​​Over 700 delegates from 27 Russian regions and 14 countries gathered in Krasnoyarsk. For the first time, a large-scale International Forum of Indigenous Peoples is being held in Siberia, at the National Centre "RUSSIA" on the Yenisey River.

Delegations representing the peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East, as well as international guests from Mexico, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, and Armenia, arrived in the capital of the Krasnoyarsk Region.

Anatoly Seryshev, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Siberian Federal District, conveyed President Putin's greetings to the forum participants, relaying how important the event is to our country and how Mr President believes it is going to become a significant contribution to strengthening humanitarian cooperation in Eurasia and the world as a whole.

The heads of diplomatic missions of Mexico and Ethiopia also addressed the participants. The ambassadors expressed confidence that the solutions developed in Krasnoyarsk will influence the global agenda for preserving traditional ways of life.

The business programme opened with a plenary session entitled "Sustainable Development of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples in the Context of Climate Change and Biodiversity." Experts discussed the preservation of traditional environmental knowledge, ecosystem protection, and improving the effectiveness of environmental conservation efforts.

The 21st International Exhibition and Fair "Treasures of the North. Craftsmen and Artists of Russia" opened as part of the Forum, which is timed to coincide with the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. This marks the first time it has been held outside of Moscow. The Interregional Youth Forum of Indigenous Peoples of the North, "Siberian Argysh," is also taking place on the sidelines of the event.