An international Arctic forum, delayed when the eruption of a volcano in Iceland froze air travel in much of northern Europe, will be held in Moscow on September 22-23, forum organizers said on Monday.
The forum, entitled "The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue," was initially scheduled for April 2010, but had to be postponed following the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland, which prevented many international participants from coming to Moscow.
"Forum participants will discuss new opportunities for global cooperation to establish the Arctic as a space for peace and cooperation. The forum will focus on the challenges of climate change, the effects of human activity, issues concerning natural resources and ways to ensure sustainable development in the Arctic region," the forum organizing committee said on its website.
The forum is organized by the Russian Geographic Society (RGS), founded in St. Petersburg on August 18, 1845 under an edict by Emperor Nicholas I.
The forum will be attended by renowned Russian and international scientists, NGOs, businesspeople and policymakers. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who heads the RGS Board of Trustees, is expected to attend, and Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and Prince Albert of Monaco are expected to deliver speeches as guests of honor.
RIA Novosti is the forum's media partner.
MOSCOW, June 21 (RIA Novosti)
