Programme

Родился 26 апреля 1965 в г. Лиепая, Латвийская ССР. Born April 26, 1965 in Liepaya, Latvia. 1987 graduated Makarov Academy in Leningrad. Between 1987 and 1991 worked at Baltic Shipping Company. Between 1991 and 1994 - deputy CEO of Infotek Baltika As of 1994 – director of Infotek Baltika Mr. Olersky has been awarded the medal “Commemoration of 300 year anniversary of St Petersburg” and medal “For excellence in marine activity”. July 30, 2009 appointed deputy minister of transportation of Russian Federation.

Родился 26 апреля 1965 в г. Лиепая, Латвийская ССР. Born April 26, 1965 in Liepaya, Latvia. 1987 graduated Makarov Academy in Leningrad. Between 1987 and 1991 worked at Baltic Shipping Company. Between 1991 and 1994 - deputy CEO of Infotek Baltika As of 1994 – director of Infotek Baltika Mr. Olersky has been awarded the medal “Commemoration of 300 year anniversary of St Petersburg” and medal “For excellence in marine activity”. July 30, 2009 appointed deputy minister of transportation of Russian Federation.

Родился 26 апреля 1965 в г. Лиепая, Латвийская ССР. Born April 26, 1965 in Liepaya, Latvia. 1987 graduated Makarov Academy in Leningrad. Between 1987 and 1991 worked at Baltic Shipping Company. Between 1991 and 1994 - deputy CEO of Infotek Baltika As of 1994 – director of Infotek Baltika Mr. Olersky has been awarded the medal “Commemoration of 300 year anniversary of St Petersburg” and medal “For excellence in marine activity”. July 30, 2009 appointed deputy minister of transportation of Russian Federation.

Born December 21, 1963 in Moscow, into the family of Oleg Rogozin, a prominent organiser of the Soviet defence industry and military science. Education 1986: Graduated with distinction from the International Department of the Journalism Faculty at the Lomonosov Moscow State University. 1988: Graduated with distinction from the Economic Faculty of the Marxism-Leninism University of the Moscow City Committee of the Soviet Communist Party. Experience 1990-1994: Vice President of the Research and Educational Organisation RAU-Corporation. 1994-1997: Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Congress of Russian Communities. 1997-2007: Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of three convocations; Deputy Chairman of the Security Committee; Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee; Head of the Delegation of the Russian Federal Assembly in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; Head of the Rodina (Motherland) Parliamentary Party and Deputy Speaker of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly. 1998: Taught a special course, National Security, at the Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. 2002-2004: Special Presidential Representative for the Kaliningrad Region on the Expansion of the European Union. 2008-2011: Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in Brussels, Belgium. February 2011 – 2012: Special Presidential Representative on Anti-Missile Defence and Negotiations with NATO Countries on This Issue. December 23, 2011: Appointed Deputy Prime Minister. March 21, 2012: Appointed Special Presidential Representative for Transdnestria. May 21, 2012: Reappointed Deputy Prime Minister by a Presidential Executive Order. From January 17, 2012: Heads the Government’s Military-Industrial Commission. From February 15, 2012: First Deputy Chairman of the “Victory” Organising Committee. From June 26, 2012: Chairman of the Marine Board of the Government. Holds a DSc (Philosophy and Theories of Wars) degree. DSc in Engineering, specialising in the theory of armaments, military and technical policy, and weapons systems. Has written a number of books on military strategy and politics. Served as Editor in Chief of the “War and Peace in Terms and Definitions” Glossary of Military Terminology, which was published in 2004 and 2011. Received a weapon with a personal inscription engraved on it for ensuring the release of hostages seized by terrorist groups in the Chechen Republic in 1996-1999. Holds the diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Married, with a son and two grandsons.

Родился 26 апреля 1965 в г. Лиепая, Латвийская ССР. Born April 26, 1965 in Liepaya, Latvia. 1987 graduated Makarov Academy in Leningrad. Between 1987 and 1991 worked at Baltic Shipping Company. Between 1991 and 1994 - deputy CEO of Infotek Baltika As of 1994 – director of Infotek Baltika Mr. Olersky has been awarded the medal “Commemoration of 300 year anniversary of St Petersburg” and medal “For excellence in marine activity”. July 30, 2009 appointed deputy minister of transportation of Russian Federation.

Igor Orlov was born on 17 August 1964 in Debaltsevo, Donetsk Region. In 1987, he graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Aviation Instrumentation, specialising in Electric Equipment for Aircrafts, and gained a qualification as an Electrical Engineer. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics.After graduating, he was appointed as an Electrician to repair the electrical equipment at the Mechanical Engineering Enterprise Zvezdochka in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Region. After working from 1988 to 1994 for scientific-research design and technology bureau Onega in Severodvinsk of the Arkhangelsk Region, Igor came back to Zvezdochka as Deputy General Manager. In 2008, he left Severodvinsk but continued his career in the same capacity at the Yantar Pribaltiysky Shipbuilding Works in Kaliningrad. Soon after that, he was appointed Managing Director of this enterprise. For just half a year, he worked as Senior Deputy Executive and Production Director of the car assembly company LLC Avtotor-Holding in Kaliningrad. In January 2012, Mr. Orlov became Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region. During his long career in industry, Igor Orlov was decorated with state and departmental awards: the Medal of the Order “For Merits to the Fatherland” of the second degree (2011), the Medal of Peter the Great (2004), the Medal “For Labour Valour” (2004) and the Lapel Pin “Shock Worker of the 12th Five-Year Plan” (1991).

Born June 8, 1983, Moscow. 2005: graduated from Moscow State University, Institute of Asian and African Studies. 2008: gained his CSc from the State University of Management in Moscow. Career background: 2004–2008: Ministry of Industry and Energy: Head of Strategic Planning and Research Department; Assistant Administrator of Strategic Planning and Research Department; Assistant Administrator of Priority Projects Support under the Economic Analysis and Planning Division; Advisor to the Public Relations Department; Senior Expert of the PR Department. 2008–2012: Assistant and Advisor to the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. 2012–2016: Director of Strategic Development and Project Management Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. 31 August 2016: appointed Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. Since 2015, Mr Osmakov has held the title of Full State Counsellor. CSc in Economics. Married with a child.

Born February 24, 1953 into a navy family in Baku. 1976 – graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Aerospace Instrumentation (as a mechanical engineer specializing in aerospace medicine instruments). 1976 – engineer at the defence enterprise NPO Leninets. 1978 – instructor at the Nevsky regional committee of the Young Communist League. 1979–1994 – service with the KGB (head of the Vyborg City Department of the KGB for the Leningrad Region and St. Petersburg). 1994–1999 – head of the St. Petersburg Administration of the Federal Service of the Tax Police, Lieutenant General of the Tax Police. 1999–2000 – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Leningrad Region. 2000–2011 -– Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Central Federal District. On August 31, 2011, Mr. Poltavchenko was appointed Government of St. Petersburg. Awards: Order ‘For service to the homeland’ IV degree (2003), Order ‘For service to the homeland’ III degree (2008), Order of Alexander Nevsky (2013), and other state awards.

Born on July 15, 1979 in Moscow. Education: Graduated from the Military University attached to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in 2001. Graduated from the Moscow Institute of International Business in 2006. Fluent in English, Greek and French. Work experience: 1996–2005: Military service. 2006–2008: Worked in various positions at the Department of Foreign Economic Relations, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation. February–August 2008: Worked in various positions at the Department of International Cooperation, Staff of the Government of the Russian Federation. 2008–2010: Aide to the Minister, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. 2010–2011: Deputy Director of the Department of International Relations and Development of Cross-Border Cooperation, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. 2011–2013: Director of the Department of International Relations and Development of Cross-Border Cooperation, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. January–March 2013: Director of the Department for the Coordination of State Industry Programs, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. March–September 2013: Aide to the Minister, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. September–December 2013: Director of the Department of the Minister’s Affairs, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. 2014–November 2014: Director of the Department for Interaction with Customs Union Authorities and Economic Cooperation with CIS Countries, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. November 2014 to present: Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

Ms. Morgun graduated from the Department of Political Science, SU HSE, in Media Management. She has worked as a news reporter for TV Channel Russia 24 since its foundation (2006), highlighting the proceedings of the Government and State Duma and the Russian President’s activities. Since 2008, she has also presented Economic News. Since 2012, she has been presenter of news releases. Since 2014, she has been Editor of the Live Planet TV Channel devoted totally to wildlife, being part of the educational line-up of VGTRK digital package.

Education: graduated from Krasnoyarsk State University with a degree in law Professional experience: Started working in 1995 for Zavenyagin Norilsk Mining and Metallurgical Plant rising from the ladder of service from legal adviser to Director of Corporate and Legal Department. She was appointed Director of Legal Department of MMC Norilsk Nickel in 2008. Since 2012 was appointed Deputy CEO, in 2015 – Vice President - Corporate Governance, Assset Management and Legal Affairs, MMS Norilsk Nickel In 2015 – Vice-President- Corporate Governance, Assset Management and Legal Affairs,MMS Norilsk Nickel At present- Vice President- State Secretary, GR.

Ambassador David A. Balton is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries in the Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science. He is responsible for coordinating the development of U.S. foreign policy concerning oceans and fisheries, and overseeing U.S. participation in international organizations dealing with these issues. His portfolio includes managing U.S. foreign policy issues relating to the Arctic and Antarctica. Ambassador Balton has functioned as the lead U.S. negotiator on a wide range of agreements in the field of oceans and fisheries and has chaired numerous international meetings. His Arctic Council experience includes co-chairing the Arctic Council Task Forces that produced the 2011 Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic and the 2013 Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic. He is presently serving as Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials. Ambassador Balton previously served for 6 years as Director of the Office of Marine Conservation in the Department of State and for 12 years in the Department’s Office of the Legal Adviser. Ambassador Balton received his A.B. from Harvard College in 1981 and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1985. He has also appeared as a soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. (juggling oranges).

