Operations
Since its establishment, the Northern Forum has evolved from an experiment in international relations into an active international organization. Through the Forum, members work cooperatively to help to improve living conditions for all Northerners. Members cooperate on four Northern Forum Programs:
- Environment
- Sustainable Economic Development
- Society and Culture
- Business Support Services
Meetings
A fundamental part of the Northern Forum's operations reflects the communicative purpose of any forum: the group sponsors international meetings throughout the year. In addition to the Northern Forum Board of Governors meetings and General Assemblies, the Forum hosts smaller internal working meetings. Through the initiatives of its members, Secretariat and Associate Secretariats, the Northern Forum also helps to coordinate international gatherings for other organizations, governmental agencies and groups.
Projects and Activities
Implementing interregional projects is another primary aspect of the Northern Forum's operations. Projects come under one of the three main programs, and cover a wide variety of topics. The Northern Forum supports on a permanent basis over a dozen projects, and receives regular proposals from the regions for new projects. Approval of new projects is done by the Board of Governors and the Regional Coordinators Committee.
Further activities include responding to members' requests for emergency assistance, supporting bi-lateral and multilateral international agreements, and raising awareness of Northern issues among international organizations and national leaders of northern countries. The Northern Forum is also involved in a number of conferences, workshops and other events taking place around the North as a recognized authority on northern and Arctic issues.
Business Relations
The Northern Forum is not a trade or commercial group. However, the organization helps its members to develop trade and business contacts. Working primarily "behind the scenes," the Forum has a proven
record of improving relationships among the three sectors (public, private, and non-profit), particularly regarding operations within the Russian Federation.
Many of today's commercial success stories in the North are the results of the Forum's pioneering efforts to bring business and governmental leaders together during past years. Thus, through the work of the Northern Forum, different commercial entities with interests in the Northern Regions have established meaningful government contacts at high levels throughout Northern Russia, Northern Europe and North America. These contacts continue to lead to increased international business opportunities
