Welcome Address:
- Viacheslav Fetisov – UN Goodwill Ambassador, Chair of All-Russian Society for Nature Conservation
- Vladimir Mau – Rector of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration
Expert Club of the Ecumene Global Forum is currently a key discussion platform for dealing with the main issues of long-term sustainable development of the world economy, harmonization and improvement of the financial agenda, development of new approaches to the implementation of crucial tasks in the climate action direction and other significant international sustainable development initiatives.
In the season 2022—2024, 65 expert meetings were held, with more than 450 speakers participating in the discussions, a total reach of announcements and publications amounts to 1,150,000, and total amount of online views to 1,000,000.
October 21, 2022, 3 pm MSK
Energy of the Future
Welcome Address:
November 14, 2022, 10 am MSK
Discussion Sessions at the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27)
Ecumene 2022: Global Financial Forum was held in Moscow on September 28-30, 2022.
As a follow-up to the Forum, on November 14, 2022, UN Goodwill Ambassador Viacheslav Fetisov and Gazprombank JSC, with the support of BloomGroup Company and the International and Comparative Law Research Center, organized discussion sessions at the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27).
In 2022 COP27 took place under the chairmanship of Egypt in the coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh from November 7 to 18. The goal of the COP27 was to implement actions in line with previous agreements in all areas related to climate change, with a focus on protecting people from the immediate effects of climate change, ensuring that no one was left behind.
The Egyptian Presidency of COP27 pointed to the need first and foremost to meet current financial commitments with a total financial target of $100 billion and a doubling of global adaptation funding, and to adopt overall global financing ambitions to ensure long-term, sustainable, and effective action on climate change.
The agenda emphasized comprehensive actions to combat climate change by further reducing emissions and addressing climate change adaptation to save lives and livelihoods.
COP27 focused on how the world planned to pay for the cost of combating climate change, which is estimated to be $125 trillion by 2050.
The results of all discussion sessions will be sent to the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and to the President of the Russian Federation.
NOVEMBER 29, 2022, 10 AM MSK
2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27): Main Results
The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) was held from November 6 to 18, 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh under the chairmanship of Egypt. The aim of COP27 is to implement actions in line with previous agreements in all areas related to climate change, with a focus on protecting people from the immediate effects of climate change, ensuring that no one is forgotten.
The results of the Conference of the Parties were presented and discussed at the round table of the Ecumene Discussion Club which was held on November 29th, 2022 at the UN House in Moscow.
December 23, 2022, 10 AM MSK
Carbon Exchanges and Carbon Markets
Climate agenda is an important factor of the global development. In today's reality of transition to a green economy, the issue of effective business is related to its climate profile: carbon footprint, the company's climate strategy, reduction and compensation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from production activities.
Trading in quotas and carbon units is an effective mechanism for limiting GHG emissions and compensating for carbon footprint.
At present there are already 26 systems of trading in GHG emissions in the world, and a segment of the voluntary carbon market is actively developing. In addition, market mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement are expected to be launched soon.
In this regard, it is extremely important to form a reliable, transparent, sustainable national infrastructure of carbon trading. This is primarily the creation of an ‘ideal’ national market through the development of a system of quotas for GHG emissions in a pilot mode, the implementation of climate projects at a methodological level in line with the world's leading practices.
Welcome Speech:
JANUARY 26, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Round Table on Science and Education Dedicated to the Day of Russian Science
As part of the development and discussion of the ideas raised at the Ecumene Global Financial Forum, and in order to create and develop an expert community interested in receiving and exchanging relevant information about iconic trends in the country and abroad, it is necessary to pay particular attention to the key role of the science and education playing in this agenda as the most important sources of information and knowledge.
Science and education connect and unite society, generations and countries, promote communication between people and create opportunities for building an unprecedented, constructive, systemic dialogue.
In continuation of the Students Day in Russia and approaching the Day of Russian Science an open and constructive dialogue was held at the Discussion Club meeting, which became a significant contribution to the most important component of the long-term national security strategy of our country in the context of the development of the global agenda of sustainable development.
FEBRUARY 13, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Crypto- and Digital Currencies
In terms of the development and improvement of human well-being, it should be noted that national banking systems in various countries play a key role in this process, which is increasingly influenced by technological innovations that can return reliance on the financial sector of the economy.
In the last few years, a completely new class of financial assets has appeared: cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Etherium, as well as digital currencies, which have the potential to change the entire financial sector of the global economy.
It is necessary to be very clear about the real possibilities of cryptocurrencies and digital currencies, including the economic consequences of their emergence and use.
Technologies based on digital currencies and distribution registries allow the development of a new system of international settlements, actively contributing to the development and preservation of the stability of financial markets, creating space for building an unprecedented, constructive, systemic, international dialogue.
We looked at cryptocurrencies versus traditional finance and got an idea of how startups, financial institutions, large technology companies, central banks and governments adapt to its emergence.
‘Based on digital currency technologies and distributed registries, it is possible to create a new system of international payments, and much more convenient, But at the same time completely safe for participants and completely independent of banks and third-party interference,’ the President of the Russian Federation.
FEBRUARY 20, 2023 , 10 AM MSK
Economics of
Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions: Main
Results of the UN Biodiversity Conference
(COP15)
Nature is decaying at an unprecedented rate in the history of mankind. About one million species of flora and fauna are already on the brink of extinction. Many animals and plants, as well as entire ecosystems, could be lost without a trace in the coming decades.