Born July 10, 1978 in Derbent Education: 1999: graduated from the Law College of Moscow State University 2000: Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas 2012: Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration Holds a CSc in Law Work experience: 04.03.2014–29.04.2016: deputy head of the Federal Water Resources Agency, Moscow 09.2013–03.2014: aide to the Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Khabarovsk 03.2013–09.2013: deputy chief of department for development of sports and wellbeing under the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, Moscow 05.2012–03.2013: advisor to the federal Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Moscow 08.2011–05.2012: advisor to the federal Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Moscow 12.2010–08.2011: deputy head of the Federal Supervisory Natural Resources Management Service for the Central Federal District, Moscow 2000–2010: aide to the Presnya District Attorney, senior aide to Lefortovo District Attorney, attorney for the environmental supervision department of the interdepartmental attorney’s office, deputy interregional attorney for environmental supervision, Moscow State awards: Merited Environmental Worker insignia from Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia , 2012 Work Excellence insignia from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia, 2013 Medal for Services to the Motherland, 2nd Degree, 2014 Rank: Full State Counsellor of the Russian Federation, 3rd class Supervises: Federal Supervisory Natural Resources Management Service Department for State Environmental Policy Department for International Cooperation

Erik Solheim is the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment). Prior to joining UN Environment in August 2016, Solheim was the chair of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). From 2007 to 2012, Solheim held the combined portfolio of Norway’s Minister of the Environment and International Development, and from 2005 to 2007 served as Minister of International Development. During his time as Minister, Norwegian aid reached 1%, the highest in the world. Solheim is also an experienced peace negotiator, having acted as the main facilitator of the peace process in Sri Lanka from 1998 to 2005. He continued to lead peace efforts in Sri Lanka as Minister, and has contributed to peace processes in Sudan, Nepal, Myanmar and Burundi. In addition to his career as a Minister and at the OECD, Solheim has served as UN Environment’s Special Envoy for Environment, Conflict and Disaster since 2013 and a Patron of Nature for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2012. Solheim holds a degree in history and social studies from the University of Oslo.

Alexander V. Frolov holds the diploma in oceanography from the Lomonosov Moscow State University. In 1980 he defended the PhD thesis in physics and mathematics with specialization in geophysics (marine physics). From 1979 until 1999 he worked in the Hydrometeorological Research Centre of the USSR (since 1992 the Hydrometeorological Centre of the Russian Federation) in different capacities from junior researcher to Director. In this period he undertook scientific research in the field of atmosphere and ocean dynamics, numerical weather prediction and hydrometeorological data assimilation. In 2001 Dr. Frolov was appointed as the Deputy Head and in 2010 as the Head of the Federal Service on Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet). He is the Full State 1st Class Counsellor of the Russian Federation. He is the author of more than 80 scientific publications published both in Russian and international scientific journals. Dr. Frolov is the Chair of the National Committee of the Russian Federation for the International Hydrological Programme of UNESCO, Permanent Representative of Russia with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Member of the WMO Executive Council. He holds several government awards of the Russian Federation. Dr. Frolov is married and has a son.

13 June 1979 (37 yrs) Current Projects: Commercial: Head of SEVER Group, Moscow, Russia. Оperations with demolition of buildings, recycled waste in Russian Federation and CIS: steel scrap, plastic waste, carton waste, glass waste, electornic scrap. $ 50 mln turnover annualy. Owner of TYOR OU (Estonia), Tallinn, Estonia. Trading with steel scrap and steam coal worldwide, port management (Murmansk and Poti), logistic services in Russia and Georgia, vessel management, $120 mln USD turnover annually. Board Member, Murmansk Shipping Company. The oldest and largest shipping company in the Russian Federation for Arctic logistics on the Nothern Sea Route. $50 mln turnover annually. Board Member, Bank Sputnik, Moscow, Russia. Banking and financial operations in Russia and CIS Public:Business ombudsman of the President of the Russian Federation for environment. Ambassador of Bureau of International Recycling in Russia. Head of the Environmental Committee of Business Russia. Member of Financial Commission of Moscow City. Charity:Founder of Asylum.Entrepreneur of Theatre “Pevtsov”. Work Experience: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Moscow, Russia, Tax Consultant (2002-2004) Education: Finance Academy of the Government of the Russian Federation, Banking Business, graduated 2002 in Moscow, Russia Personal: Active traveller, twice visited North Pole, 90 + countries.

Hannele Pokka serves as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of the Environment. She is the highest-ranking public servant within the Ministry. Ms Pokka is also Docent of Environmental Law at the University of Lapland. Previously, she has served as governor of the Province of Lapland and the minister of justice. From 1979 to 1994, Ms Pokka was a Member of Parliament. She has special interest and expertise in Arctic issues and has held the position, for example, of chair of the Barents Regional Council and the Northern Forum. Educational Background: Hannele Pokka holds a doctoral degree in environmental law. She is an honorary doctor of environment and forestry at the University of Eastern Finland (previously, University of Joensuu).

Stefan Fluckiger, born 1958, Head of Sectoral Foreign Policies Division (Global Issues) at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs since 2014; graduate from University of Zurich and Yale (MA); entered the FDFA in 1989; stationed in Harare (Zimbabwe) until 1990; manager in economic development until 1994; Country Officer at the World Bank for Haiti in Washington D.C. and Port-au-Prince until 1997; Head of Economic Affairs at the Swiss Embassy Berlin until 2002; Strategy and Planning at economic and social policy think tank Avenir Suisse in Zurich until 2006; Deputy chief of mission (until 2010) and chief of mission at the Swiss Delegation at the OECD in Paris until 2014.

CEO of WWF Finland, chairman of the WWF Global Arctic programme. Prior to WWF, she was a professor of sustainable development. During the time as a professor, she published several scientific articles and 8 books on corporate social responsibility, climate change, sustainable development and education for sustainability. She has been since the beginning of 2000 an active advocator for sustainable development in the Finnish society. At the moment dr. Rohweder holds several positions of trust in businesses and the academe, including board memberships in the VR group (Finnish National Railway Company) and Lappeenranta University of Technology. She is also a member of several executive level committees in different ministries. Liisa joined WWF as early as in 2004 as a Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Maxim Safonov is an international affairs expert in economics, and a prominent specialist in the banking services area. He has worked for a long time on the practical problems of developing banking and non-banking financial organizations, located in Russia and abroad. He has several decades of publications on the issues of national economic security, the regulation of financial systems, and anti-crisis management using financial organizations. Professional experience: 2013-present: advisor/deputy President of the Russian Academy of Sciences 2011-2014: doctoral candidate at RANEPA under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation (out of work) 2001-present: senior lecturer/associate professor/professor at the Academy for the National Economy under the auspices of the Russian government/ RANEPA under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation 1999-2002: Chief Consultant of the Board of Directors/ Head of Analysis, Forecasting and Strategic Planning / Head of the Department of Development and Planning of the Bank for Foreign Economic Activities (Vnesheconombank). 1998-1999: director for corporate financing/deputy general director of Unicon/Consulting group 1996-1998: working and training abroad 1994-1996: advisor on specialized projects, City Mayor’s Office, St. Petersburg 1991-1992: general manager, Russian-American joint venture, the Hermitage Marketing Company Education 1982-1987: Leningrad State University named after A.A. Zhdanov, Faculty of Oriental Studies, Orientalist and historian 1992–1994 : Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania; School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, International Affairs, PhD Related Program. 1996–1998: — John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Continuing Education Program, Business to Government Relations 1998-2000: The Banking Management Center/Faculty of Finance and Banking Business, Academy for the National Economy under the auspices of the Government of the Russian Federation, Finances and Credit, Banking Business, economist 2007-2009: Doctoral candidate at the Diplomatic Academy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian, The global economy and international relations, dissertation theme: “The Development of Approaches to Improve the Competitiveness of the National Economy by Attracting International Capital”. 2011-2014: Doctoral candidate at RANEPA, Management and the national economy sector, doctoral thesis on the “Transformation of the Management of Financial Resources in the National Economy Esing the Example of the Modernization of Public Corporations”.

In 1963 he graduated from the S.O. Makarov Leningrad Higher School of Marine Engineering with a degree in Oceanology.1963–1969: Worked at the Tiksi Arctic Research Laboratory.1969–1974: Headed the North Pole 19 and North Pole 22 drift ice-based research stations and the Bellingshausen research station.1974–1979: Head of the Amderma Territorial Hydrometeorology Division.1979–1986: Head of the Personnel and Education Institutions Division of the USSR State Committee for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Control.1986–1992: Deputy Chairman of the USSR State Committee for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Control.In 1985 he was awarded with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for rescuing the Mikhail Somov ship that was stuck in ice.In 1987 he led a research expedition on-board the Sibir nuclear-powered icebreaker.1989–1990: Organized the International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition.In 1991 he led the Airborne Expedition to the Antarctic.In 2003 he initiated the establishment of the North Pole 32 drift ice-based research station.In 2008 he was elected a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.He is a deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation of the 1st–5th convocations.2011–2014: member of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, representing the Tula Region.Since 2014: Member of the Board of Directors, Rosneft.

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Alexey Rakhmanov was born on July 18, 1964. In 1986 he graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod Polytechnic Institute with a degree in mechanical engineering. In 2003 he graduated from the School of Business at the University of Chicago with a degree of Master of Business Administration. In the early stages of his career, he held various positions in the public and private entities. In 1996 he joined international auditing and consulting firm Ernst & Young where he worked until 2002. Between 2002 and 2008 he served as Director for Strategy and Business Development at JSC Severstal-Auto. In July 2008 he was appointed Director of the Department of Automotive Industry and Agricultural Machinery at Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, and in March 2012 – Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade. Since June 2014 he has been President of the United Shipbuilding Corporation. Alexey Rakhmanov is Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University (SPbSMTU), Chairman of the Shipbuilding Industry and Marine Equipment Committee of the Russian Engineering Union, Member of the Russian Engineering Union Management Board.

