The Arctic Forum is among the largest business events in Russia; a total of 1,600 participants have already registered to attend, including members of Parliament and deputies of the State Duma, Federation Council, representatives of different regions, public organizations, scholars that do research in the Arctic. The two-day business program of the Forum includes more than 30 discussions and special events.

Viktor Zubarev, member of the State Duma Committee for Energy, speaking at the session entitled “Reference Zones: Regional Models and Role of the State,” talked about the importance of developing the Arctic today for the benefit of Russia’s economy. “Today, not only Russia, but other leading world nations pay more attention to this tactically significant macroregion. This is not by chance because under conditions of economic uncertainty, implementation of large structural projects in the Arctic can help achieve economic growth not only in nearby regions, but across Russia as a whole,” Mr. Zubarev said.

The Business Program of the Forum includes investment projects for developing Russia’s Arctic zones, innovative Arctic technologies used by companies, and exhibits of original cultural artifacts and achievements of people living in the Russian Arctic. The exposition presents the macroregion as an international arena for interaction and cooperation. The total area of the exposition is 2,000 square meters. It is subdivided into 12 thematic sectors.

The Forum is organized by the Association of Polar Explorers, an interregional public organization headed by Artur Nikolayevich Chilingarov, Special Envoy of the President of Russia for international cooperation in the Arctic and the Antarctic.