IGF 2024 Lightning Talk #117 Digital North: Sustainable Arctic infrastructure

    National Research University Higher School of Economics
    Alim Khapov, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Technical Community, Eastern European Group

    Speakers

    Umirbek Abdullaev, Youth Envoy, ITU Generation Connect, Asia-Pacific Group
    Milos Jovanovic, OpenLink Group, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Yuri Lindre, Skoltech, Technical Community, Eastern European Group

    Onsite Moderator

    Alim Khapov

    Rapporteur

    Alim Khapov

    SDGs

    7.2
    9.1
    11.4
    13.2
    15.1


    Targets: The lighting talk proposal highly resonates with the SDG targets that emphasize the importance of sustainable development, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, environmental protection, climate action, and ecosystem conservation (7.2, 9.1, 13.2 ,15.1).

    In regards to the development of digital infrastructure in the Arctic region it is also noteworthy to mention that it is necessary to balance economic activities with environmental preservation and preservation of the Arctic as the common natural heritage (11.4).

    Format

    Lightning talks are short-form talks, which are unlike traditional conference presentations, panels, or lectures. Each speaker gets five minutes and must use a limited number of PowerPoint slides. The main goal is to spark new conversations and collaborations across disciplines with fast-paced presentations.

    Duration (minutes)
    30
    Description

    Today, work is underway to create an energy infrastructure in the Arctic, data processing centres are being built in Russia, Island, Canada and other countries of the Arctic circle. Moreover some nations are developing transarctic submarine fiber-optic communication lines. These are only the first steps in creation of a basic telecommunications infrastructure that is aimed at socio-economic development of the region. The question is will this development ensure sustainable implementation of digital infrastructure and preservation of the sensitive ecosystem of the region?

    To make the session more engaging presenters will prepare limited number of presentation slides with infographics and factual information. It is expected that each speaker will have approximately 4 minutes and the rest of the talk will be dedicated to the dialogue with attendees. Online audience will have the same opportunities to engage and ask questions, comment on the presentations, as it will be moderator's responsibility to facilitate an inclusive hybrid meeting.