Alexander E. Roslyakov was born on 14 January 1970 in family police colonel at place of his service: city Dubossary, Moldavian Republic. After leaving school in 1987 he entered the State Maritime Academy, St. Petersburg, Navigational Faculty. Till 1999, Alexander worked a chief mate of merchant fleet, being qualified as deep sea captain for full range of vessels without restrictions. After 1999, he was managing in transports and logistics of Lemo Group. In 2001 he graduated from Presidential Managing Courses and received a master's degree at the French Institute of Management in Paris. Since 2001 he is director of various transport logistic and construction companies. On the 2015 he reached the North Pole and South Pole in 2017 as member of Expeditions. Married, 3 daughters.

Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Maksim Sokolov. Born in Leningrad on September 29, 1968. Completed his national service in the army in 1987–1989. Graduated from St. Petersburg State University Faculty of Economics in 1991. He also studied at the university’s Faculty of Law from 1989 to 1991. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Sokolov taught at the St. Petersburg State University Faculty of Economics. From 1992–1999, he was General Director of ROSSI Concern. From 1999 to 2004, Mr. Sokolov was General Director of Korporatsia C. From 2004 to 2009, he served as Chairman of the Committee for Investment and Strategic Projects of St. Petersburg. In 2009, Mr. Sokolov became a member of the Government of St. Petersburg: Chairman of the Committee for Economic Development, Industrial Policy and Trade. On December 4, 2009, he was named Director of the Department of Industry and Infrastructure of the Government of the Russian Federation. On 21 May, 2012, Mr. Sokolov was appointed Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation by Presidential Executive Order No. 660. Maksim Sokolov has been awarded the Ribbon of the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” 2nd class and the Governor of St. Petersburg Badge “For the Humanization of the St. Petersburg school”. He has three sons.

Oddgeir Danielsen presently works as the Director for the Secretariat of the Northern Dimension Partnership on Transport and logistics – an international co-operation body in the transport and logistics field for 11 countries (Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, and Sweden) and the European Commission. Mr. Danielsen has worked within the Barents Euro Arctic Cooperation as the chairman of the Barents Regional Committee and member of the Committee of Senior Officials. Experience within the field of transport and logistics has been earned by working in the business for many years on both practical and administrative level including holding the position as the Port Director in the Northern Norwegian Port - Kirkenes. Broad experience in international cooperation is gained based on a variety of Russian - Norwegian cooperation projects as well as multinational cooperation projects.

Paul Fuhs is currently the President of the Board of the Marine Exchange of Alaska that provides vessel tracking, monitoring and emergency response for safe Arctic shipping in Alaska. Mr. Fuhs is also an experienced emergency response diver in the Arctic and specializes in the use of explosives underwater. He was also the Minister of Commerce and International Trade for Alaska and the former Mayor of Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, which is a historical Aleut and Russian community which served as a critical transfer point for vessels being transferred to Russia under the Lend Lease program during World War II.

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Reko-Antti Suojanen (born in 1969, Naval Architect M.Sc.) has worked in a variety of marine and computer technology organizations. His roles in marine organizations have included concept designer, researcher, and management positions. In computer technology organizations, Mr. Suojanen worked as a CFD application specialist. He began his career in 1996 at Kvaerner Masa-Yards Turku Shipyard, working as a hydrodynamicist and project engineer, and later served the Finnish IT center for science (CSC) under the auspices of the Ministry of Education. After that he joined the team at the Masa-Yards Arctic Research Centre (MARC), working as an arctic marine engineer and project manager. Mr. Suojanen has been involved in numerous arctic shipping projects, and joined the newly founded Aker Arctic Technology Inc at the beginning of 2005, where he was responsible for managing arctic consultation services, coordinating research and development, and managing larger client projects. Today he is the managing director of Aker Arctic Technology Inc. He has also been published in international journals and given presentations at numerous international maritime conferences.

Mr Tan began his career at the People’s Association in 1983 and undertook various leadership positions. From 1992, he was Deputy Executive Director of the Chinese Development Assistance Council and became its Executive Director in 1997. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of Business China from 2007 to 2009. He received the Public Service Medal (PBM) in 2002. In 2006, Mr Tan was elected Member of Parliament and subsequently appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Industry, and Information, Communications and the Arts in July 2009. In November 2010 he was promoted to Senior Parliamentary Secretary for both portfolios. He served as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Community, Youth and Sports (May 2011-October 2012), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (May 2011-April 2014), Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (Nov 2012-April 2014). He served as Mayor of Central Singapore District from 2012 to 2014. In May 2014, Mr Tan served as Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, and Culture, Community and Youth (May 2014-Sep 2015). Mr Tan is currently Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Manpower. He also serves as Chairman of Government Feedback Unit REACH since October 2015. Mr Tan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the National University of Singapore in 1983.

Russian TV presenter, writer and public figure. Deputy Director of the Rossiya TV channel for special informational projects, President of the Bering-Bellingshausen Institute for Both Americas (Montevideo), member of the Praesidium of the Foreign and Defence Policy Council (Moscow), the only Russian journalist to have interviewed both the last two Presidents of the Russian Federation and the USA: Putin and Medvedev, Bush and Obama. Born 24 July 1972 in Havana (Cuba). Graduated from MGIMO MID RF (1995, Moscow), the Montevideo Institute of Foreign Languages (1991, Uruguay), and finished BBC courses (1995, London). Career: 1990–1993: Komsomolskaya Pravda. Trainee, scholarship holder, correspondent-intern in the department of science and education. 1993–1995: Moscow News. International department special correspondent. In parallel, Moscow correspondent of the Uruguay El Observador Económico and the Argentinian La Razón, as well as Russian State Duma Latin America expert. Since 1995: Rossiya (RTR) TV channel, including: 1995–1996: Vesti special correspondent (including during the First Chechen War). 1996–2001: Bureau Chief in London. First broadcast as presenter on 11 September 2001 (day of the terrorist acts in the USA). 2001–2003: presenter of evening Vesti. 2003–2007: presenter of Vesti Nedeli, Deputy Director, Directorate of information programmes. Since 2008: presenter of the Vesti on Saturday programme, Deputy Director of Rossiya TV channel. Author of a multitude of documentary films: Secret of Three Oceans, Constitutional Practice, Duma Thinking, Right to Right, Heavy Oil, Another Coal, The Caribbean Crisis. An Incomprehensible Story, Nazarbayev’s Line, etc. Author of the books: Forgotten Allies in World War II (2012) and Fidel. Football. Falklands (2008). One of the main spheres of his professional activity is interviewing heads of state. In particular, in Latin America: Chavez (Venezuela), Ortega (Nicaragua), Correa (Ecuador), Morales (Bolivia), Sanguinetti (Uruguay), Bachelet (Chile) and so on. By order of the Russian President, awarded the Order of Friendship, the medals 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg and 1000th Anniversary of Kazan (2005). Was the finalist and winner of the TEFI awards many times. Speaks English and Spanish fluently.

David Campbell joined BP in 1984 after the graduation from Aberdeen University. Between 1984 & 1990, worked as a Petroleum Engineer in the offshore North Sea and onshore in England. After three years working on the Prudhoe Bay field in the Alaskan Arctic, he completed a secondment with Pemex in Mexico before returning to BP in London. In 2001 was appointed as Leader of the Forties, Montrose & Arbroath fields in the North Sea. From 2003 to 2007 took leading positions in TNK-BP in Russia. In 2007 returned to BP as Technical Director and Vice President for operation in the North Sea. In 2009 was appointed as BP Chief Operating Officer of the new Iraq business. From May to December 2012 led a BP Group wide review of contractor safety management. In January 2013 was appointed as the Head of the Group Chief Executive’s Office in BP corporate headquarters in London. Was appointed President, BP Russia reporting directly to the Group Chief Executive and based in Moscow, effective from 31 March 2014. David was born in Inverness, Scotland. Married, with two sons and two daughters.

Mr Alexander Novak, born August 23rd , 1971 in Donetsk region of Ukranian SSR, is currently serving as Russia's Minister of Energy. From 2000 to 2002 he was Deputy Mayor of Norilsk on financial and economic issues and First Deputy Mayor of Norilsk. In 2002-2007 was Vice Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Krai, Head of the Main Financial Directorate of the Krasnoyarsk Krai administration. From July 2007 to September 2008 he was the First Vice Governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai and from July to September 2008 he was also the Chairman of the government of Krasnoyarsk Krai. From September 2008 he was the Deputy Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation and from October 2008, a member of the board of the Ministry of Finance of Russia. He is a graduated from the Norilsk Industrial Institute and the Moscow Lomonosov State University.

Natalia Komarova was born on the 21st of October 1955 in Pskov Region, she is married and has two children. In 1978 she graduated from Kommunarsk Institute of Mining and Smelting, the faculty of Engineering and Economics, majoring in “Economics and organization of construction” with awarding of qualification Engineer-economist. She began to work at the Kommunarsk Metallurgical Factory as a labor engineer of the laboratory of industrial engineering in 1978. Then she worked as an economist of the planned-economic CCB department. In 1980 Natalia moved to Novy Urengoi of Tyumen Region, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. There she began to work in the municipal executive committee as a senior inspector. In 1988 Natalia became the chairwoman of the city planning commission. Then she worked as the deputy chairwoman of the municipal executive committee, the deputy of the City Council. In 1992 she became the first deputy of the Head of Administration in Novy Urengoi. In 1994 Natalia was designated as the Head of the city Administration. That year she was elected as a deputy of the State Duma of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and as a deputy of the NoviyUrengoy Municipal Committee. On the 16thof March 1997 Natalia Komarova continued working as the Head of the municipal formation of NoviyUrengoy up to October 2000 according to the elections results. From October 2000 to December 2001 Natalia worked as a deputy of the Governor of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, leading the Economic Committee of the Okrug. At the same time Natalia lectures at the University: she is an associate professor of the Social Management of the Yamal Oil and Gas Institute (branch) of the Tyumen State Oil and Gas University (since 1999). In December 2001 Natalia was elected as a Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation inYamalo-Nenets Autonomous Electoral Okrug. From 2004 to 2007 she is the Head of the Natural Resources and Nature Management Committee of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. In December 2007 Natalia was elected as the deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Electoral Okrug for the third time. In the State Duma of the fifth assembling she continued to be the Head the Natural Resources and Nature Management Committee. On the 8thof February 2010 the President of Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev submitted a proposal to the deputies of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug Duma a candidature of Natalia Komarova as the Governor of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug –Ugra. At the unscheduled meeting on the 15thof February the deputies in a unanimous vote voice supported her candidature.On the 1stof March Natalia entered the office of the Governor of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug –Ugra.

