Khanty-Mansiysk, July 28 this year – A landmark meeting of the Northern Forum Board of Governors successfully took place in the Amadeus Hall of the "Yugra-Classic" Concert and Theatre Center. The event brought together key representatives from Russia's northern regions and international partners to discuss pressing issues of sustainable development in the Arctic and northern territories.
The meeting was chaired by Vladimir Nikolaevich Vasiliev, Executive Director of the Northern Forum, and gathered a wide range of influential figures:
- Inna Grigoryevna Arkanova, Deputy Director of the Department – Head of the External Relations Division of the Department for Youth Policy, Civic Initiatives and External Relations of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, and Chair of the Northern Forum Committee of Regional Coordinators, summarized the results of the region's two-year chairmanship (2023-2025). She emphasized the significant growth in international cooperation and the successful implementation of over 15 joint projects in the fields of ecology and digitalization.
- Sergey Stanislavovich Kungurtsev, Chairman of the Committee for International and Interregional Relations of the Department for Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, presented an ambitious Forum development program for 2025-2027. He emphasized improving transport infrastructure and providing comprehensive support for indigenous peoples.
- Nadezhda Petrovna Filippova, Deputy Chairperson of the Government of Magadan Oblast, and Evgeny Mikhailovich Gurariy, Deputy Governor of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, shared valuable regional experience in implementing climate initiatives.
- Among the new partners, Galina Nikolaevna Pavlova, Commercial Director of LLC "Kierge," presented innovative solutions for developing the creative industries of the North.
- Igor Nikolaevich Kapyrin, Director of the Department for Relations with Federal Subjects, Parliament, and Public Associations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, expressed support for the event.
The agenda focused on critical issues shaping the development of the Arctic. Participants noted the strengthening of interregional ties, the successful launch of youth exchanges, and the implementation of several "green" projects during 2023-2025.
Innovative initiatives for the new cycle were announced, including the creation of an international fund to support startups in the Arctic and the development of a digital platform for ecosystem monitoring.
Special attention was paid to the initiatives of Goodwill Ambassadors:
- Anton Vsevolodovich Vasiliev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation and Northern Forum Goodwill Ambassador, emphasized the role of diplomacy in fostering international cooperation in the Arctic.
- Paolo Venturini, an extreme ultramarathoner and Goodwill Ambassador from Italy, highlighted expeditions.
- Vera Kondratieva, head of the indigenous peoples' cultural organization "MaMykham," presented programs aimed at preserving the languages of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North.
Following productive work, the Council unanimously approved 7 key resolutions, including: granting Goodwill Ambassador status to three new representatives, including prominent scholar, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor Maria Lvovna Lagutina from St. Petersburg State University; establishing the Robert Moiseev Medal for outstanding scientific achievements in the Far East; and awarding the Walter Hickel Medal to five individuals for their significant contributions to the development of northern territories.
The meeting concluded with the solemn signing of the Khanty-Mansiysk Declaration, which cemented priority areas until 2027: climate adaptation, development of Arctic technologies, and protection of indigenous peoples' rights. "The Northern Forum once again confirms its role as a key platform for dialogue between regions, science, and business. By passing the baton to the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, we are opening a new, promising stage of projects and initiatives," concluded Vladimir Vasiliev.