Biodiversity allows nature to be productive, sustainable and adaptable. Diversity in a portfolio of financial assets reduces risk and uncertainty, increasing potential returns, just as diversity in a portfolio of natural assets increases nature's resilience to shocks, reducing risks of natural disasters. When biodiversity declines, nature and humanity suffer first and foremost.
What is needed is a financial and legal system that directs investment (public and private) into economic activities that increase our stock of natural assets and encourage sustainable consumption and production.
Massive investments in nature-based solutions will help us address biodiversity loss and contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and adaptation, not to mention broader economic benefits, including job creation.
In December 2022, Canada hosted the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, where the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted. The historic agreement has a double name, because the negotiations for its development took place in two stages, beginning in Kunming, China, and ending in Montreal.
The Global Biodiversity Framework is a roadmap for living in harmony with nature.
March 8, 2023
The Role of Environmental Track in HR Enrolment for the Medium and High Level Civil Servants in the Russian Federation
The UN Strategy for the Sustainable Development of countries is a call to action. It seeks to improve the well-being and protection of our planet. Countries admit that measures to eradicate poverty must go hand in hand with efforts to increase economic growth and address a range of issues in education, health, social protection and employment, and to combat climate change and protect the environment. The time has come to consider what the future of the global economy will look like.
Today, environmental and ecological issues are increasingly affecting daily life, economics, politics, and culture. It is necessary to pay special attention to the development of new educational programs for both students and adult students to prepare the highest managerial and human resources for the Russian regions, it is necessary to develop proposals for the development of research, scientific, technological and innovation activities.
The produced solutions will help overcome the challenges of developing a sustainable economy, responsible finance, energy transition and transformation.
It is critical not only to find and develop talents, but also to help everyone find their place in life and apply their own unique skills and abilities, increasing the well-being of all.
Crucial is the initiation and implementation of educational programs to create a mechanism for HR training in developing of sustainable economy, responsible finance and environmental protection, the formation of environmental awareness of the youth, the development of training systems for regional and major companies in our country, and the education of professionals capable of promoting the further development and strengthening the environmental and technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation.
MARCH 13, 2023, 11 AM MSK
Sport and Sustainable Development
Through a strong aspiration to bring people closer together, the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) inspire people to take global action for the development of all humanity, including in the sphere of sport.
Sport is essential for sustainable development. The growing role of sport in achieving inclusive development and peace, in promoting respect and tolerance, and the contribution it makes to the empowerment of women and youth, individuals and communities, to health, education and social inclusion must be highlighted.
Sport has a long history of bringing people together and supporting ‘Sport for Peace’ initiatives at major global sporting and recurring mass events. These initiatives help sport maximize its potential in achieving the UN SDGs.
Regular participation in sport and physical activities provide various social benefits and improve health. Not only does it have a direct impact on physique, but it also teaches children and youth to make healthy lifestyle choices, helping them to stay active and fight non-communicable diseases.
In addition, sport can be used as a meaningful tool to prevent conflict and build lasting peace, using sport and its universal ability to transcend individual cultures and unite the entire world.
The tremendous positive power and passion of sport will continue to bring people together, contributing to a more inclusive and peaceful world through its universal values and principles. Historically, sport has played an important role in all societies and has served as a powerful platform for building bridges of communication that must be used to promote a culture of peace.
Sport is and will continue to be one of the most cost-effective and universal tools for advancing the purposes and values of the United Nations.
MARCH 17, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Human Ecology
The COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical turbulence have not changed the world's global tracks existing over the past 20 years.
The Millennium Development Goals, which covered the period up to 2015, included a limited set of specific disease targets; the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which succeeded them, are significantly broader in scope. In particular, they include the large scale goal ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages’ and call for full health coverage of the population.
To meet the SDG targets before 2030, the current pace of progress is unsatisfactory, and the additional risks set by the COVID-19 pandemic are impeding countries' adherence to the SDG timetable.
Speaking about the development and improvement of human well-being, it should be noted that the key role in this process is the preservation of everyone’s health, which has recently been increasingly affected by the changing environment, technological innovation, and the increasing role of science and education.
Approaching the World Health Day, the Discussion Club, with the support of the Russian Academy of Sciences, held a round table ‘Human Ecology’.
MARCH 22, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Round Table on Water and Blue Economy Dedicated to the World Water Day
Blue Transformation investments can dramatically alter a country's plans for transitioning to a sustainable economy that can provide long-term economic opportunity, improved health and food, safety, reduced emissions, improved biodiversity and ecosystem services, and increased resilience to climate impacts and other future convulsions.
Innovative financing will be playing a crucial role in making these changes a reality in budget-constrained countries.
Achieving a sustainable and equitable ‘blue recovery’ will require closer collaboration between the public and private sectors. Such a transition can achieve many of the Sustainable Development Goals.
It is necessary to make nature the cornerstone of economic and social recovery plans. Investing in protecting the natural areas, plants, and animals that thrive there will bring us one step closer to the healthy, stable, and prosperous world envisioned by our shared 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Integrated management of a sustainable, blue economy should be the basis for any long-term political, social, or economic decisions.
APRIL 17, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Environment of Artificial Intelligence
Projects and proposals developed using Artificial Intelligence can positively and negatively impact the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It is necessary to promote the positive use of Artificial Intelligence for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and to explore the potential for its negative impact.
Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly evolving field that is changing the way businesses operate. As it has already begun to impact various industries, business professionals are interested in learning how to implement it in their organizations.
But first, what is Artificial Intelligence? Simply defined, it is the process of programming a computer to make decisions on its own. This makes Artificial Intelligence a vast and complex field with many different applications and methods.
Its use provides a powerful competitive advantage in business and is increasingly becoming a priority for managers and executives, helping to unlock business potential when developing strategies and implementing them effectively.
It is necessary to focus on the managerial implications of Artificial Intelligence and some technical aspects in order to develop the most effective strategies to integrate it into daily business operations and use the findings in long-term sustainability planning.
APRIL 20, 2023, 12 PM MSK
Technology and Human Vulnerability
For the most part of the last 50 years, technology has known its place. We've all spent a lot of time with technology: driving to work, flying on airplanes, using phones and computers, cooking in the microwave. But until five years ago, technology seemed like an outside, accessory. These days, we are beginning to get engaged in research that determines what technology does to us as well as what it does for us.
On the Internet, people create imaginary personalities in virtual worlds and play out parallel lives for hours. Children become attached to artificial animals that beg for their care and affection. A new generation reflects on the lives of their computers, thinking of their glasses as monitors and their bodies as elements of cyborg-like personalities. Filmmakers reflect our fears about these developments, real and inevitable.
Today we are not yet faced with humanoid robots demanding our affection, or evolved parallel universes such as The Matrix. Nevertheless, we are increasingly concerned with the virtual realities we are now experiencing. People in chat rooms are blurring the lines between their online and offline lives, and there is every reason to believe that in the future robots will express feelings and moods. What will it mean for humans when their primary daily companion becomes a robotic dog? Or a hospital patient when his nurse is built in the robotic form? Both as consumers and as businessmen, we need to take a closer look at the psychological implications of the technologies we use today and the innovations that are just around the corner.
APRIL 24, 2023, 10 AM MSK
#MotoCountry 2023
There are two reasons for choosing a two-wheeled vehicle. On the one hand, it provides better mobility in heavy, especially urban, traffic, so it is a unique opportunity not to stand for hours in traffic jams.
On the other hand, riding a motorcycle is often perceived as a passion and a special pleasure.
Motorcycling is an inspiration. It's an escape from reality: a pleasure, a sense of freedom and just a fantastic way to travel...
Whether you're riding in a big American car with a leather jacket like in Hollywood movies, or on a German trail bike with equipment that can withstand even the most extreme trekking, or maybe you rush forward to meet the wind, on a motorcycle that will allow you to cross Europe with someone easily...
Whatever the style, there is one thing in common: everyone shares a love for a two-wheeled friend! If you've never ridden a motorcycle before, ask a neighbor, cousin or just an acquaintance to give you a ride. You'll understand the magic of riding a motorcycle! It doesn't matter the power or the top speed. The pleasure of the road, the scenery, the feel of the wind, the smells...
You see the world differently under the helmet visor. Highway or country road, curves or a straight arrow of highway, you will be subdued by the sensations.
In Russia today motorcycle movement is one of the most active, united by a common ideology. A unique community of people with an active lifestyle and certain time-tested principles.
A motorcycle is a unique lens through which we look at our wonderful world.
A motorcycle is a person's quest to understand how to live; it's traveling with the wind on the roads of true enjoyment.
APRIL 25, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Sustainable Development of Small Towns
Restricted administrative and territorial entities are outposts of Russia in the literal and figurative sense.
These are the centers of development, defense, and technological independence of our country. Given their specifics, they have historically been a concentration of unique skills, intellectual and human capital. Therefore, one of the priority tasks of development and functioning of these towns has always been to provide the population with an appropriate level of security and social infrastructure.
Increased social and infrastructural support of these towns is not a goal in itself, but a way to preserve and develop the high human and technological capital historically accumulated in these unique places.
There are towns dedicated to space and science development, there are other centers of high technology, military, and civil ones. The main thing is concentrated there: the human potential. These people are our country's hope to regain global scientific and technological leadership.
It is necessary to pay special attention to the strategy of these towns growth and create appropriate conditions for their long-term sustainable development as territories of government’s interests, within the framework of ensuring national security and technological leadership as well as sovereignty of the Russian Federation.
APRIL 27, 2023
Sustainable Reporting
Over the past 20 years, many far seeing scientists, consultants, CEOs, and leaders of nongovernmental organizations have promoted a theory explaining how private, public, and government entities can thrive by pursuing a more environmentally and socially responsible agenda.
Since the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, the world has seen an increase in commitments to carbon neutrality from non-state entities, especially from the financial sector, as well as local governments and regions.
The growth of applications has been accompanied by the proliferation of different levels of criteria reliability and benchmarks used to develop uniform carbon-free rules of the game. Investing according to environmental, social and governance principles (ESG metrics) has become one of the main areas of financial track discussed at recent Conferences of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Sustainable development of organizations/government has become a science, with more and more scientific articles and studies being published on it. As a consequence, the possibility of integrating sustainability science into new economic policies is being discussed at the highest level.
The obsession with shareholder greed has served executives and investors well but has left the younger generation with staggering consequences. It includes environmental degradation and pollution, loss of biodiversity, income inequality, and risks associated with the issue of climate change. In order to pass on a better world to the next generations than they themselves inherited, private and public sector leaders must advocate for systemic structural changes based on science and legislation that will allow them to focus on more than just the financial performance of the next quarter.
