The Northern Forum continues to play an active role in the proceedings of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The 31st Conference (COP31) will take place from November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Turkey. Although efforts to secure support for an international Arctic Pavilion were once again unsuccessful this year, the initiative generated significant interest. A roundtable on climate issues, held as part of the 7th Northern Forum on Sustainable Development, brought together representatives from scientific and educational institutions, as well as major companies operating in the Arctic.
Given the Northern Forum’s status as an observer to the UNFCCC and its successful track record in addressing climate change, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development has invited the Forum to curate the opening day of the Russian Pavilion at COP31 and to organize the "Arctic Day" program.
We have developed four sessions and identified a group of prominent international experts to serve as speakers—a selection that has been approved by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development—and we are now in the final stages of preparation.
Arctic Day will serve as a platform to showcase Russia’s experience in climate research, adaptation, and sustainable development in the Arctic. Key topics will include the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems, infrastructure, and transport; the development of the Northern Sea Route and the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor; as well as international scientific cooperation and practical adaptation solutions.
The central focus of Arctic Day is the future of the Arctic—envisioned as a hub for science, technological advancement, and international climate cooperation, even amidst complex geopolitical conditions. It is also a home to four million northern residents, including Indigenous peoples, whose traditional knowledge and adaptation practices hold significant scientific and practical value in their own right. On Arctic Day, we will host sessions that highlight Russia’s potential as a responsible leader in the Arctic climate agenda, offering concrete solutions for global dialogue:
1. The Arctic Is People: Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and the New Generation in the Climate Agenda
2. A High-Latitude Climate Laboratory: Russian Science on the Eve of the 5th International Polar Year
3. A Bridge Across the Ice: New Formats for Arctic Cooperation
4. The Economics of Adaptation: Business, Regions, and Arctic Infrastructure
You can see the full list of speakers for our sessions in the accompanying posters.
Additionally, on November 19—as part of the main COP31 program—we will hold a side event in partnership with the European Federation of Geologists, titled "International Cooperation Safeguarding Sustainable Development in a Changing Arctic." This session will feature leading experts from Russia, the United States, the Czech Republic, Greenland, Iceland, the Republic of Korea, and India.
We hope that the sessions organized by the Northern Forum will make a meaningful contribution to the ongoing discussions and decision-making processes.