The Northern Forum Partner Network

EXPERT CENTER

"PROJECT OFFICE FOR ARCTIC DEVELOPMENT"

Organization Overview

The Autonomous Non-Profit Organization "Expert Center - Project Office for Arctic Development (PORA)" (PORA Expert Center) is a leading Russian expert and analytical center on Arctic issues, serving as an expert and communication platform for developing constructive solutions and initiatives aimed at the sustainable development of the region.

            The strategic priority of PORA Expert Center is the development of international cooperation with expert-analytical centers, as well as organizations and companies engaged in scientific, educational, industrial, and transport activities in the Arctic.

            PORA Expert Center was founded in 2017. The head office is located in Moscow. The organization's representatives work in 11 Arctic regions of Russia.

PORA Expert Center:

- brings together over 500 experts and researchers;

- holds over 130 expert meetings annually on relevant topics, including more than 12 meetings of PORA Discussion Club;

- publishes the scientific journal "The Arctic 2035: Current Issues, Problems, Solutions" (4 issues per year);

- manages its own internet medium – the information portal https://goarctic.ru/.

We offer our partners cooperation in the following areas:

• analytics and research, including sociological studies;
• GR-consulting;
• strategy development, strategic audit;
• PR-consulting and media projects;
• event organization, strategic sessions, and round tables;
• event organization, educational activities;
• industrial and economic ratings and indices;
• development and implementation of turn-key projects.

Advantages of PORA Expert Center:

• а wide network of partner connections – federal government bodies, regional administrations, universities, research centers, public figures, business;
• аll events held by PORA Expert Center are practice-oriented;
• PORA Expert Center accumulates and develops the competencies necessary for the effective implementation of Arctic projects and the comprehensive development of Arctic territories;
• multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise in various fields, from economics and ecology to logistics and socio-cultural aspects;
• prompt commentary on current issues in the information agenda across all spheres of activity in the Arctic.

Key Achievements of PORA Expert Center:

• provided expert and media support for the development of the "Strategy for the Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and Ensuring National Security until 2035" (for the Russian Ministry for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic) – 10 strategic sessions across the country, over 50 events discussing implementation and assessing goal achievement;
• created and annually publishes the "Polar Index" (https://polarindex.ru/) – the most authoritative rating in Russia for the sustainable development of Arctic companies and regions (implemented jointly with Moscow State University);
• conducted ethnological expert reviews of various formats (reactive, assessing the consequences of technogenic impact, and strategic, preparing for the launch of a new industrial enterprise) jointly with the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East of the Russian Federation and the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs;
• PORA awarded over 400 grants (over 30 million rubles) for Arctic development projects;
• published a series of books in the languages of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic;
• developed a writing system for the previously oral Enets language (alphabet, primer, video course), with results presented at a session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (2022);
• annually holds the "National Arctic Clean-Up Day" across the entire Arctic;
• established and operates the "Polar Bear" Environmental Education Center in Norilsk (with branches in 5 Arctic towns);
• implements the "Arctic School" project to enhance knowledge about the Arctic among schoolchildren in the Russian Federation (over 20 events per year, engaging over 1,000 schoolchildren annually).

Partners of PORA Expert Center:

• The Northern Forum;
• The Vivekananda International Foundation;
• universities and research centers;
• businesses and organizations working in the Arctic.

Maxim Dankin, Director General of PORA Expert Center

Economist, specialist in regional development (spatial planning, development of transport and energy infrastructure, socio-economic development of territories). Has many years of work experience in government bodies on regional development issues; from 2022-2024, he headed the Department for the Development of the Russian Arctic Zone and Implementation of Infrastructure Projects at the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic.

            Participated in the preparation of strategic planning documents at the municipal, regional, and federal levels, including the "Fundamentals of State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic until 2035," the "Strategy for the Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and Ensuring National Security until 2035," and the state program "Socio-Economic Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation."

Was awarded a Letter of Gratitude from the President of the Russian Federation and Russian ministerial awards for the results of his professional activities.

PORA in mass media

• over 25,000 media publications featuring experts from PORA Expert Center (audience reach – 89 million people), 6,000 media mentions (2024);
• ru information portal – expert commentary, news, newsletter, monthly audience – 4 million people;
• "Arctic Job Center" portal: arcticjob.ru;
• social media communities.

PORA Central Office contacts