The sustainability reporting landscape in 2023 is more complex than ever. Private businesses face the challenge of balancing the interests of government, their shareholders, employees, customers, and the entire community.
MAY 3, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Sustainable Wildlife Management
According to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) is responsible management of wildlife species to maintain their populations and habitats over time, taking into account social and economic needs of populations.
We need to create a sustainable future for animals so that sustainable development could result in positive changes in the wildlife around us, and reduce our impact on the environment for future generations.
Our planet has undergone dramatic changes over the past century: population growth, habitat destruction, and resulting climate change have put tremendous pressure on ecosystems. Humans are not separate from nature; we are part of nature, so we must reduce our impact on the environment, it would be a benefit not only for nature, but for ourselves as well. Reducing our impact is the basis of global sustainable human development.
As humans, we play an important role in wildlife and the control of different species; it is important that we take future generations into consideration so that humans and wildlife can coexist peacefully together.
MAY 11, 2023, 12 PM MSK
Islamic Finance
Addressing the issues associated with Global Sustainability Model it is important to significantly increase funding, and special attention will be required for topics related to poverty, social inequality, and environmental degradation, which governments alone simply cannot address. Even before the COVID-19, nations faced a trillion-dollar annual funding gap to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The pandemic only intensified this funding gap, which was particularly acute for emerging economies.
Islamic finance, with global assets of $4 trillion in 2021 and a projected compound annual growth rate of 8% through 2025, could be an important non-standard source of funding for the UN SDGs. Given its expanding geographic presence in Asia and the Middle East, and high growth potential in South America and Europe, Islamic finance is a promising but untapped source of financing for the SDGs.
Islamic finance promotes value-based investments with a broad understanding of the relationship between society and business that promotes an inclusive financial system. Islamic finance increasingly supports socially responsible investments and ethical financing.
Islamic finance adheres to the high ethical standards set forth in Islamic law and considers the well-being of all stakeholders, society at large, and the environment when making financial decisions. They support the general public interests by minimizing harm, a key guiding principle for Islamic finance transactions.
In the Russian Federation, a bill to experiment with the introduction of Islamic banking in the country was adopted by the State Duma in its first reading in December 2022 and is now undergoing additional necessary discussions and approvals.
MAY 15, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Cybersecurity
The digital landscape is constantly changing under new emerging potential threats. A risk mitigation strategy in information security sphere defines an organization's overall approach to business, operational, reputational, legal and compliance risks. It allows the organization to prioritize its risks so that it can rationally and systematically allocate its resources to address major information security threats.
The structure and content of each organization's risk management strategy will vary depending on its size, budget and type of activity. The risks to which the organization is exposed and the actions to be taken to minimize those risks cannot be accurately defined unless the organization gathers all available information and analyzes all potential risks in the industry in which it operates.
This approach also allows for the definition of long-term action plans and the assignment of these plans implementation responsibility to specific individuals. Based on the complexities associated with implementing a risk mitigation strategy and information security issues, the organization should appoint a leader with the necessary skills and experience to address potential problems.
Information security management has become an integral part of organizations' long-term business strategy, a personal responsibility of key operations managers, executives and board members responsible for a successful, sustainable business future. It is critical that senior executives and Boards of Directors work together as a team on issues related to information security.
Information security has a key impact on an organization's ability to remain resilient in a dynamic, constantly evolving and changing digital space.
May 22, 2023, 12 PM MSK
Russia – India: Current Challenges and Perspectives
The current geopolitical changes indicate the beginning of a new era in the development of international relations.
BRICS (an association of five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) pays particular attention to strengthening economic integration and the development of economic operations.
Particular attention is paid to the creation of the BRICS+ association.
Mutually respectful and beneficial cooperation between Russia and India becomes more and more important. The agenda of expanding and deepening the partnership between these countries now acquires a global strategic character.
Russia and India are facing unique opportunities as well as new challenges.
India will host the G-20 in September this year, and the BRICS summit in 2024 will take place in Kazan, Russia, due to Russia's forthcoming presidency.
MAY 25, 2023
Round Table on Net Zero Transition on the Sidelines of the X Nevsky International Ecological Congress
In recent years, the concept of the Paris climate agreement has become mainstream. We are seeing a huge increase in commitments by individual countries to achieve carbon neutrality.
The private sector can act on its own, but sometimes it needs the support of the public sector. The private sector cannot always direct capital independently to activities where it is needed, but where risks and profits are incompatible with its mandate. The public sector can support sustainable development initiatives that serve the public good.
In October 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the goal of achieving carbon neutrality in our country by 2060. The UN considers this to be an undeniable success and a global breakthrough.
The 26th and 27th Conferences of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change attracted much attention from big businesses and leading financial institutions in addition to representatives of countries. The key question was the sustainability and consistency of the green policy proposed by the countries.
One of the most important global vectors for further development is the need to develop common long-term rules for the involvement of the private sector to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to achieve the parameters of the Paris Agreement on climate change within them.
Governments must offer a coherent vision of the scale of change needed to achieve a sustainable economy. If the government provides a clear statement of its intention to support the transition, investors can make long-term decisions. The government can provide investors with greater clarity and awareness of the types of activities that will be supported, encouraging long-term investors, changes in pricing and capital allocation.
Addressing climate change requires maximum cooperation between governments, business community, financial sector, science, education, expert community and civil society.
