The Chairman of the Committee of Senior Arctic Officials, Norwegian diplomat Morten Höglund addressed the participants of the International Arctic Forum “The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue”, which is taking place on 26–27 March in Murmansk. He made a video address as part of the session “The Arctic: Bridges of Cooperation between Peoples and States”.
“Over the years, the Forum has established itself as a key platform for dialogue, strengthening international cooperation and promoting sustainable development in the Arctic and the High North. This year’s motto “Living in the North!” is particularly relevant as it highlights the growing challenges facing Arctic communities and their inhabitants. <...> I would like to express my gratitude to our Russian colleagues for their active participation and cooperation throughout our chairmanship. The strength of the Arctic Council lies in its unique composition – a union of Arctic states, permanent participants and observers, bound by a common commitment to addressing emerging challenges and seizing new opportunities. The issues facing the Arctic are of global importance, and only through international cooperation and collective action can we achieve a sustainable and bright future for all," said Morten Höglund.
He also stressed the importance of cooperation in addressing climate-related issues such as forest fires and melting glaciers. Cooperation with permanent participants of the Arctic Council, including the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation and others, plays an important role in this context.
The topic of international cooperation in the Arctic zone is one of the key topics in the IAF program. Particular attention on the agenda is given to the environmental well-being of the region, strategies for cooperation between the state and business, and interaction within the framework of scientific, humanitarian and cultural dialogue.
"Russia is the leading Arctic power and plays a key role in ensuring sustainable development, environmental security and international dialogue in the northern latitudes. In this regard, any attempts to exclude Russia from the discussion of global issues related to the Far North seem absolutely unacceptable and counterproductive. The Arctic Council is an important mechanism for interaction between stakeholders. We consistently advocate for maintaining a constructive multilateral dialogue on the Arctic agenda in various formats, primarily with partners who share the principles of mutual respect, consideration of legitimate interests and commitment to international law. I am convinced that only such an approach can ensure stability and progressive development of the Arctic region in the long term," emphasized Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee of the International Arctic Forum – 2025.
During the session "The Arctic: Bridges of Cooperation between Peoples and States", the participants assessed the prospects for the development of international cooperation, including the expansion of the Northern Sea Route as a global transport artery, attracting foreign investment in infrastructure projects, strengthening partnerships with non-regional countries, developing scientific cooperation, Arctic tourism and cultural and educational exchanges.
"The relevance of building a mutually respectful and pragmatic dialogue in the North, building bridges of cooperation between countries remains in any geopolitical situation. Our country has always viewed the Arctic as a territory of peace and cooperation, advocated the absence of dividing lines in high latitudes, reducing tensions, and finding responsible political and diplomatic solutions to issues on the regional agenda. “By firmly defending its national interests in the North, Russia will continue to maintain its readiness to interact with all constructively minded countries – both Arctic and non-regional, including our BRICS partners,” said Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Department of European Problems of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senior Official from Russia in the Arctic Council, who took part in the discussion.
The International Arctic Forum is a key platform for discussing topical issues of the socio-economic development of the 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.
Russia"s two-year chairmanship of the Arctic Council ended in 2023. Particular attention was paid to four priority areas: "Arctic population, including indigenous peoples", "Environmental protection, including climate change issues", "Socioeconomic development", and "Strengthening Arctic cooperation". About 90 events were held over two years.
/ Roscongress Foundation /
