Diplomats preparing for Russia’s major Arctic conference
(From the left): Deputy CEO of the Roscongress Foundation Armen Khachatrian, Deputy Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East Alexander Krutikov and Ambassador-at-large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Nikolai Korchunov. (Photo: Roscongress/Arctic Territory of Dialogue)
Yesterday, a special presentation of the “Arctic: Territory of Dialogue" 5th International Arctic Forum was held in Moscow for the diplomatic corps of Arctic Council members and observer states.
The main theme of the upcoming forum is "The Arctic: An Ocean of Opportunities".
A series of Heads of State, top politicians, scientists and business leaders are expected at the conference, which attracts a record high number of participants this year. More than 4,000 people have registered for the event.
A conference preparation meeting was held in Moscow yesterday, and among the participants were Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Nikolai Korchunov, Deputy Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East Alexander Krutikov, Deputy CEO of the Roscongress Foundation Armen Khachatrian, as well as representatives of Arctic Council members and observer states.
The management of the forum organizers provided the meeting, and reportedly gave exhaustive information about the business programme preparation process, as well as the mission and the key goals of the conference.
International partnerships
“The 'Arctic: Territory of Dialogue International Arctic Forum' is one of the largest global platforms on the Arctic and is aimed, above all, at strengthening international partnership for sustainable development of the region and its inhabitants. The Forum will offer a great opportunity for our partners from the Arctic Council, representatives of other interested countries, as well as nongovernmental and international organizations, businesses and academic circles, to discuss the topical issues and challenges of the Arctic region and map out ways to solve them. We hope that the work of the International Arctic Forum and of each participant contributes to building of peace, stability and constructive cooperation in the Far North,” said Nikolai Korchunov.
During the meeting, Alexander Krutikov presented the key vectors of Arctic economic growth to the participants and emphasized the importance of development of business projects.
“The programme of the International Arctic Forum 2019 will cover the whole range of areas for development of Arctic regions,” he said.
Current situation and near-term opportunities
“Experts, businessmen and heads of relevant agencies invited to participate in the Forum’s sessions and discussions will focus both on the current situation and the near-term opportunities for using these territories”, Krutikov added.
According to a press release from the management of the forum, the business programme architecture is to be confirmed shortly. There will be three key sections of the programme, covering economic, social and environmental issues for the development of the Arctic region.
Hoping for a breakthrough
During the presentation yesterday, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov commented on the outcomes, underlining the importance of cooperation with the international community:
“The number of potential participants of the International Arctic Forum 2019 interested in the business programme has exceeded the initially planned quantity by almost three times. We genuinely believe that creation of international projects in the Arctic will provide ground for a breakthrough increase in trade and economic relations between Russia and leading world countries and generally improve the business climate and geopolitical situation. We hear a lot about global threats and risks, but we would like to create positive agenda and set a precise vector to improve the global economic environment”, said Anton Kobyakov.
Facts:
The “Arctic: Territory of Dialogue International Arctic Forum” is on of the key platforms for the discussion, at a global level, of problems and prospects for the Arctic region. The Forum is an opportunity for members of the international community to pool their efforts to ensure the efficient development of the Arctic and higher living standards for populations living in Arctic territories.
The “Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ Forum was” first held in 2010 and was devoted to contemporary problems of the Arctic region. The second forum was held in 2011 and focused on issues of developing transport systems in the Arctic. In 2013 the key themes considered included environmental protection, while in 2017 the Forum’s theme was ‘People and the Arctic’.
The key theme of the forthcoming 5th International Arctic Forum will be “The Arctic: An Ocean of Opportunity”. Three pillars will form the basis of the business programme: “Coastal Regions”, “The Open Ocean”, and “Sustainable Development”.
The Roscongress Foundation, founded in 2007, is the organizer of the forum.