ABOUT THE FORUM

XVI INTERNATIONAL FORUM
«ARCTIC: TODAY AND THE FUTURE»
NAMED AFTER A. N. CHILINGAROV

December 10–11, 2026
St. Petersburg
EXPOFORUM

CONTINUING ARTHUR CHILINGAROV’S LEGACY

Arthur Nikolayevich Chilingarov, the first president of the Association of Polar Explorers (ASPOL), an eminent scientist, Arctic and Antarctic explorer, a Hero of the Soviet Union, and a Hero of the Russian Federation, was one of the founders of the Forum. He established its core principle: fostering direct dialogue among government, business, academia, and civil society on the present and future of the Arctic.

Mr. Chilingarov firmly believed that the future of the Arctic depended on younger generations: their interest in the North, their willingness to work and conduct research in the region, and their ambition to develop new projects there. This year, the Forum will provide a platform for young people to shape their professional futures and bring their own initiatives to life.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2026

Two forums. One shared mission.

In 2026, for the first time, the business programme brings together the main Forum and the Youth Forum “Arctic, Wait for Me!” The Arctic community’s professional expertise and the next generation’s vision for the future will provide the foundation for joint efforts to address the Arctic’s key challenges.

What needs to be addressed and implemented today?
 

Participants of the Forum focus on practical issues that shape the Arctic’s economy, infrastructure, security, and quality of life in the coming years.

What kind of Arctic does the next generation envision and want to shape?

The inaugural Youth Forum introduces school students, university students, and young professionals to educational, career, and life opportunities in the North, while providing a platform for them to propose their own ideas for Arctic development.

What can we achieve together today?
 

The joint programme, “Meeting of Generations,” brings participants from both forums together to work on concrete initiatives addressing shared Arctic priorities.

Youth Forum «Arctic, wait for me!»

MORE THAN 3,000 PARTICIPANTS IN 2026

Representatives of federal and regional authorities, leading companies, the scientific and expert communities, civil society organizations, school students, university students, and young professionals will come together on one platform.

Different generations, experience, and expertise, united in a shared effort to advance Arctic development.

FROM DISCUSSION TO CONCRETE PROPOSALS

The outcome of the Forum is a Forum Resolution on the Socio-Economic Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, which may incorporate the most substantive proposals put forward by young participants.