The UArctic Congress 2016 includes a science section with over 250 oral and poster presentations and world-renowned keynote speakers from across the circumpolar world. In addition, UArctic’s various governance and organizational bodies will convene together to expand cooperation in higher education and science in northern regions.
“I am confident that the UArctic congress will prove an effective venue for scientists of the whole world and will give a new impetus to the studies of a region of huge global importance,” said Nikolai Kropachev, Rector of St. Petersburg State University. “The Arctic can be studied and developed only under the conditions of international cooperation, that being the specific character of this region. Our first UArctic Congress is a significant step made by the international consortium in the exploitation and development of this region of the world.”
The five-day congress concludes with a scientific conference covering major circumpolar themes: vulnerability of Arctic environments, vulnerability of Arctic societies, local and traditional knowledge, building long-term human capacity, and new markets for the Arctic, including trade, tourism and transportation. Prominent speakers include Professor Jörn Thiede of St. Petersburg State University, Susan Barr, President of the International Arctic Science Committee, and Aleksi Härkönen, Finland's Ambassador for Arctic Affairs.
University leaders from across UArctic’s membership will convene in the 10th UArctic Rectors’ Forum, where they address strategic challenges facing universities in the region. The UArctic Congress also includes a Student Forum, bringing together student representatives from many of UArctic’s higher education institutions to address common issues, and present their views to the network’s leadership. The Congress will conclude with a joint Declaration, reflecting the views of UArctic’s members and leadership, as well highlighting the major issues facing Arctic science.
The choice of St. Petersburg State University for the congress venue is symbolic, according to UArctic President Lars Kullerud: "For this unique event, the choice of St Petersburg is a fitting location - an important and historic meeting point between East and West. Further, as a long-standing UArctic member, St. Petersburg State University is a high quality education and research institution, whose scientific discoveries and achievements of professors and alumni include eight Nobel Prize winners.”
For more information about the UArctic Congress 2016, visit www.uarctic.org/congress2016 or follow #uarcticcongress2016 on social media.
The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a cooperative network of universities, colleges, research institutes and other organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North. UArctic builds and strengthens collective resources and collaborative infrastructure that enables member institutions to better serve their constituents and their regions. Through cooperation in education, research and outreach we enhance human capacity in the North, promote viable communities and sustainable economies, and forge global partnerships.
For media inquiries at UArctic Congress:
Lidia Belkevich
PR Specialist
Saint-Petersburg State University
l.belkevich@spbu.ru
+7931 375 0295