Roman Kopin was born on March 5, 1974. In 1996 he had finished Volgo-Vyatskaya Academy of government service having graduated of department of the State and municipal administration. Since 2001 till now Roman Kopin lives and works in Chukotka. In 2001 he was Governor’s adviser on economical issues. In December 2001 he was the head of municipal administration of Chaunskiy district, and in 2003 he was the head of Bilibino municipal district. In April 2008 he was appointed as the Vice-Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Region and at the same time he was the chief of Department of industrial and farming policy. 13 of July 2008 during the close vote of deputies of regional Duma Roman Kopin was appointed as the Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Region. On September 8, 2013 he was elected the Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Area. On September 24 Roman Kopin took the oath and officially entered a position. He was awarded by "Medal of honor" the decree of the President of Russian Federation He is married and has two children, a son and a daughter.

Studied economics at the Novosikirsk Public Economy Institute and did postgraduate studies at Novosibirsk State University. Between 1981 and 1991 - various leadership positions at the Novosibirsk Regional Communist Party Executive Committee. Between 1991 and 1993 - vice chairman of Novosibirsk City Communist Party Executive Committee Between 1993 and 1999 – mayor of Novosibirsk. Between 2000 and September 2010 – Governor of Novosibirsky region. As of September 9, 2010 – plenipotentiary representative of the President of Russian Federation in the Siberian Federal District. May 12, 2014 – appointed the provisional governor of Krasnoyarsky Region by the President of the Russian Federation. During the election Viktor Tolokonsky was supported by 425017 people (63,3 %). As of September 26, 2014 – the governor of the Krasnoyarsky Region. Cavalier of Order of Honor, IV Class Order of Merit and Friendship Order. Awarded the medal for Organizing the Russian National Census, orders of the Russian Orthodox Church and an honorary badge for Public Acclaim. Recepient of the Russia’s Best Governor prize. Married, two children.

Mr. Dankevich chairs the Management Board of Otkritie Financial Corporation Bank, and also is a member of the Boards of Directors of Khanty- Mansiysk Otkritie Bank, TRUST Bank, Otkritie Broker, LUKOIL-GARANT Non-state Pension Fund, Kineshma City Power Network, Northern River Shipping Company, FINSTROY, and a member of the Moscow Exchange Counsil. During his career, Mr. Dankevich worked at GUTA-BANK, Otkritie Brokerage House, and Osnovaniye Investment Company. In 1990, Mr. Dankevich graduated from the Moscow Institute of Electronics. In 1993, he received his degree in Financial Management from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.

Born 23/05/1962;In 1997 graduated from the Khabarovsk state technical University;In 2009 graduated from St. Petersburg state University of civil aviation;In 2012 enrolled in a doctoral program at peoples Friendship University of Russia ( Russian Peoples ‘ Friendship University) on specialty of : political institutions, processes and technologies;From 1981 to 1984, serving in the Navy of the USSR;From 1987 to 1991 – instructor Department of Komsomol organizations, second Secretary, first Secretary of Milkovsky district Committee of the Kamchatsky Krai;From 1991 to 1994, Secretary of the regional Committee of the Komsomol, First Secretary of the Kamchatsky OK Russian Union of Youth, member of the Bureaus Central Committee of Russian Union of Youth;From 1994 to 2005 worked in commercial structures;From 2005 to 2008 – First Deputy Chairman of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky city district;From 2010 to 2012 – Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Yevreisky Autonomous region;From 2012 to 2013 – Deputy Chairman of the Government of Kamchatsky Krai (in Moscow);From 2013 – General Director of JSC “Development Corporation of Kamchatka”Author of over 30 published scientific publications. Became known as researcher of the formation process of local self-government in the Far East. Involved in the institution construction of local self-government and state power in various regions of the Russian Federation on the Russian Far East. Has a lot of practice in management and political consulting.

Arctic research has a great responsibility to meet the challenges faced by peoples and societies in the north. Since many of these challenges are shared between different regions of the Arctic international research cooperation is of great importance. This stretches from the work of research organizations such as IASSA, IASC and UArctic, to cooperation between northern universities, and the practical implementation of efforts in large-scale research projects. It is crucial to define the most urgent research tasks, both in a global and in a regional perspective. The importance of understanding and counteracting the negative impact of climate change has a solid position, while sustainable use of natural resources and the specific challenges of northern societies are yet to be developed. This presentation lifts forward the collaboration between research projects and local citizens (stakeholders), and the extra-ordinary challenges indigenous education and research experience.

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

1994: Graduated from Moscow State Automobile and Road Technical University – MADI with an Engineer’s Degree in Automobile Maintenance and Repairs. 2003: Obtained an MBA Degree at Kingston University, UK. 2009: Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, a course in a joint MBA program of Kingston University and The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. In 2010 founded a business incubator at the InCube of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. 2010: Winner of the Russian stage of Ernst & Young’s "Entrepreneur of the Year» international contest under the heading "Industrial Production". February 2011: Appointed by Mayor’s executive order Head of Moscow Department of Support for Small and Medium-Sized Business. June 2011: Appointed by Mayor’s executive order Head of Moscow Science, Industrial Policy and Entrepreneurship Department. In 2013 received an Honorary Doctorate from Kingston University (UK) for his outstanding contribution to the development of entrepreneurship. September 17, 2013: Appointed Moscow Government Minister and Head of Moscow Science, Industrial Policy and Entrepreneurship Department. August 29, 2014: Appointed as Adviser to Moscow Mayor. March 2015: Alexey headed Zimin chair for entrepreneurial leadership at the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO. March 24, 2015: In the result of direct competitive selection organized by Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade together with Agency for Strategic Initiatives Alexey was elected as Director of Industrial Development Fund.

Mr. Dankevich chairs the Management Board of Otkritie Financial Corporation Bank, and also is a member of the Boards of Directors of Khanty- Mansiysk Otkritie Bank, TRUST Bank, Otkritie Broker, LUKOIL-GARANT Non-state Pension Fund, Kineshma City Power Network, Northern River Shipping Company, FINSTROY, and a member of the Moscow Exchange Counsil. During his career, Mr. Dankevich worked at GUTA-BANK, Otkritie Brokerage House, and Osnovaniye Investment Company. In 1990, Mr. Dankevich graduated from the Moscow Institute of Electronics. In 1993, he received his degree in Financial Management from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.

Born June 8, 1983, Moscow. 2005: graduated from Moscow State University, Institute of Asian and African Studies. 2008: gained his CSc from the State University of Management in Moscow. Career background: 2004–2008: Ministry of Industry and Energy: Head of Strategic Planning and Research Department; Assistant Administrator of Strategic Planning and Research Department; Assistant Administrator of Priority Projects Support under the Economic Analysis and Planning Division; Advisor to the Public Relations Department; Senior Expert of the PR Department. 2008–2012: Assistant and Advisor to the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. 2012–2016: Director of Strategic Development and Project Management Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. 31 August 2016: appointed Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. Since 2015, Mr Osmakov has held the title of Full State Counsellor. CSc in Economics. Married with a child.

Dr. David J. Scott is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Polar Knowledge Canada. He joined the organization as Executive Director of the former Canadian Polar Commission in March 2012, and co-led the recent merger of the Canadian Polar Commission with the Canadian High Arctic Research Station initiative. Dr. Scott had a long career with the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), culminating as Director, Northern Canada Division. Prior to that, he was acting Director General, Planning and Operations Branch, and led the GSC's Gas Hydrates and Northern Resources Development programs. From 1999-2003, he was based in Iqaluit, Nunavut, as the founding Chief Geologist of the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office. Dr. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology (McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada) and a PhD in Geological Sciences (Queen's University, Kingston, Canada) where his thesis research investigated the tectonic origin of two-billion year old oceanic crust in Arctic Quebec. He was a Research Associate in uranium-lead geochronology at the GEOTOP laboratories of the University of Quebec at Montreal. He has published and presented over 80 technical papers.

2012 - currently - Editor-in-Chief of the Arctic Herald journal 2008 - 2012 - Head of the International Barents Secretariat (Norway, Kirkenes) 2006 - 2008 - Ambassador at Large of the MFA of Russia 2000 - 2005 - Ambassador of Russia to the Republic of Kenya, Permanent Representative of Russia to the International Organizations in Nairobi (UNEP and HABITAT) 1997 - 2000 - Deputy Director, Director of the 2. European Departament of the MFA of Russia 1992 - 1997 - Minister-Councellor of the Russian Embassy to Finland 1966 - 1992 - various positions in the Russian diplomatic service in Moscow and abroad In the MFA of USSR/Russia since 1966. Sphere of interests - International cooperation and activity of international organizations in in the North and Arctic.

Bjorn Olsen is a Rector of Nord University and Professor at Nord University Business School. Professor Bjorn Olsen has an extensive list of publications in the field of management and organisational leadership. In addition, Bjørn Olsen has strong administrative competence and experience working on leadership positions for commercial sector and serving as dean at Nord University Business School and nowadays as rector at Nord University.

