Business programme 2022

of the Russian Investment Forum
Transforming Business with ESG All around the world, the incorporation of ESG into business strategies is emerging as a new standard for companies and a guarantee of successful business. The pandemic has accelerated the process of transformation, with the ESG transition taking ...
All around the world, the incorporation of ESG into business strategies is emerging as a new standard for companies and a guarantee of successful business. The pandemic has accelerated the process of transformation, with the ESG transition taking hold at the state and commercial levels. The first positive changes in terms of redirecting production towards more environmentally friendly activities are already being observed. Furthermore, some analysts believe that companies ignoring sustainable development and CSR will encounter serious difficulties over the next few years. Is there really a way out of the COVID crisis through the ‘green door’, which is to say through the integration of environmental and social solutions into large-scale economic recovery projects? What regulatory policies and management methods can help Russia to improve productivity and competitiveness by adopting green principles?
The Low-Carbon Economy: Where Do We Go from Here? In recent years, a wide range of countries have adopted priority initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and are on the lookout for solutions. Russia has already taken important steps towards developing a low-carbon economy. Notably, a Presid...
In recent years, a wide range of countries have adopted priority initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and are on the lookout for solutions. Russia has already taken important steps towards developing a low-carbon economy. Notably, a Presidential Decree has been adopted, stipulating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 70% of 1990 levels by 2030, taking into account economic growth and an increase in the absorptive capacity of forests. Furthermore, a strategy for low-carbon development to 2050 has been approved and a key climate law on restricting greenhouse gas emissions has been signed. What are the next steps that should be taken, given the importance of achieving sustainable development in the country alongside balanced economic development? What are the prospects for developing green energy in Russia and what support measures are needed?
How the Pandemic Has Affected Urban Development Cities around the world have had to adopt various measures in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected almost all areas of life in metropolises. At the same time, many city administrations have been able to take full advantag...
Cities around the world have had to adopt various measures in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected almost all areas of life in metropolises. At the same time, many city administrations have been able to take full advantage of the situation by rolling out transformations that aim to minimize the negative consequences of the pandemic while also laying the foundations for the future sustainable development of cities and improvements to safety and comfort for urban residents. How will Russian cities develop in the post-pandemic reality? What positive lessons have been learned from the crisis?
Investing in People and Culture A country’s human capital is created through investing in upbringing, education, culture, public health, improving professional skills, standards of living and quality of life of the population, science, knowledge and entrepreneurialism. What is i...
A country’s human capital is created through investing in upbringing, education, culture, public health, improving professional skills, standards of living and quality of life of the population, science, knowledge and entrepreneurialism. What is its impact on our lives and why is it desirable to increase it? What is the economic return on investing in people and culture?
Improving Living Conditions on a Regional Level: A Human Perspective There are various federal and regional programmes in place in Russia today to improve housing conditions. How effective are they proving to be in the regions? What needs to be done so that people can access affordable and comfortable housing?
There are various federal and regional programmes in place in Russia today to improve housing conditions. How effective are they proving to be in the regions? What needs to be done so that people can access affordable and comfortable housing?
Investment in Infrastructure as a Driver of the Regional Economy The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the different levels of resilience of various urban and national economies, with some paralysed by the new threat while others have raced ahead, leaving lockdowns behind with increased investment and prod...
The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the different levels of resilience of various urban and national economies, with some paralysed by the new threat while others have raced ahead, leaving lockdowns behind with increased investment and production. How can the economies of federal subjects be made to operate independently of external shocks, and what tools for diversifying and expanding development project portfolios have proven to be the most effective? How do large-scale infrastructure projects affect investment activity trends and how can the ratio of private and public investment be effectively managed? What tools to help the regions have been created and are they effective?
How the Sharing Economy Benefits the Urban Environment The sharing economy is based on the collective use (through rent or barter) of any resource, rather than its ownership, and can apply to anything from housing and offices to cars and parking spaces, and even knowledge and skills. According to the ...
The sharing economy is based on the collective use (through rent or barter) of any resource, rather than its ownership, and can apply to anything from housing and offices to cars and parking spaces, and even knowledge and skills. According to the Russian Association for Electronic Communications (RAEC), the market volume of Russia’s sharing economy exceeded RUB 769 million by the end of 2019, showing a year-on-year increase of almost 50%. Having since soared to new heights, the sharing economy is now a hot trend that is already transforming into an independent economic model and is exerting a huge influence on the urban environment and human life. The pandemic did not reverse the trend towards mindful consumption, and in fact only strengthened it, with the lockdown driving growth in temporary purchases. Furthermore, the consolidation of the habit for ordering deliveries has made it possible to expand participation in the sharing economy geographically. Initially, Russia’s sharing economy developed most rapidly in the major cities, but the pandemic has jump-started the regions. Will the trend for increased sharing in the regions continue after restrictions are lifted? What positive and negative effects does the sharing economy have on the liveability of the urban environment?
Breathing, Not Suffocating: Is It the Responsibility of Business to Reduce Emissions? In Russia, thousands of citizens complain regularly about ‘black sky’ events. The Clean Air federal project is set to be expanded to dozens of Russian cities, but by 2024 the 12 dirtiest cities in the country will have to reduce emissions by 20%. ...
In Russia, thousands of citizens complain regularly about ‘black sky’ events. The Clean Air federal project is set to be expanded to dozens of Russian cities, but by 2024 the 12 dirtiest cities in the country will have to reduce emissions by 20%. How can this be achieved? What support measures are needed? Is business willing to invest in modernization and install monitoring devices on a voluntary basis?
How Carbon Regulation Can Boost Regional Climate Projects An experiment to create Russia’s first carbon trading system is now underway in Sakhalin. The region will inventorize greenhouse gas emissions and absorption, set emission quotas and introduce extensive carbon reporting. The region should achieve ...
An experiment to create Russia’s first carbon trading system is now underway in Sakhalin. The region will inventorize greenhouse gas emissions and absorption, set emission quotas and introduce extensive carbon reporting. The region should achieve carbon neutrality as early as 2025. How will the system for trading carbon units be implemented? Are the regions ready to scale up the project? How will companies reduce their carbon footprint?
The National Clean-Up Effort to Improve the Environment in the Regions: Problems and Solutions Russia has launched a ‘clean up’ of its land and seas. Over the coming decade, Russian regions will have to phase out hazardous industrial plants, recover sunken ships and clear away unauthorized landfill. How can we target waste ‘hot spots’ witho...
Russia has launched a ‘clean up’ of its land and seas. Over the coming decade, Russian regions will have to phase out hazardous industrial plants, recover sunken ships and clear away unauthorized landfill. How can we target waste ‘hot spots’ without creating even more waste? What can help Russian regions to complete this clean up? How can facility owners be held accountable for the environmental damage that has accumulated?