Thousands of the world's largest companies, businesses, and financial institutions are setting their own carbon-neutral goals by developing decarbonization plans.
The energy transition is one of the most important components in combating the issue of climate change. Over the next ten to fifteen years, we will face a new industrial, commercial, and logistical transformation; much of this transformation will have to be done innovatively, in a new way.
MAY 29, 2023, 10 AM MSK
#CountryTourism 2023
Modern tourism is closely related to the sustainable development strategy and covers an increasing number of new areas. This dynamic has turned tourism into a key driver of social and economic progress.
Today, the volume of tourism business equals and sometimes exceeds the volume of oil, food or car exports. Tourism has become a major contributor to international trade and at the same time represents a major source of income for many countries, generating economic benefits and increasing employment in many related sectors, from construction to agriculture and telecommunications.
Sustainable tourism has a strong place in the UN 2030 Agenda. However, the outcome requires a clear implementation framework, adequate funding and investment in technology, infrastructure and human resource development.
Tourism must take full account of its current and future economic social and environmental impacts addressing the needs of visitors the industry the environment and host communities.
June 1, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Future of Science
Environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change are problems not only for the current generation, but potentially for several future generations as well.
Science must play a fundamental role in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainability values must increasingly become the empirical and theoretical object of scientific research. Scientists and public figures must participate all together in advisory meetings to reflect on existing and create new visions for long-term, successful human development.
Researchers can and should respond to the growing global public demand for science from society, business and government.
The UN is currently working on the post-2030 Agenda where a young generation of scientists will be a key element in its successful implementation.
JUNE 5, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Round Table on Sustainable Development Dedicated to the Ecologist Day
Every year since June 5, 1973, the United Nations Environment Program has held World Environment Day, the largest global platform for public awareness of ecology and the state of the environment.
Time is running out, our unique nature is at risk. To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve our annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Without urgent action, air pollution that exceeds safe limits will increase by 50 percent over the next decade, and the amount of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems will triple by 2040.
We need urgent action to address all of these pressing issues that are existential for all of humanity.
World Environment Day is the United Nations' flagship day for promoting awareness and action to preserve and protect the environment. Over the years, it has become one of the largest global platforms for public outreach, celebrated by millions of people in more than 100 countries.
This year, Côte d'Ivoire has been chosen as the host country for World Environment Day, with support from the Netherlands, and its key theme will focus on solutions to plastic pollution as part of the UN's global campaign against plastic #BeatPlasticPollution.
JUNE 7, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Russia – China: Current Challenges and Perspectives
The world is going through changes that it has not seen in the last 100 years, and a new era of international relations is beginning.
BRICS (an association of five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) pays particular attention to strengthening economic integration and the development of economic activity. More and more countries declare their desire to join BRICS+.
Russia and China are bound by strong ties of good-neighborly relations, mutual assistance, support, and friendship between our naions.
PRC President: ‘China and Russia are each other’s biggest neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner of coordination. We are both major countries in the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council. Both countries uphold an independent foreign policy and see our relationship as a high priority in our diplomacy.’
President of the Russian Federation: ‘Russia and China – a partnership looking to the future.’
Today, Russia and China are facing new unique opportunities as well as serious global challenges.
JUNE 8, 2023, 2 pm MSK
Future of Medicine
In recent years, medicine has not just stepped forward, but has become a field of amazing discoveries. Innovation has entered our lives tightly. The development and implementation of modern technology has touched many areas, from oncology and surgery to the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. Innovations are coming to public health care and completely transforming the industry. Centers are already appearing in Russia that are implementing a value-based model of medical service delivery. Digitalization in most parts make it happen, the market is reorienting towards paying for treatment outcomes rather than the volume of services. This encourages providers to increase the availability of medical care and improve its quality while reducing costs. In Russia, the field of high-tech medicine is quite young, and our growing market is still considered promising. In addition, experts see one of the distinctive features of domestic MedTech as the active participation of the state in the establishment and development of the industry. This includes the National Program ‘Digital Economy of the Russian Federation,’ one of the points of which is direct investment in digital medicine. But the Russian medical market is far from saturated, there is a demand for innovative services and products.
Questions and topics for discussion:
June 9, 2023, 4:30 IST
India – Russia: Cooperation on Sustainable Development
First Roundtable in a Series of Events.
Round table 1. Business to Business Coopera tion on ESG Matters. Sustainable Development Agenda Priorities for Russian and Indian Businesses
Recently, the trade turnover between Moscow and New Delhi has grown significantly and the parties plan to increase its volume. In November 2022, India announced plans to double the volume of trade with Russia.
The following topics were discussed:
1) Journey of Companies towards Sustainability
2) Sustainability Solutions, Learnings and Best Practices. Key Regulatory and Reporting Requirements
The working language of the event is English.
JULY 11, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Mental Sustainability in the Changing World
Human mental health is becoming a key component of any strong, sustainable society.
Governments, media, business, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations have made specific commitments to reducing the alarming rates of mental disorders. While mental health is often discussed in the context of dedicated clinical services, there is growing agreement that simply increasing access to traditional clinical mental health services, such as therapy and psychiatry, will not fully meet the current needs of the population. This is due to a number of factors, including a growing base of evidence that community members can be as effective as psychologists in providing some form of mental health support.