Born in Moscow 21 July 1982Holds a higher education degree2004: finished post-graduate studies at the Higher School of Economics majoring in EconomicsSpeaks English 04/2002–06/2006 – Chief Economist, Division Head at the Central Bank of the Russian Federation 06/2006–07/2010 – Chief Manager, Managing Director of Rosbank07/2010–06/2012 – Head of Analytics for Russia and CIS at Credit Agricol Corporate and Investment Bank06/2012–08/2013 – Chief Economist for Russia at VTB Capital 09/2013–03/2015 – Department Director for Long-Term Planning at the Ministry of Finance of the Russian FederationSince 03/2015 – Deputy Minister of Finance

Mr. Vauraste heads Arctia, a Finnish shipowner and operator of eight icebreakers. Arctia provides icebreaking, offshore and maritime services in the Baltic Sea and polar areas. Mr. Vauraste also serves as Vice Chairman of the Arctic Economic Council, an independent organization established in 2014 that facilitates Arctic business-to-business activities and responsible economic development, as well as the sharing of best practices, technological solutions, standards and other information. Mr. Vauraste’s educational background includes a M.Sc. in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management from Leicester University and a naval officer exam from the Finnish Naval Academy. He has served as vessel master and several other positions in the Finnish Coast Guard. His current military rank is Lieutenant-Commander. Prior to joining Arctia in 2009, he has long experience in senior executive positions within the traffic and logistics service clusters. In addition to his duties at Arctia and the Arctic Economic Council, CEO Vauraste holds several positions of trust, including Chairman of the Finnish Maritime Weather Advisory Group, and member of the Advisory Group at the Finnish Lifeboat Institution.

Borisov Egor Afanasevich was born on 15 August 1954 in the village of Churapcha Churapchinsky area Yakutia. In 1979 Graduated Novosibirsk agricultural Institute on a speciality "Mechanization of agriculture", qualification "engineer-mechanic". Doctor of economic Sciences. Labor activity In 1971-1991 – the mechanic-repairman, the manager of the Churapchinsky district Association "agriculture", first Deputy head of the Churapchinsky district of the Department of agriculture, the second Secretary of the Churapchinsky district party Committee, Chairman of Churapchinsky regional Council of people's deputies. In 1991-1992 – Deputy Minister of agriculture of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) General Director of Association "Yakutagrotechservices". In 1992-1998 – Deputy, first Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In 1998-2000 – Minister of agriculture and preparations of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Director of the Yakut research Institute of agriculture. In 1997-2002 – Director of the Yakut scientific research Institute of agriculture. In 2002-2003 – the first Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In 2003-2010 – Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In 2010-2014, the President of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). 14 Sep 2014-elected Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). 27 September 2014 assumed the position of head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for the period of 5 years. Public and political activity Member of all-Russian political party "United Russia". The President of Federation of wrestling of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). State awards and titles Honored worker of national economy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The Order of Friendship. Railway honorary Builder of the Russian Federation. Master of communications of the Russian Federation. Honorary donor of the Russian Federation. The mark of distinction "Civic virtue".

In 1981 graduated from the Economic Department of the Moscow Lomonosov State University, specialty – economist, lecturer of political economics, candidate of economic science.In 1981 – 1991 worked at the Political Economics Department of the Moscow Lomonosov State University.In 1991 – 1998 worked at the Institute of National Economic Forecasting, the Russian Academy of Sciences (lead researcher, head of laboratory).In 1998 – 1999 – Director of the Research Department of the Russian Central Bank.In 1999 – 2004 – Executive Director of the Economic Research Foundation Development Center.In 2004 – 2008 – Head of the Macro Economic Forecasting Department of the Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry.From February of 2008 to July of 2014 – Russian Economic Development Deputy Minister.From July 2014 – Vnesheconombank Deputy Chairman (Chief Economist) – Member of the Board.In 2007 was awarded a title of Honored Economist for improving the Russian financial system, forming and developing its institutions.In 2011 was awarded the Order of Merit for his many years of exceptional work and public activities.

Igor Orlov was born on 17 August 1964 in Debaltsevo, Donetsk Region. In 1987, he graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Aviation Instrumentation, specialising in Electric Equipment for Aircrafts, and gained a qualification as an Electrical Engineer. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics.After graduating, he was appointed as an Electrician to repair the electrical equipment at the Mechanical Engineering Enterprise Zvezdochka in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Region. After working from 1988 to 1994 for scientific-research design and technology bureau Onega in Severodvinsk of the Arkhangelsk Region, Igor came back to Zvezdochka as Deputy General Manager. In 2008, he left Severodvinsk but continued his career in the same capacity at the Yantar Pribaltiysky Shipbuilding Works in Kaliningrad. Soon after that, he was appointed Managing Director of this enterprise. For just half a year, he worked as Senior Deputy Executive and Production Director of the car assembly company LLC Avtotor-Holding in Kaliningrad. In January 2012, Mr. Orlov became Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region. During his long career in industry, Igor Orlov was decorated with state and departmental awards: the Medal of the Order “For Merits to the Fatherland” of the second degree (2011), the Medal of Peter the Great (2004), the Medal “For Labour Valour” (2004) and the Lapel Pin “Shock Worker of the 12th Five-Year Plan” (1991).

Born on December 9, 1965 in Novosibirsk. Liana Pepelyaeva graduated from the Law School of Tomsk State University (Novosibirsk Branch) in 1988 and from the School of Economics of Novosibirsk State Academy of Economics and Management in 1996. Between 1988 and 1998 Ms. Pepelyeva worked as a lawyer in Novosibirsk area legal aid office. She was appointed Director of Sibirskaya Yuridicheskaya Kontora Law Firm in 1998 and Chairperson in 2003. Liana Pepelyaeva was elected Deputy of Novosibirsk City Council twice – in 1996 and in 2001. In 2003 and 2007 she was elected Deputy of the State Duma. In June 2012 Ms. Pepelyaeva joined Regional Development Department of the Government of the Russian Federation as its Director. Liana Pepelyaeva has a PhD in Law and holds a status of the Honored Lawyer of the Russian Federation. She has two daughters.

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Born in 1969 in Tselinograd (Kazakh SSR), graduated magna cum laude from the State Financial Academy (currently, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation) with a degree in finance and credit. Ph.D. in Economics.Married, has three children. Upon graduating, worked at several Russian banks (UNIKOMBANK, Eastern European Investment Bank, Soyuzaviakosmos and ORGRESBANK). In 2003 — 2007 — Head of the Financial Department at the Stock Market «Russian Trading System».In 2009 — 2010 — Deputy General Director for Economy and Finance at «UralVagonZavod» Scientific Industrial Corporation» PLC. In 2010 — 2014 — Financial Director at «Center for Science-Intensive Technologies» OJSC. Since May 2014 to the present — Acting Head of the Federal Agency for Tourism, Ministry of Culture of Russia. Ph.D. in Economics. Speaks English. Married, has three children.

Nikolai Kharitonov graduated from the Novosibirsk Agricultural Institute with in agronomics and from the Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation. He is a Candidate of Sciences (Econ.). Director of a state farm, Chairman of AO Galinskoye (Moshkov District of the Novosibirsk Region). Honoured agricultural worker of the Russian Federation. Honoured physical culture worker of the Russian Federation. He has been elected deputy to the rural and district councils of people’s deputies, deputy to the Novosibirsk Region Council of People’s Deputies, a people’s deputy of the RSFSR; has been a member of the Committee of the Supreme Council of the Russian Federation for social development of rural areas, agrarian issues and food. Nikolai Kharitonov was nominated by the Communist Party of the Russian Federation as President of the Russian Federation in the 2004 election. Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of all the six convocations. Member of the faction of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. He has been awarded the “Order of Friendship”, medals “For Labour Merit”, “To commemorate the 850th Anniversary of Moscow”, the commemorative anniversary medal and commemorative token of the Chairman of the State Duma “100 Years from the Day the State Duma was Founded in Russia”, Honorary Certificate of the State Duma, badge of honour of the State Duma “For Merits in Developing Parliamentarism”, gold medal “For Contribution to the Development of the Agricultural Complex of Russia”, medal “For Merits to the Novosibirsk Region”.

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Tomas Hallberg has been the Head of the International Barents Secretariat since 2015. His main task is to lead the Secretariat, whose responsibility is to coordinate the work between the 14 working groups in the 14 Barents regions. Tomas Hallberg has worked internationally for the past 25 years. He lived for more than 10 years in Russia. Five of them he was a Counselor of the Swedish Embassy in Moscow, promoting Swedish companies’ work with energy efficiency and green technologies. During 2008-2010 Mr. Hallberg worked as a Deputy General Director for IKEA Russia and CIS, responsible for governmental relations. In the early 2000 he headed an international NGO working with prevention of drug addictions. In this field he is the co-author of two books published in Russian and English.

Born on July 15, 1979 in Moscow. Education: Graduated from the Military University attached to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in 2001. Graduated from the Moscow Institute of International Business in 2006. Fluent in English, Greek and French. Work experience: 1996–2005: Military service. 2006–2008: Worked in various positions at the Department of Foreign Economic Relations, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation. February–August 2008: Worked in various positions at the Department of International Cooperation, Staff of the Government of the Russian Federation. 2008–2010: Aide to the Minister, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. 2010–2011: Deputy Director of the Department of International Relations and Development of Cross-Border Cooperation, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. 2011–2013: Director of the Department of International Relations and Development of Cross-Border Cooperation, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. January–March 2013: Director of the Department for the Coordination of State Industry Programs, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. March–September 2013: Aide to the Minister, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. September–December 2013: Director of the Department of the Minister’s Affairs, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. 2014–November 2014: Director of the Department for Interaction with Customs Union Authorities and Economic Cooperation with CIS Countries, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. November 2014 to present: Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Cecilie Myrseth is chair of the Troms County Government since 2015. Prior to becoming the regional political leader in her county, Myrseth was the group leader of the Labour Party in the Troms County Parliament for four years. Myrseth holds several prominent positions in the Labour Party. She is a member of the National Board of the Labour Party and is the party’s top candidate from Troms County in the national parliamentary elections in September. Myrseth currently chairs the North Norwegian Council, a political body for the three northernmost counties promoting interregional cooperation. Myrseth is 32 years old and has a cand.psychol. degree from the University of Tromsø – the Arctic University of Norway.

