booth of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East will also feature sessions on such topics as creating a comfortable urban environment and master plans for Arctic cities, developing digital infrastructure, scientific and educational potential, attracting professional personnel and talented youth to the Arctic, as well as developing tourism and making travel to the Far North more accessible. A discussion with bloggers will focus on promoting the regions of the Russian Arctic.

The booth’s programme also includes events dedicated to international cooperation in the Far North. As part of the Think Arctic – Think Global project during the session ‘The Arctic Region as a Unique Area of International Cooperation: Prospects and Opportunities’, experts will discuss the role of non-Arctic countries in the sustainable development of the Arctic and new opportunities for interstate cooperation. Participants in the session ‘Russia–Asia. Development Based on Trust’ will address the development of an Arctic partnership with countries outside of the region.

“Amidst the destructive actions of the member states of the Arctic Council, which have put a temporary hold on interaction with the Russian side on the Arctic issues, cooperation for the benefit of the northern latitudes within other formats and associations, such as BRICS, SCO, and others, is of fundamental importance. For our part, we are seeing increased interest in the sustainable development of the Arctic from non-regional countries and are ready to promote the establishment of new partnerships with all interested states, including in matters concerning science, based on a mutually respectful approach and taking into account the national interests of these countries,” Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials Nikolay Korchunov said.

Representatives of the federal and regional authorities, state corporations, scientific and educational organizations, and other agencies, as well as travellers, film directors, and producers will participate in the events at the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ booth.

The exposition of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East will be located at the ExpoForum Exhibition and Convention Centre (Pavilion G). In addition to business events, visitors to the booth will be able to visit the Arctic Bar, send a postcard with views of the Far North to anywhere in the world, and also take part in a drawing for tours to the regions of the Russian Arctic. Numerous agreements are also expected to be signed.