Mental health plays a critical role in achieving meaningful social change. While poor mental health can prevent an individual or community from taking full advantage of the existing opportunities, positive mental health can empower individuals and communities to lead and realize their own vision for long-term, successful and sustainable development.
As an invigorating internal resource, mental health can sustain the longevity of any social change that requires the continued engagement and effort of those directly involved.
JULY 12, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Gastrodiplomacy
There is another dimension that affects people and circumstances, bridging gaps between communities and encouraging the development of relationships and learning from each other. It is called gastrodiplomacy, and it plays an enormous role in the sociocultural and economic aspects of universal sustainable development.
Human beings are made up of what they eat and drink. Nations are made up of what they eat and drink. All of our ancestors were hunter-gatherers, eating plants and animals from the wild. It wasn't until the last 11,000 years or so that humans began to cultivate plants and game meat. Throughout the years of human evolution, nutritional structure determined human anatomy. The evolution of humanity continues, let us remember the appearing of new blood groups, so we are still dependent on what we eat. Moreover, what we eat today influences the direction in which humanity will evolve tomorrow.
Food, including its ingestion, is a crucial part of our cultural code. In ancient Greece the god of hospitality was Zeus, and the most heinous crime was treachery toward a guest. Throughout history, food has done more than supplying energy. In fact, it has been a catalyst for social transformation and social organization, geopolitical competition, industrial development, military conflict, and economic expansion.
Gastrodiplomacy is a complex program aimed at changing the image of a country (region), its positioning (repositioning) with the help of national (regional) cuisine.
Gastrodiplomacy uses national cuisine as an influential factor in public (cultural) diplomacy with a synergetic effect that unites food, tourism and diplomacy, both in theory and in practice. The effectiveness of this type of diplomacy is to create intercultural understanding, which in turn can lead to stronger relationships between nations and states. Gastrodiplomacy uses food to build proper communication and achieve national interests.
JULY 28, 2023
Specifics of Restricted Territories Development
It is necessary to develop a strategy for the development of housing, energy and social infrastructure of the restricted administrative and territorial entities.
It is necessary to pay special attention to the critical role of these towns within the framework of the national security strategy of our country.
The key focus should be done on careful attitude to the people who live and create in these unique cities.
These issues were discussed with the support of the Government of the region, the Regional Legislative Assembly, with the participation of Members of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, experts from Kutafin Moscow State Law University, HSE University and the Association of Restricted Administrative and Territorial Entities within the framework of updating the development strategy of the Nizhny Novgorod region until 2035.
AUGUST 3, 2023
Pacific Cuisine: Uniting Ecology and Gastronomy
The round table raised the issues of ecological production and consumption of food products, institutionalization of a new gastronomic trend ‘Pacific cuisine,’ and discussed the methodology of its formation and further development.
At present, there is no defined concept of ‘Pacific cuisine’ in the world, by analogy with the term ‘Mediterranean cuisine.’ The successful experience of the Gastrocamp Kamchatka project in 2022 showed that Kamchatka Krai has a serious potential to become the center of formation and promotion of this new international and ecological trend.
Following the results of the international Gastrocamp Kamchatka 2023 project, a working group of Russian and international experts will be created to develop the marketing concept of the ‘Pacific cuisine.’ In Kamchatka Krai it is planned to create an association for the development of Pacific cuisine with the support of the regional government and the Ecumene Discussion Club.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Sustainable Development in the Arctic
Nature has no borders, therefore, while developing the Arctic region it’s important to preserve the nature of our planet.
The strategic plan of the Arctic Council for 2021 – 2030 provides for the sustainable, social and economic development of the region, carried out with respect and respect for the environment. The region has significant natural resources, receives significant and growing number of investments in research and benefits from a large indigenous population with many thousands of years of knowledge about the prosperity of mankind in this unique part of our planet.
It should be noted that in addition to changes related to human activity, the Arctic region is changing more than any other part of our planet due to the issues of climate change.
There is a need to focus on the new scientific and policy aspects that are taking place in the region that is at the edge of climate change. By warming three times faster than the rest of the planet and rapidly turning from an ice and snow environment into a greener, more humid and warmer system, it is impossible to overstate the climate risk for Arctic social ecological systems.
It is important to strengthen international cooperation to improve the health, safety and long-term well-being of Arctic people in general and indigenous people in particular.
‘The state has been paying priority attention to the exploration and harmonious development of the Arctic,’ the President of the Russian Federation.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2023, 10 AM MSK
Food Security
As the world population continues to grow, more efforts and innovations will be required to sustainably continue to develop agricultural production, improve the global supply chain, reduce food loss and spoilage, and ensure that all who suffer from hunger and malnutrition have access to adequate and affordable, nutritious food. The international community believes it is critical that we all work together to eradicate hunger within the next generation.
The increasing role of modern trends of food insecurity and malnutrition (geopolitical conflicts, climate extremes and economic shocks), combined with the high cost of nutritious foods and growing inequalities, will continue to pose challenges to food security. This will be the case until agrifood systems are transformed, made more resilient, and provide cheaper, nutritious, affordable healthy food for all in a systemic, long-term manner.
It is necessary to stimulate complexed decision-making processes at the national and regional levels to achieve synergies and adequate trade-offs between agricultural development, water and land conservation, clean energy use, understanding of climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification.
