On May 20, 2016, the Association of Polar Explorers interregional public organization will hold Polar Explorer Day celebrations in Moscow. The organization is headed by Artur Chilingarov, special presidential representative for international cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctic.

The events will bring together government officials, members of public organizations, and veteran Arctic explorers involved in professional and public activities to develop the Russian Arctic.

The celebrations will include a meeting of the Council of the Association of Polar Explorers interregional public organization, which is made up of heads of Russian strategic companies, scientific and educational institutions, statespersons and public figures. On the agenda will be the preparations for the Association of Polar Explorers conference that will take place in December 2016.

Polar Explorer Day dates back to the North Pole-1 drifting station, which became operational on May 21, 1937, headed by Ivan Papanin. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order establishing the holiday in 2013.

Today, there are two million Arctic explorers who live in the Arctic regions and have dedicated their lives to professional activities and serving the Arctic.

Polar Explorer Day events will start on May 20, 2016, at 4 pm in Arbat Concert Hall at 21 Novy Arbat Street. For media accreditation, please contact Yekaterina Zhilyayeva at +7 911 905 2043 or press@aspolrf.ru.