The 6th International Arctic Forum has started in Murmansk. It is being held on March 26-27 under the motto "Live in the North!" The IAF is a key platform for discussing current issues of the socio-economic development of Arctic territories, developing multi-level multilateral mechanisms for joint disclosure and effective development of the powerful resource potential of the Arctic region. The forum is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation.
"The interest of the world community in the Arctic is growing every year. Along with the Arctic countries, an increasing number of countries that do not have direct access to the Arctic Ocean are seeking to be present in the region and participate in its exploration and development. On the one hand, this opens up broad opportunities for international economic, environmental, and scientific cooperation, but on the other hand, it requires greater regulation and a more attentive attitude to the fragile Arctic ecosystem. Today, the main international platform for cooperation on sustainable development of the region, the Arctic Council, has effectively suspended its work. This means that we need to look for new formats of interaction. The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue forum may become one of them. This year, the forum"s motto is "Live in the North!" Key topics for discussion: the Northern Sea Route strategy and the formation of new logistics chains, preserving unique nature, supporting tourism, attracting new personnel, improving state support for investment projects in the Arctic. The forum should help us find new solutions for the sustainable development of the Arctic and expand cooperation with partner countries,” noted Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev.
The business program of the MAF-2025 includes about 20 sessions. They are divided into four thematic blocks: "The Arctic and the NSR: how to win in the competitive struggle of world routes", "The Arctic and the NSR: a pole for attracting investments", "The Arctic and the NSR: development of key settlements", "International cooperation and ecology".
"The International Arctic Forum is a landmark event, the holding of which corresponds to Russia"s strategic goals in the exploration and development of the Far North. The forum"s events are aimed at discussing current challenges, including the development of the Northern Sea Route, the introduction of innovative technologies, improving the quality of life in the Arctic regions, environmental issues and the preservation of the culture of indigenous peoples. Discussions within the framework of the IAF program will contribute to the development of coordinated decisions on these and other key issues of the region. I am confident that the event will make a significant contribution to ensuring Russia"s long-term interests in the Arctic," emphasized Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the IAF Organizing Committee.
Representatives of federal and regional authorities, the business community, scientists and experts will discuss the prospects of the Northern Sea Route as a logistics corridor of global significance, business development in the Far North taking into account the environmental agenda and the interests of the indigenous peoples of the North, development of the territory"s resource base, Arctic tourism and other issues.
Key sessions include: "The Enchanting North: Prospects for Tourism Beyond the Arctic Circle" (March 26, 10:00), "NSR: Five Centuries of History" (March 26, 12:00), "The Long-Term Development Model of the NSR" (March 26, 16:00), "The Economy of Future Generations: Development of the Resource Base" (March 27, 10:00). The central event of the forum will be the plenary session, which will take place on March 27. Broadcasts of the business program are available on the official website .
The sports program will include a ceremonial event dedicated to the 90th Festival of the North. Under the auspices of the MAF, the 51st ski marathon will start on March 29. In addition, during the forum, participants will be able to get acquainted with national northern sports, and will be able to go alpine skiing and snowboarding.
The cultural program included the launch of the Taste of the Arctic gastronomic festival, where a joint team of restaurateurs and chefs from the subjects of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation presented a menu of regional cuisine. The Sami village was opened, where you can get acquainted with the life of the indigenous peoples of the North. Film screenings, exhibitions and excursions were also organized for the forum participants. In particular, they will be able to visit the icebreaker Lenin.
The MAF is hosting creative meetings with participants of the project "Soul of Russia. Arctic". The films "North Pole" and "Village of Widows" are being screened. They tell about the inseparable connection between the past and the present, about the exploits of the Russian people, immortalized in stories of unity, fortitude and love for the Fatherland.
/ Roscongress Foundation /