Given the expected changes in temperature, precipitation and pests associated with climate change, the global community is called upon to increase investment in research, technology development and demonstration to improve the resilience of food systems everywhere. Improving the resilience of local food systems will be critical to preventing large-scale shortages in the future, and to ensuring food security and nutrition for all inhabitants of our planet.
September 12, 2023
Future of the Global Financial System
November 1, 2023
Restricted Territories: Building Science
There are about 40 restricted administrative and territorial entities in Russia, where unique scientific and technological competencies, intellectual and human capital of the country are concentrated.
At the Eastern Economic Forum on September 11, 2023 at the session ‘The Role of Closed Cities in Russia’s Long-Term Sustainable Development. Special Aspects of Developing Closed Cities’ representatives of authorities, nuclear industry, public organizations and mass media discussed the role of these entities in the development of the scientific and technological potential of the country, ensuring national security and technological sovereignty of the country.
At the end of the session, the participants agreed to hold discussions on the issues of these cities development on a regular systematic basis.
November 16, 2023
75 Years of Information Technologies in Russia
The term information technology appeared in the late 50s. But the technologies themselves emerged earlier. In Russia, the landmark point of reference is December 4, 1948. It was on this day that corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences Isaak Bruk and design engineer Bashir Rameev submitted to the specialized State Committee of the USSR Council of Ministers an application for the invention of an automatic digital computer.
The copyright certificate No.10475 became the first document that recorded the beginning of work on the creation of domestic computers. In the same year, the Lebedev Institute of Precision Mechanics and Computer Engineering (IPMCE) was founded, where later the famous BESM-6 machine was created. In academic institutes the creation of software for the first computers began.
Thus, informatics is the science of information technologies designed to improve the quality of life of people by increasing productivity and facilitating working conditions appeared in our country. The USSR became one of the countries that were the first to enter the computer era. The fundamental contribution to this was made by scientists of the Academy of Sciences. The history of creation of Soviet computers became a demonstration of the Academy's ability to lead in the development of new areas of science and technology.
Today, information technologies are a vital stimulus for the development of various spheres of human activity. It is impossible to imagine the future without this scientific direction. The IT industry in Russia is successfully developing. In 2022, the volume of realized goods and services grew by 22% and exceeded 2.2 trillion rubles, and software developers finished the year with the highest dynamics indicators, this segment grew by 27% compared to 2021.
The Day of National Information Technologies (December 4) symbolizes not only the importance of the industry, whose contribution to the development of the country grows every year, but also reminds of the great history of domestic science, inspiring new successes and achievements. This year IT in Russia turns 75 years old.
November 23, 2023
Achievements in Sustainable Urban Development
Sustainable development of cities is a topic that is on the agenda of all world nations that influences their key development priorities. Sustainable development strategies are now being developed at the level of countries, regions, as well as individual megacities.
Governments are implementing urban development programmes related to the creation and renovation of infrastructure, its intellectualization, acquisition of new functions by cities, transformation of their economies, and improvement of the quality of life of the population.
Russia is the driver of this agenda, the country has launched ambitious federal initiatives to create a comfortable urban environment, develop infrastructure, renovate housing stock, expand innovative and educational functions of cities, etc.
Given the importance and complexity of ensuring systemic sustainable development in a period of profound socio-economic changes, international cooperation and the creation of effective platforms for the exchange of experience play a special role.
The event is aimed at bringing together representatives of the executive authorities of Moscow and Tashkent, development institutions, integration associations and business to identify the most comprehensive approach to solving the problems of global and regional economic development, exchange of advanced experience and best practices.
November 24, 2023
Education in Sustainable Development: Russia's Contribution to the Global Agenda
Education for the benefit of sustainable development becomes not only a prerequisite for achieving SDGs, but also its key tool. Being one of the traditional and most large-scale social institutions that helps the society to function, education is transforming, and its content and form of development effectively contribute to the further survival and development of civilization.
The world crisis and global geopolitical processes that threaten the existence of mankind today have become of a planetary scale, which calls for the need for a wide use of advanced mechanisms and factors of development. Education, acting as an important component of civilizational development, reflects and transmits its main features.
It’s time when education, together with science, should be in the lead and shape this development, which will become more and more systemic and sustainable.
The responsibility for the future of humanity now lies with the present generations, and it is on their decisions that the fate of posterity depends.
How is the Russian education system integrated into the process of sustainable development, how do global trends influence the formation of the landscape of the modern education system in Russia, and what is in store for the country's education system tomorrow?
November 27, 2023
Development of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation
Forests play a critical role in maintaining our climate, our freshwater systems and soils, and our biodiversity, which are crucial for food security and other key aspects of human well-being. Forests are also critical to watersheds, carbon and clean air management, and the conservation of critical natural species and ecosystems.
Forests and forest management are not just about timber. We all know that a lack of clean water and clean air can lead to adverse social and economic impacts on communities and global economic development. But this link is not just one-way. Climate change and related negative impacts can also lead to devastating impacts on watershed health, directly affecting the water supply and other ecosystem services provided to us by our forests.
Consumers are increasingly demanding assurances that the forest products they purchase have been legally harvested, and government as well as private capital are increasingly responding to this change.
The importance of forests in maintaining the ecological foundation of our planet for sustainable green growth and improving the well-being of all humanity cannot be overestimated.
November 30, 2023
Parks, Metropolitan Ecology and Media
A sustainable city is a city designed to address negative social, environmental and economic impacts through the development of urban planning and rational urban management. Many sustainable initiatives are realized by incorporating green alternatives into urban infrastructure.
