Ekaterina Serova: «The Transarctic Transport Corridor Will Promote Sustainable Network Development of the World»

On July 20, 2026, Ekaterina Serova, Director of the International Department of the Project Office for Arctic Development (PORA), took part in the International Arctic Scientific Forum in Norilsk. During her speech, she presented PORA’s integrated approach to the development of Russia’s Arctic zone and the Transarctic Transport Corridor (TTC), with particular emphasis on the interconnection between transport development, ecology, and international cooperation.

According to her, PORA experts view the development of Russia’s Arctic zone and the Transarctic Transport Corridor as a unified systemic task. Its goal is to strengthen the socio-economic development of the Arctic, Siberia, and the Far East by expanding the infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route and the associated inland waterways. At the same time, the Transarctic Transport Corridor is understood as a single strategically significant system of national and international routes.

The development of this system is impossible without an integrated approach. Alongside the modernization of transport and logistics infrastructure, it is necessary to develop energy and digital solutions, ensure environmental protection and climate adaptation, and create conditions for the sustainable development of Arctic communities.

Special attention must be paid to the environmental component. Priorities include the elimination of accumulated environmental damage, restoration of disturbed lands and Arctic ecosystems, reduction of marine and river pollution, preservation of biodiversity, adaptation of infrastructure and settlements to permafrost thawing, development of environmental monitoring, and scaling up comprehensive conservation programs.

«Along the Northern Sea Route and the Transarctic Transport Corridor, a new vertical axis of spatial development is taking shape. If in the past the Mediterranean gave the world ancient civilization, the Baltic – urban self-governance and early capitalism, the Atlantic – the era of colonialism and industrialization, and the Pacific – globalization and the post-industrial world, then the Arctic Ocean will become the space for a new paradigm – sustainable network development. It is here that the next center of global development may emerge, based on cooperation, territorial connectivity, and long-term sustainable growth. The success of the Northern Sea Route depends on long-term political will, economic interest, and the readiness of countries to cooperate. History shows that new transport routes are created through the strategic vision of leaders, not solely by market forces,» said Ekaterina Serova.

The International Arctic Scientific Forum, organized by the Polar State University jointly with Norilsk Nickel, brought together scientists, educators, researchers, representatives of specialized organizations, graduate students, and undergraduates. The central themes of the scientific program included permafrost, climate, and environmental research, as well as practical solutions for the sustainable development of the Arctic. In addition, participants discussed the development of education in northern regions and prospects for international cooperation in the Arctic. Leading experts from Russia and China took part in the forum, which facilitated the exchange of experience and discussion of current directions for the development of Arctic science and international cooperation.