Studied economics at the Novosikirsk Public Economy Institute and did postgraduate studies at Novosibirsk State University. Between 1981 and 1991 - various leadership positions at the Novosibirsk Regional Communist Party Executive Committee. Between 1991 and 1993 - vice chairman of Novosibirsk City Communist Party Executive Committee Between 1993 and 1999 – mayor of Novosibirsk. Between 2000 and September 2010 – Governor of Novosibirsky region. As of September 9, 2010 – plenipotentiary representative of the President of Russian Federation in the Siberian Federal District. May 12, 2014 – appointed the provisional governor of Krasnoyarsky Region by the President of the Russian Federation. During the election Viktor Tolokonsky was supported by 425017 people (63,3 %). As of September 26, 2014 – the governor of the Krasnoyarsky Region. Cavalier of Order of Honor, IV Class Order of Merit and Friendship Order. Awarded the medal for Organizing the Russian National Census, orders of the Russian Orthodox Church and an honorary badge for Public Acclaim. Recepient of the Russia’s Best Governor prize. Married, two children.

Borisov Egor Afanasevich was born on 15 August 1954 in the village of Churapcha Churapchinsky area Yakutia. In 1979 Graduated Novosibirsk agricultural Institute on a speciality "Mechanization of agriculture", qualification "engineer-mechanic". Doctor of economic Sciences. Labor activity In 1971-1991 – the mechanic-repairman, the manager of the Churapchinsky district Association "agriculture", first Deputy head of the Churapchinsky district of the Department of agriculture, the second Secretary of the Churapchinsky district party Committee, Chairman of Churapchinsky regional Council of people's deputies. In 1991-1992 – Deputy Minister of agriculture of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) General Director of Association "Yakutagrotechservices". In 1992-1998 – Deputy, first Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In 1998-2000 – Minister of agriculture and preparations of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Director of the Yakut research Institute of agriculture. In 1997-2002 – Director of the Yakut scientific research Institute of agriculture. In 2002-2003 – the first Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In 2003-2010 – Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In 2010-2014, the President of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). 14 Sep 2014-elected Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). 27 September 2014 assumed the position of head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for the period of 5 years. Public and political activity Member of all-Russian political party "United Russia". The President of Federation of wrestling of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). State awards and titles Honored worker of national economy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The Order of Friendship. Railway honorary Builder of the Russian Federation. Master of communications of the Russian Federation. Honorary donor of the Russian Federation. The mark of distinction "Civic virtue".

Natalia Komarova was born on the 21st of October 1955 in Pskov Region, she is married and has two children. In 1978 she graduated from Kommunarsk Institute of Mining and Smelting, the faculty of Engineering and Economics, majoring in “Economics and organization of construction” with awarding of qualification Engineer-economist. She began to work at the Kommunarsk Metallurgical Factory as a labor engineer of the laboratory of industrial engineering in 1978. Then she worked as an economist of the planned-economic CCB department. In 1980 Natalia moved to Novy Urengoi of Tyumen Region, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. There she began to work in the municipal executive committee as a senior inspector. In 1988 Natalia became the chairwoman of the city planning commission. Then she worked as the deputy chairwoman of the municipal executive committee, the deputy of the City Council. In 1992 she became the first deputy of the Head of Administration in Novy Urengoi. In 1994 Natalia was designated as the Head of the city Administration. That year she was elected as a deputy of the State Duma of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and as a deputy of the NoviyUrengoy Municipal Committee. On the 16thof March 1997 Natalia Komarova continued working as the Head of the municipal formation of NoviyUrengoy up to October 2000 according to the elections results. From October 2000 to December 2001 Natalia worked as a deputy of the Governor of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, leading the Economic Committee of the Okrug. At the same time Natalia lectures at the University: she is an associate professor of the Social Management of the Yamal Oil and Gas Institute (branch) of the Tyumen State Oil and Gas University (since 1999). In December 2001 Natalia was elected as a Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation inYamalo-Nenets Autonomous Electoral Okrug. From 2004 to 2007 she is the Head of the Natural Resources and Nature Management Committee of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. In December 2007 Natalia was elected as the deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Electoral Okrug for the third time. In the State Duma of the fifth assembling she continued to be the Head the Natural Resources and Nature Management Committee. On the 8thof February 2010 the President of Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev submitted a proposal to the deputies of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug Duma a candidature of Natalia Komarova as the Governor of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug –Ugra. At the unscheduled meeting on the 15thof February the deputies in a unanimous vote voice supported her candidature.On the 1stof March Natalia entered the office of the Governor of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug –Ugra.

Roman Kopin was born on March 5, 1974. In 1996 he had finished Volgo-Vyatskaya Academy of government service having graduated of department of the State and municipal administration. Since 2001 till now Roman Kopin lives and works in Chukotka. In 2001 he was Governor’s adviser on economical issues. In December 2001 he was the head of municipal administration of Chaunskiy district, and in 2003 he was the head of Bilibino municipal district. In April 2008 he was appointed as the Vice-Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Region and at the same time he was the chief of Department of industrial and farming policy. 13 of July 2008 during the close vote of deputies of regional Duma Roman Kopin was appointed as the Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Region. On September 8, 2013 he was elected the Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Area. On September 24 Roman Kopin took the oath and officially entered a position. He was awarded by "Medal of honor" the decree of the President of Russian Federation He is married and has two children, a son and a daughter.

Cecilie Myrseth is chair of the Troms County Government since 2015. Prior to becoming the regional political leader in her county, Myrseth was the group leader of the Labour Party in the Troms County Parliament for four years. Myrseth holds several prominent positions in the Labour Party. She is a member of the National Board of the Labour Party and is the party’s top candidate from Troms County in the national parliamentary elections in September. Myrseth currently chairs the North Norwegian Council, a political body for the three northernmost counties promoting interregional cooperation. Myrseth is 32 years old and has a cand.psychol. degree from the University of Tromsø – the Arctic University of Norway.

Igor Orlov was born on 17 August 1964 in Debaltsevo, Donetsk Region. In 1987, he graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Aviation Instrumentation, specialising in Electric Equipment for Aircrafts, and gained a qualification as an Electrical Engineer. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics.After graduating, he was appointed as an Electrician to repair the electrical equipment at the Mechanical Engineering Enterprise Zvezdochka in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Region. After working from 1988 to 1994 for scientific-research design and technology bureau Onega in Severodvinsk of the Arkhangelsk Region, Igor came back to Zvezdochka as Deputy General Manager. In 2008, he left Severodvinsk but continued his career in the same capacity at the Yantar Pribaltiysky Shipbuilding Works in Kaliningrad. Soon after that, he was appointed Managing Director of this enterprise. For just half a year, he worked as Senior Deputy Executive and Production Director of the car assembly company LLC Avtotor-Holding in Kaliningrad. In January 2012, Mr. Orlov became Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region. During his long career in industry, Igor Orlov was decorated with state and departmental awards: the Medal of the Order “For Merits to the Fatherland” of the second degree (2011), the Medal of Peter the Great (2004), the Medal “For Labour Valour” (2004) and the Lapel Pin “Shock Worker of the 12th Five-Year Plan” (1991).

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Cecilie Myrseth is chair of the Troms County Government since 2015. Prior to becoming the regional political leader in her county, Myrseth was the group leader of the Labour Party in the Troms County Parliament for four years. Myrseth holds several prominent positions in the Labour Party. She is a member of the National Board of the Labour Party and is the party’s top candidate from Troms County in the national parliamentary elections in September. Myrseth currently chairs the North Norwegian Council, a political body for the three northernmost counties promoting interregional cooperation. Myrseth is 32 years old and has a cand.psychol. degree from the University of Tromsø – the Arctic University of Norway.

Studied economics at the Novosikirsk Public Economy Institute and did postgraduate studies at Novosibirsk State University. Between 1981 and 1991 - various leadership positions at the Novosibirsk Regional Communist Party Executive Committee. Between 1991 and 1993 - vice chairman of Novosibirsk City Communist Party Executive Committee Between 1993 and 1999 – mayor of Novosibirsk. Between 2000 and September 2010 – Governor of Novosibirsky region. As of September 9, 2010 – plenipotentiary representative of the President of Russian Federation in the Siberian Federal District. May 12, 2014 – appointed the provisional governor of Krasnoyarsky Region by the President of the Russian Federation. During the election Viktor Tolokonsky was supported by 425017 people (63,3 %). As of September 26, 2014 – the governor of the Krasnoyarsky Region. Cavalier of Order of Honor, IV Class Order of Merit and Friendship Order. Awarded the medal for Organizing the Russian National Census, orders of the Russian Orthodox Church and an honorary badge for Public Acclaim. Recepient of the Russia’s Best Governor prize. Married, two children.

Borisov Egor Afanasevich was born on 15 August 1954 in the village of Churapcha Churapchinsky area Yakutia. In 1979 Graduated Novosibirsk agricultural Institute on a speciality "Mechanization of agriculture", qualification "engineer-mechanic". Doctor of economic Sciences. Labor activity In 1971-1991 – the mechanic-repairman, the manager of the Churapchinsky district Association "agriculture", first Deputy head of the Churapchinsky district of the Department of agriculture, the second Secretary of the Churapchinsky district party Committee, Chairman of Churapchinsky regional Council of people's deputies. In 1991-1992 – Deputy Minister of agriculture of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) General Director of Association "Yakutagrotechservices". In 1992-1998 – Deputy, first Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In 1998-2000 – Minister of agriculture and preparations of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Director of the Yakut research Institute of agriculture. In 1997-2002 – Director of the Yakut scientific research Institute of agriculture. In 2002-2003 – the first Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In 2003-2010 – Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In 2010-2014, the President of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). 14 Sep 2014-elected Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). 27 September 2014 assumed the position of head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for the period of 5 years. Public and political activity Member of all-Russian political party "United Russia". The President of Federation of wrestling of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). State awards and titles Honored worker of national economy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The Order of Friendship. Railway honorary Builder of the Russian Federation. Master of communications of the Russian Federation. Honorary donor of the Russian Federation. The mark of distinction "Civic virtue".

