Retaining and attracting young people to Russia’s northern regions is a national priority, said Sergei Novikov, Head of the Presidential Directorate for Public Projects, speaking at the 4th All-Russian Youth Forum-Festival The Arctic – The Ice Has Broken.

According to Novikov, concrete steps have been taken to make the North not only accessible, but also appealing as a place to work, live comfortably, start a family and raise children. Incentives are available for young families, including government support covering 30-35 percent% of the estimated cost of purchasing or building a home, preferential mortgage rates, as well as a range of allowances and benefits for families with children. “For a long time, earning a decent salary in these areas required several years of service. Today, however, young people under the age of 35 who move to the Far North or equivalent regions are entitled to regional salary bonuses from their very first day on the job,” Novikov said. “These opportunities cover a wide variety of professions and specializations.”

He emphasized that ensuring young people remain in or move to the North – regions rich not only in natural resources but also in human potential – is a key priority set out in the Russian Youth Policy Strategy through 2030.

“Young specialists invited by employers can be provided with social housing or accommodation from a company housing pool,” Novikov added. “And for those who choose to study at local educational institutions, regional advanced training programs are in place to accelerate their professional adaptation at northern enterprises, with guaranteed employment upon completion.”

He also noted that many northern regions, such as Yugra, have addressed the shortage of kindergarten and school places by building modern educational facilities. These include swimming pools, hockey rinks and gyms that are open not only to children, but to adult residents of the surrounding neighborhoods as well.