Focus on communities: Nornickel inks agreement with Ethnic Affairs Agency at Arctic Forum

Nornickel has signed a strategic agreement at the International Arctic Forum in a bid to improve the quality of life for Arctic communities.

The agreement, concluded with Russia’s Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs (FAEA), extends cooperation in supporting indigenous peoples. This initiative highlights the human-centric approach of the forum, titled "People in the Arctic," and reaffirms Nornickel’s role as a key investor in the sustainable development of northern territories.

The new agreement with the Agency allocates 25.5 million rubles (roughly $300,000) to fund initiatives in 2025. These funds will support key projects to empower and develop the potential of indigenous communities.

One of the major social projects backed by the company under the agreement is the “National Competitive Educational Program: Indigenous Peoples of Russia. School of Public Diplomacy”. This program, implemented by MGIMO (Russia’s Foreign Affairs University) for several years with Nornickel’s support, aims to enhance the expertise of indigenous peoples.

"For us, the priority in the Arctic is people. By partnering with the state to develop Arctic territories, we aim to enhance the quality of life for northern residents and preserve the unique culture of indigenous peoples. Our long-term program has proven the effectiveness of public-private collaboration for local communities," commented Nikolai Utkin, Nornickel First Vice President.