Natalia Komarova was born on the 21st of October 1955 in Pskov Region, she is married and has two children. In 1978 she graduated from Kommunarsk Institute of Mining and Smelting, the faculty of Engineering and Economics, majoring in “Economics and organization of construction” with awarding of qualification Engineer-economist. She began to work at the Kommunarsk Metallurgical Factory as a labor engineer of the laboratory of industrial engineering in 1978. Then she worked as an economist of the planned-economic CCB department. In 1980 Natalia moved to Novy Urengoi of Tyumen Region, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. There she began to work in the municipal executive committee as a senior inspector. In 1988 Natalia became the chairwoman of the city planning commission. Then she worked as the deputy chairwoman of the municipal executive committee, the deputy of the City Council. In 1992 she became the first deputy of the Head of Administration in Novy Urengoi. In 1994 Natalia was designated as the Head of the city Administration. That year she was elected as a deputy of the State Duma of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and as a deputy of the NoviyUrengoy Municipal Committee. On the 16thof March 1997 Natalia Komarova continued working as the Head of the municipal formation of NoviyUrengoy up to October 2000 according to the elections results. From October 2000 to December 2001 Natalia worked as a deputy of the Governor of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, leading the Economic Committee of the Okrug. At the same time Natalia lectures at the University: she is an associate professor of the Social Management of the Yamal Oil and Gas Institute (branch) of the Tyumen State Oil and Gas University (since 1999). In December 2001 Natalia was elected as a Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation inYamalo-Nenets Autonomous Electoral Okrug. From 2004 to 2007 she is the Head of the Natural Resources and Nature Management Committee of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. In December 2007 Natalia was elected as the deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Electoral Okrug for the third time. In the State Duma of the fifth assembling she continued to be the Head the Natural Resources and Nature Management Committee. On the 8thof February 2010 the President of Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev submitted a proposal to the deputies of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug Duma a candidature of Natalia Komarova as the Governor of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug –Ugra. At the unscheduled meeting on the 15thof February the deputies in a unanimous vote voice supported her candidature.On the 1stof March Natalia entered the office of the Governor of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug –Ugra.

Roman Kopin was born on March 5, 1974. In 1996 he had finished Volgo-Vyatskaya Academy of government service having graduated of department of the State and municipal administration. Since 2001 till now Roman Kopin lives and works in Chukotka. In 2001 he was Governor’s adviser on economical issues. In December 2001 he was the head of municipal administration of Chaunskiy district, and in 2003 he was the head of Bilibino municipal district. In April 2008 he was appointed as the Vice-Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Region and at the same time he was the chief of Department of industrial and farming policy. 13 of July 2008 during the close vote of deputies of regional Duma Roman Kopin was appointed as the Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Region. On September 8, 2013 he was elected the Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Area. On September 24 Roman Kopin took the oath and officially entered a position. He was awarded by "Medal of honor" the decree of the President of Russian Federation He is married and has two children, a son and a daughter.

Cecilie Myrseth is chair of the Troms County Government since 2015. Prior to becoming the regional political leader in her county, Myrseth was the group leader of the Labour Party in the Troms County Parliament for four years. Myrseth holds several prominent positions in the Labour Party. She is a member of the National Board of the Labour Party and is the party’s top candidate from Troms County in the national parliamentary elections in September. Myrseth currently chairs the North Norwegian Council, a political body for the three northernmost counties promoting interregional cooperation. Myrseth is 32 years old and has a cand.psychol. degree from the University of Tromsø – the Arctic University of Norway.

Igor Orlov was born on 17 August 1964 in Debaltsevo, Donetsk Region. In 1987, he graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Aviation Instrumentation, specialising in Electric Equipment for Aircrafts, and gained a qualification as an Electrical Engineer. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics.After graduating, he was appointed as an Electrician to repair the electrical equipment at the Mechanical Engineering Enterprise Zvezdochka in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Region. After working from 1988 to 1994 for scientific-research design and technology bureau Onega in Severodvinsk of the Arkhangelsk Region, Igor came back to Zvezdochka as Deputy General Manager. In 2008, he left Severodvinsk but continued his career in the same capacity at the Yantar Pribaltiysky Shipbuilding Works in Kaliningrad. Soon after that, he was appointed Managing Director of this enterprise. For just half a year, he worked as Senior Deputy Executive and Production Director of the car assembly company LLC Avtotor-Holding in Kaliningrad. In January 2012, Mr. Orlov became Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region. During his long career in industry, Igor Orlov was decorated with state and departmental awards: the Medal of the Order “For Merits to the Fatherland” of the second degree (2011), the Medal of Peter the Great (2004), the Medal “For Labour Valour” (2004) and the Lapel Pin “Shock Worker of the 12th Five-Year Plan” (1991).

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Cecilie Myrseth is chair of the Troms County Government since 2015. Prior to becoming the regional political leader in her county, Myrseth was the group leader of the Labour Party in the Troms County Parliament for four years. Myrseth holds several prominent positions in the Labour Party. She is a member of the National Board of the Labour Party and is the party’s top candidate from Troms County in the national parliamentary elections in September. Myrseth currently chairs the North Norwegian Council, a political body for the three northernmost counties promoting interregional cooperation. Myrseth is 32 years old and has a cand.psychol. degree from the University of Tromsø – the Arctic University of Norway.

He was born on November 16, 1960. He graduated from Norilsk Industrial Institute with highest honors, majoring in "Industrial and civil construction". In 1984 he started his professional career as a foreman in the Construction and Erection Department of the shaft-sinking trust company of Norilsk Nickel. Then he became deputy head of the Production Department of the Construction and Erection Association "Norilskstroy". In 1995 he was appointed deputy general director of Norilsk Nickel.From 2000 - Norilsk mayor, from 2003 - governor of Taymyr (Dolgan-Nenets) Autonomous Region.On October 27, 2009 at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders he was elected Chairman of the Management Board of JSC "FGC UES".In June 2013 he was elected Director General of Joint Stock Company "ROSSETI".He is a member of the Russian Presidential Commission for Strategic Development of the Fuel and Energy Sector and Environmental Security.Vice chairman and senior adviser of World Energy Council (WEC) in charge of regional development.He has a number of national and industrial awards.

Hannele Pokka serves as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of the Environment. She is the highest-ranking public servant within the Ministry. Ms Pokka is also Docent of Environmental Law at the University of Lapland. Previously, she has served as governor of the Province of Lapland and the minister of justice. From 1979 to 1994, Ms Pokka was a Member of Parliament. She has special interest and expertise in Arctic issues and has held the position, for example, of chair of the Barents Regional Council and the Northern Forum. Educational Background: Hannele Pokka holds a doctoral degree in environmental law. She is an honorary doctor of environment and forestry at the University of Eastern Finland (previously, University of Joensuu).

Dr. David J. Scott is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Polar Knowledge Canada. He joined the organization as Executive Director of the former Canadian Polar Commission in March 2012, and co-led the recent merger of the Canadian Polar Commission with the Canadian High Arctic Research Station initiative. Dr. Scott had a long career with the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), culminating as Director, Northern Canada Division. Prior to that, he was acting Director General, Planning and Operations Branch, and led the GSC's Gas Hydrates and Northern Resources Development programs. From 1999-2003, he was based in Iqaluit, Nunavut, as the founding Chief Geologist of the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office. Dr. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology (McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada) and a PhD in Geological Sciences (Queen's University, Kingston, Canada) where his thesis research investigated the tectonic origin of two-billion year old oceanic crust in Arctic Quebec. He was a Research Associate in uranium-lead geochronology at the GEOTOP laboratories of the University of Quebec at Montreal. He has published and presented over 80 technical papers.

Studded in Moscow State University on geography – 1977-82. Have 25 year experience to work out vin-vin solutions and conflict resolution among environmental NGOs and extractive industry and energy sector in Russia. The current priority topics are combating associated gas flaring in Russia, oil spill response issues in ice conditions, promoting best international standards in Russia such as Strategic Environmental assessment (SEA), Sustainable Hydropower Protocols. The latest outcomes - started up project on the environmental responsibility rating of oil&gas companies. The priority regions are Russian Arctic, Amur basin, Altay Mountains, Kamchatka, and Caspian Sea.

Education: graduated from Krasnoyarsk State University with a degree in law Professional experience: Started working in 1995 for Zavenyagin Norilsk Mining and Metallurgical Plant rising from the ladder of service from legal adviser to Director of Corporate and Legal Department. She was appointed Director of Legal Department of MMC Norilsk Nickel in 2008. Since 2012 was appointed Deputy CEO, in 2015 – Vice President - Corporate Governance, Assset Management and Legal Affairs, MMS Norilsk Nickel In 2015 – Vice-President- Corporate Governance, Assset Management and Legal Affairs,MMS Norilsk Nickel At present- Vice President- State Secretary, GR.

Born June 8, 1983, Moscow. 2005: graduated from Moscow State University, Institute of Asian and African Studies. 2008: gained his CSc from the State University of Management in Moscow. Career background: 2004–2008: Ministry of Industry and Energy: Head of Strategic Planning and Research Department; Assistant Administrator of Strategic Planning and Research Department; Assistant Administrator of Priority Projects Support under the Economic Analysis and Planning Division; Advisor to the Public Relations Department; Senior Expert of the PR Department. 2008–2012: Assistant and Advisor to the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. 2012–2016: Director of Strategic Development and Project Management Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. 31 August 2016: appointed Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. Since 2015, Mr Osmakov has held the title of Full State Counsellor. CSc in Economics. Married with a child.

