Sustainable Development & Membership
During this period, Quebec joined as a member (2010–2013). In 2011, the Forum launched the international children's project "IUCN Red List through children's eyes," fostering ecological awareness in the youth.
Secretariat Transfer to Yakutsk
A historic shift occurred as the Northern Forum Secretariat was officially transferred from Anchorage, Alaska, to Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia. This transition was led by Executive Director Vladimir Vasilyev.
Key Highlight: Resolution No. 166 was adopted, approving programs for 2013-2015 focused on Telemedicine and regional business partnerships.
Yellowknife & Rovaniemi
The Forum presented the "Human in the Arctic" project to the Arctic Council in Canada and participated in the Arctic Business Forum in Finland. Focus shifted heavily toward Renewable Energy in isolated systems.
New Leadership: Mikhail Pogodaev
Mikhail Pogodaev took office as Executive Director. The year was marked by the construction of the world's largest polar solar power plant in Batagai and a unique wind complex in Ust-Kamchatsk.
In a major diplomatic success, both Alaska and Lapland officially signed agreements to renew their membership. Alaska Governor Bill Walker emphasized the importance of solving common Arctic tasks jointly with Russian regions.
"All Arctic regions and countries must jointly solve common tasks." — Bill Walker
A New Strategy & The First NSDF
Under the new leadership of Daryana Maximova, the first Northern Sustainable Development Forum (NSDF) was held in Yakutsk. It gathered 130 guests from 13 countries to discuss the future of the circumpolar world.
Daryana Maximova
NSDF September 2019The Northern Forum continues to serve as the permanent voice of regional governments in the Arctic Council.