On 9 April, at the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 5th
International Arctic Forum, the first meeting of the ‘Friends of the Arctic’
International Expert Community was held; the event was attended by Russian and
international participants. The launch of the community was attended by both young
and renowned experts from several countries, among them the USA, China, Finland,
Switzerland, India, and Malaysia, together with Russian experts, including representatives
of the Arctic research school of the St. Petersburg State University.
The Innovation Space hosted a discussion on best cases
of international youth cooperation; the participants drafted a plan for further
development and implementation of economic and social projects that will lay
the groundwork for the development of the Arctic region.
Such projects refer to initiatives for sustainable development
and ecology, improvement of quality of life for indigenous peoples of the Far
North, as well as promotion of tourism in the Arctic. The International Union
for Conservation of Nature expressed its interest in the work of the community;
other organizations that carry out research and practical work in this sphere
are also expected to get involved.
This is not the first specialized international expert
community established by the Roscongress Forundation. This format was launched
at the Russian Investment Forum in Sochi as the ‘Friends of Cities’
international community for development of sustainable cities. Later, a field session
of the project took place in New Delhi (India). Development of these communities
is coordinated by Assistant to the Roscongress Foundation Youth Policy Director
Roman Chukov.
As part of brainstorming, participants discussed ideas
for launching online educational platforms for research exchange and discussions
on the Arctic for students and scientists from the countries represented in the
Arctic Council. One of the ideas was to organize a model of the Arctic Council and
the Northern Forum for school children and students.
Nehsan Selvaraj, Director of the Yayasan Aspirasi
Rakyat Amalan Malaysia (ARAM) Foundation that specializes in international
cultural cooperation, said: «The ‘Friends of the Arctic’ dialogue is an
excellent initiative that brings together experts from all over the world to
discuss projects and strategies. Such projects and initiatives can be implemented
in various fields of region’s sustainable development with the use of
cutting-edge technologies. This initiative will help us institutionalize an ongoing
platform for exchange and further realization of ideas.»
Chairman and CEO of the Roscongress Foundation
Alexander Stuglev noted: «A number of innovative suggestions refers to the development
of online platforms. Exchange of knowledge and technologies will help bring up a
new generation of researchers, scientists and businessmen who will be able to sustainably develop the Arctic region over
the long term. We are willing to support this work and provide experts with opportunities
to meet at forums and conferences organized by the Roscongress Foundation in
Russia and abroad.»
The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of nationwide and international conventions; exhibitions; and business, public, youth, sporting, and cultural events. It was established in pursuance of a decision by the President of the Russian Federation.
The Foundation was established in 2007 with the aim of facilitating the development of Russia’s economic potential, promoting its national interests, and strengthening the country’s image. One of the roles of the Foundation is to comprehensively evaluate, analyse, and cover issues on the Russian and global economic agendas. It also offers administrative services, provides promotional support for business projects and attracting investment, helps foster social entrepreneurship and charitable initiatives.
Each year, the Foundation’s events draw participants from 208 countries and territories, with more than 15,000 media representatives working on-site at Roscongress’ various venues. The Foundation benefits from analytical and professional expertise provided by 5,000 people working in Russia and abroad.
The Foundation works alongside various UN departments and other international organizations, and is building multi-format cooperation with 173 economic partners, including industrialists’ and entrepreneurs’ unions, financial, trade, and business associations from 78 countries worldwide, and 179 Russian public organizations, federal and legislative agencies, and federal subjects.
The Roscongress Foundation has Telegram channels in Russian t.me/Roscongress, English – t.me/RoscongressDirect, and Spanish t.me/RoscongressEsp. Official website and Information and Analytical System of the Roscongress Foundation: roscongress.org.