Born on July 15, 1979 in Moscow. Education: Graduated from the Military University attached to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in 2001. Graduated from the Moscow Institute of International Business in 2006. Fluent in English, Greek and French. Work experience: 1996–2005: Military service. 2006–2008: Worked in various positions at the Department of Foreign Economic Relations, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation. February–August 2008: Worked in various positions at the Department of International Cooperation, Staff of the Government of the Russian Federation. 2008–2010: Aide to the Minister, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. 2010–2011: Deputy Director of the Department of International Relations and Development of Cross-Border Cooperation, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. 2011–2013: Director of the Department of International Relations and Development of Cross-Border Cooperation, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. January–March 2013: Director of the Department for the Coordination of State Industry Programs, Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation. March–September 2013: Aide to the Minister, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. September–December 2013: Director of the Department of the Minister’s Affairs, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. 2014–November 2014: Director of the Department for Interaction with Customs Union Authorities and Economic Cooperation with CIS Countries, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. November 2014 to present: Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Arctic research has a great responsibility to meet the challenges faced by peoples and societies in the north. Since many of these challenges are shared between different regions of the Arctic international research cooperation is of great importance. This stretches from the work of research organizations such as IASSA, IASC and UArctic, to cooperation between northern universities, and the practical implementation of efforts in large-scale research projects. It is crucial to define the most urgent research tasks, both in a global and in a regional perspective. The importance of understanding and counteracting the negative impact of climate change has a solid position, while sustainable use of natural resources and the specific challenges of northern societies are yet to be developed. This presentation lifts forward the collaboration between research projects and local citizens (stakeholders), and the extra-ordinary challenges indigenous education and research experience.

Educated at the University of Helsinki, Ph.D. Mauri Ylä-Kotola is President of University of Lapland located in Rovaniemi, Finland. Prior to his current position Ylä-Kotola worked as Rector of Finnish Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki. From 2007 to 2011 he was also Chairman of the Board of Finnish Electronic Library Fin-E-Lib. Mauri Ylä-Kotola's areas of academic expertise include, e.g., the thematics and problematics of the information society, media technologies, content production, computer-mediated communication and electronic aesthetics. He has undertaken research in the new forms and methods of interactive media, especially synthetic multi-user environments, and has recently been working on a project on philosophical questions of virtual reality technologies and spatial interfaces. Ylä-Kotola regularly lectures at various European universities. He has been a member of several scientific committees, including the Committee of Media Culture Program of the Finnish Academy, the Board of C.I.T.I. Institute (New University of Lisbon), the Committee of EMMABA, and the Board of the European Institute for a Sustainable Information Society. Mauri Ylä-Kotola has received two honorary titles. He was nominated to Doctor of Humane Letters (Litterarum humanarum doctor) in 2008 by the Board of University of Urbana (Ohio, United States of America). In 2009 he was nominated to Honorary Professor at The Pedagogical University of Murmansk (Russian Federation).

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Arctic research has a great responsibility to meet the challenges faced by peoples and societies in the north. Since many of these challenges are shared between different regions of the Arctic international research cooperation is of great importance. This stretches from the work of research organizations such as IASSA, IASC and UArctic, to cooperation between northern universities, and the practical implementation of efforts in large-scale research projects. It is crucial to define the most urgent research tasks, both in a global and in a regional perspective. The importance of understanding and counteracting the negative impact of climate change has a solid position, while sustainable use of natural resources and the specific challenges of northern societies are yet to be developed. This presentation lifts forward the collaboration between research projects and local citizens (stakeholders), and the extra-ordinary challenges indigenous education and research experience.

Ms. Popova, M.D., has a degree in medicine and prophylactics, professor in medical hygiene. Worked as an epidemiologist, chief of epidemiology at Budennovsk hospital, chief epidiemologist in State Center in Serpukhov and Pushino, deputy head of Rospoterbnadzor in Moscow oblast, head of HR or Rospoterbnadzor and deputy chief of Rospotrebnadzor . After a decree of the government of Russian Federation government N1931 temporary acted as chief of Federal Agency for consumer protection and human wellbeing from October 23, 2013. Following a decree of the government of Russian Federation N571-p appointed head of Rospoterbnadzor. Married, has two children

Neil has been with the Canadian Coast Guard for the past 7 years. He is responsible for the national policies associated with the Icebreaking, Aids to Navigation, Waterways and MCTS programs. He is also the national lead for Arctic policy and Coast Guard fees. He has previously worked as Director, Integrated Logistic Support and Director, Organizational Restructuring. Prior to his work in the Coast Guard, Neil worked in the private sector in a variety of roles, including Operations Manager for Petro-Canada Fuels and as a Management Consultant. Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University (2002) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Ottawa (2003).

Veronika Skvortsova was born in Moscow on November 1, 1960. She graduated from the 2nd Pirogov Moscow State Medical Institute in 1983 and completed a Postgraduate Clinical Residency Programme and an Advanced Postgraduate Programme specializing in neuropathology. In 1994, she qualified as a higher category neurologist. After graduating, she worked for the 2nd Moscow State Medical Institute (the Russian State Medical University since 1991) for 25 years. Veronika Skvortsova became head of one of Russia’s first neurology emergency services at Moscow’s 1st municipal hospital established on the basis of the neurology clinic of the 2nd Moscow State Medical Institute in 1989. In 1989–1995, she served as assistant and, in 1995–1997, as assistant professor at the Neuropathology Department of the Russian State Medical University. She became Head of the Fundamental and Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Department in 1997. Veronika Skvortsova was appointed Director of the Russian Stroke Research Institute in 2005. She was Deputy Minister of Healthcare and Social Development from 2008 to 2012. Veronika Skvortsova was appointed Minister of Healthcare by Presidential Executive Order No. 650 of May 21, 2012. She is vice-president and co-founder of the National Stroke Association, director of the World Stroke Organization and secretary general of the European Stroke Council. She is a Doctor of Medicine, Professor, and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. Veronika Skvortsova is an Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation. She has been awarded an Order of Honour and won the Pirogov Prize and Moscow Government Prize in Medicine. She is the author of more than 400 research papers and holds seven patents for her inventions.

Head of the Higher School of Healthcare Organization and Management, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Medical Communities for the Quality of Medical Care and Medical Education. Chairman of the Commission on Continuing Education of the National Medical Chamber, member of the Coordinating Council of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia for Development of Continuing Medical and Pharmaceutical Education, member of the Board and Executive Secretary of the Russian Society for Healthcare Organization and Public Health. Since 2003, she has been heavily involved in expert activities on healthcare organization at the Civic Chamber and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, the State Duma Committee on Healthcare, the Strategic Research Centre of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the WHO Council for Evidence-Based Medicine, etc. Guzel Ulumbekova is the author of the books Russia’s Healthcare. What Needs to Be Done (2010) and Russia’s Healthcare. What Needs to Be Done-2 (2015) and a textbook for medical schools Public Health and Healthcare (2011); she is a contributor to and a member of the editorial board of the national guide Public Health and Healthcare (2013).

Geoff Cutmore anchors CNBC’s flagship Squawk Box programme in EMEA. The three hour show, which broadcasts worldwide five days a week, bookends the opening of European equity markets and is a must see for financial professionals, C-suite executives and investors. Cutmore is one of CNBC’s most experienced presenters, with more than 15 years dedicated to financial broadcasting. He has anchored programmes for CNBC in both Europe and Asia, having spent a number of years working in Hong Kong. Cutmore covers the most important senior business gatherings for CNBC including the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos and China and the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where he has interviewed the world’s top CEOs, economists and political leaders. He has reported on the most important issues facing the global economy today and has also led special programming on Central and Eastern Europe, climate change and the global energy challenge. Cutmore is a contributor to business and finance magazines including the Economist, Investors Chronicle and Money Market. His first book on the markets, New Market Mavericks, was well received.

Veronika Skvortsova was born in Moscow on November 1, 1960. She graduated from the 2nd Pirogov Moscow State Medical Institute in 1983 and completed a Postgraduate Clinical Residency Programme and an Advanced Postgraduate Programme specializing in neuropathology. In 1994, she qualified as a higher category neurologist. After graduating, she worked for the 2nd Moscow State Medical Institute (the Russian State Medical University since 1991) for 25 years. Veronika Skvortsova became head of one of Russia’s first neurology emergency services at Moscow’s 1st municipal hospital established on the basis of the neurology clinic of the 2nd Moscow State Medical Institute in 1989. In 1989–1995, she served as assistant and, in 1995–1997, as assistant professor at the Neuropathology Department of the Russian State Medical University. She became Head of the Fundamental and Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Department in 1997. Veronika Skvortsova was appointed Director of the Russian Stroke Research Institute in 2005. She was Deputy Minister of Healthcare and Social Development from 2008 to 2012. Veronika Skvortsova was appointed Minister of Healthcare by Presidential Executive Order No. 650 of May 21, 2012. She is vice-president and co-founder of the National Stroke Association, director of the World Stroke Organization and secretary general of the European Stroke Council. She is a Doctor of Medicine, Professor, and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. Veronika Skvortsova is an Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation. She has been awarded an Order of Honour and won the Pirogov Prize and Moscow Government Prize in Medicine. She is the author of more than 400 research papers and holds seven patents for her inventions.

Head of the Higher School of Healthcare Organization and Management, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Medical Communities for the Quality of Medical Care and Medical Education. Chairman of the Commission on Continuing Education of the National Medical Chamber, member of the Coordinating Council of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia for Development of Continuing Medical and Pharmaceutical Education, member of the Board and Executive Secretary of the Russian Society for Healthcare Organization and Public Health. Since 2003, she has been heavily involved in expert activities on healthcare organization at the Civic Chamber and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, the State Duma Committee on Healthcare, the Strategic Research Centre of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the WHO Council for Evidence-Based Medicine, etc. Guzel Ulumbekova is the author of the books Russia’s Healthcare. What Needs to Be Done (2010) and Russia’s Healthcare. What Needs to Be Done-2 (2015) and a textbook for medical schools Public Health and Healthcare (2011); she is a contributor to and a member of the editorial board of the national guide Public Health and Healthcare (2013).