On March 23-25, 2017, representatives of the indigenous peoples of the Russian North, Siberia and the Far East will meet on the Yamal Peninsula for an international conference to discuss the socio-economic development of the indigenous peoples in a mid-term perspective. The key priorities fixed in the Concept for the Sustainable Development of Indigenous Peoples of Russia's North, Siberia and the Far East for 2016-2025 will top the forum's agenda.

The participants will consider ways to further improve legislation in this sphere and promote closer cooperation between regions, government agencies and public associations of indigenous minorities.

The forum will bring together about 500 delegates from the indigenous peoples as well as representatives from the relevant federal ministries and departments, the Russian parliament, regional authorities, indigenous societies in Russia and abroad, and the media.

A vast cultural program is being planned. The best craftsmen from 28 regions inhabited by indigenous peoples will showcase their skills and products at an exhibit of ethnic crafts and traditional occupations of the indigenous population of the Russian North, Siberia and the Far East parallel to the conference.

The forum is organized under the auspices of the Russian Association of the Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East in cooperation with the government of the Yamal-Nenets Region. The association's chairperson will present a report on its activities in 2013-2016. The delegates will approve a new version of the association's charter and elect executive bodies for 2017-2021.