Young researchers from BRICS countries discuss future of Arctic at conference in Ugra

The International Scientific and Practical Conference “Youth Arctic: Science for the Future” was held in Khanty-Mansiysk, bringing together young researchers and experts from Russia and China. The main topic of the meeting was the development of Arctic tourism and its role in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Arctic. TV BRICS acted as the international information partner of the event.

The conference was held in Ugra for the third time. It was organised by the Russian-Asian Arctic Research Consortium with the support of the Russia-BRICS Project office for International Youth Cooperation.

In 2026, particular attention was paid to cooperation with BRICS countries. Young scientists and experts discussed joint initiatives in the fields of ecology, logistics, energy, tourism and the development of Arctic resources.

“Several universities and research organisations from China have already joined the work of the consortium, as well as representatives from India. We are moving forward and expanding in the Asian direction. This creates a very positive cumulative effect, as we do not approach the study of particular issues from a single perspective,” said Roman Kuchin, Co-Chairman of the consortium and Rector of Ugra State University, in a comment to TV BRICS.

One of the key topics of the conference was the preservation of the culture of the Indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North. Ugra is home to representatives of 139 ethnic groups, and the region is seeking new solutions to support young people living in remote areas.

One such solution is the “IT Nomadic Camp” project. Thanks to access to broadband internet, residents of hard-to-reach settlements have gained new opportunities for education, communication and participation in social and cultural projects.

“The number of young people who were ready to leave remote territories and nomadic camps has decreased significantly. Chats and unique social groups have emerged, which began communicating in their native languages. Most importantly, people gained the opportunity to participate remotely in socio-cultural projects,” said Aleksander Novyukhov, Senator and President of the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation, in an exclusive comment to TV BRICS.

The International Youth Competition of Tourism Projects “DobroArktika” was held as part of the conference. Participants presented initiatives aimed at developing tourism in the Berezovsky District, which is part of Russia’s Arctic zone. The winners were students from Ugra State University and Surgut State University, who developed projects in the fields of ecological, event and ethnographic tourism, as well as the improvement of natural sites and the creation of accessible infrastructure.

One of the projects was “CHUMbuilding”, which is already being implemented in the Beloyarsky District. Its goal is to introduce tourists to the traditions of the Indigenous peoples of Ugra through practical experience: building a chum (a traditional conical dwelling of the peoples of the North and Siberia), staying in a traditional dwelling, and taking part in workshops, rituals and crafts.

Yang Nan, Assistant Professor at Qingdao University, who has been working in Russia for two years, noted that her perspective on the Arctic has changed.

"Previously, when I thought about the Arctic, I focused on Arctic policy, the development of the region and energy projects. But today the main topic for me is people. People should be at the centre of any research. That is why I have shifted my focus. Arctic tourism and environmental protection – these areas are much more important and significant"

Yang Nan Assistant Professor at Qingdao University

The conference “Youth Arctic: Science for the Future” formed part of the All-Russian Forum for Civil Society Development "Dobrino", which brought together more than 500 participants.