On September 12-16, St. Petersburg State University will host a congress of the University of the Arctic (UArctic) international association to discuss all-round development of the Arctic and the protection of its ecosystems and indigenous population.

"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 Kropachyov, Rector of St. Petersburg State University.

The five-day congress will include an academic conference on Arctic problems: the stability and vulnerability of the Arctic ecosystems, its oil and gas deposits, fortifying the northern sea borders, and improving the weather forecasting. The congress also envisages UArctic rector and student forums, workshops for young scientists, academic discussions and other events.

The congress will gather scientific celebrities and prominent political and community activists: Professor Jörn Thiede of St. Petersburg State University, Russian Academy of Sciences Corresponding Member Artur Chilingarov and Aleksi Härkönen, Finland's Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, to name but a few.

The choice of St. Petersburg State University for the congress venue is symbolical, UArctic President Lars Kullerud says. "This university has been a UArctic member for many years, and is known for its excellent education and research, as well as the discoveries and breakthroughs of its professors and alumni."

This will be the first UArctic congress. The association plans to hold such congresses once every four years.