Green urbanism is defined as the practice of creating communities that are beneficial to both people and the environment. Parks bring environmental, aesthetic, and recreational benefits to our cities. They are also a source of positive economic benefits. They raise property values, increase municipal revenues, attract homebuyers and workers, and retirees. They take care of our moral and physical health.
The media play a critical role in educating and informing individuals, communities and society about sustainable development, the need for more sustainable production and consumption patterns, and encouraging them to take action.
It is our task to bring all this together to create our common comfortable and sustainable future.
The Third Global Financial Forum Ecumene 2023 was held in Moscow on September 27 – 29, 2023.
At the Forum, representatives of 31 countries discussed a wide range of topics presented within four key thematic tracks: social (towards generational transition), environmental (towards justice for all), technological (towards equitable technology) and economic (towards blue-green economy).
As a follow-up to the Forum, on December 7, 2023, the Ecumene Discussion Club hosted roundtables as part of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
In 2023, COP28 was chaired by the UAE in Dubai from November 30 to December 12.
The results of the roundtables will be sent to the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and to the President of the Russian Federation.
December 11, 2023
Culture and Sustainable Development
The transformative power of culture in ensuring social inclusion is increasingly recognized as a key factor in global sustainable development.
Culture, in all its forms, expressions and meanings, must be at the center of any transformative journey of human evolution.
Culture brings people together by creating a common identity, promoting holidays and festivals, fostering a love of art and music, creating food and cuisine, and improving language and communication.
Our culture and its long-term or short-term orientation influences our different inclinations to plan our own future, exercise a key influence on the long-term development planning of all humanity. Culture has a tremendous influence on human personality, behavior and decisions.
As we approach the upcoming New Year, the Nutcracker Ballet season and the world premiere of The Queen of Spades at the Bolshoi Theater, it is critical to discuss the unique influence of culture on the sustainable and harmonious development of the entire world.
The roundtable discussed the contribution of culture to the Sustainable Development Goals from national, regional and international perspectives, drawing on national experiences, existing policies, frameworks and mutually respectful cooperation.
December 18, 2023
2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28): Main Results
The Third Global Financial Forum Ecumene 2023 was held in Moscow on September 27 – 29, 2023.
At the Forum, representatives of 31 countries discussed a wide range of topics presented within four key thematic tracks: social (towards generational transition), environmental (towards justice for all), technological (towards equitable technology) and economic (towards blue-green economy).
As a follow-up to the Forum, on December 7, 2023, the Ecumene Discussion Club hosted roundtables as part of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) which was chaired by the UAE in Dubai from November 30 to December 12. The round table will summarize the results of this Conference of the Parties, the key United Nations event of the year.
December 20, 2023
Future of Electric Cars: Innovations, Ecology, Staff
Around the world, governments and car manufacturers are promoting electric vehicles as a key technology to curb the use of fossil fuels and combat the issue of climate change.
The benefits of electric vehicles for the ecology of our planet are undeniable. Studies have shown that electric cars are safer for the environment. They emit less greenhouse gases and air pollutants than gasoline or diesel cars.
Electric cars emit 54% less carbon dioxide pollution than gas-powered cars. And more than 14 million electric cars will be sold this year alone in comparison with 700,000 in 2016.
But as electric cars, trucks, and buses become the mass preference of the government and the public, there is a conversational question before mankind: are they really as eco-friendly as advertised?
While experts generally agree that plug-in vehicles are a greener option than traditional cars, they can still have their own impact on nature and the environment, depending on how they are charged and have been manufactured.
The main issues are: how the electricity is generated, how the raw materials are extracted to create the vehicle, and how the recycling takes place.
Electric vehicles are a huge part of the energy transition and there are so many new technologies that will make these vehicles better, more efficient and even more environmentally attractive.
Following the COP28, we will discuss the latest trends in this sector.
DECEMBER 22,2023
Active Longevity, Health Programmes and Technologies: Improving the Quality of Life of the Older Generation
Today, the whole world witnesses a rapid growth of the population of people aged 65 and over, and it happens event faster than with other age groups. While in 1950 the percentage of the population over 60 years old was only 8%, in 2019 this category amounted to 703 million people and is expected to reach 21% in 2050 (about 2.1 billion people). This is due to improvements in advanced medical technologies and the healthcare system as a whole. The rapidly increasing number of older people represents a demographic characteristic of modern life worldwide.
Taking into account the aging of the population and increasing life expectancy of the elderly, there is a need for advanced search and fundamental research in the areas of studying the mechanisms of aging and active longevity, creating conditions for increasing life expectancy, labor activity, improving health, reducing the gap in life expectancy between men and women, as well as promoting the development of the country in the context of an aging population.
We will talk about it in the Komsomolskaya Pravda studio with the country's leading experts in the sphere of longevity and health protection.
JANUARY 15, 2024
Restricted Territories are Russia’s Industrial Safety
Restricted administrative and territorial entities operate in accordance with the Law of the Russian Federation of July 14, 1992 No. 3297-1 ‘On Restricted administrative and territorial entities.’ The territory and boundaries of restricted areas are determined on the basis of a special regime of safe functioning of organizations and (or) facilities of the Ministry of Defense of Russia, the Rosatom State Corporation, the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, as well as taking into account the needs of development of settlements.
The main purpose of creating ‘closed’ cities was to ensure on their territory a high level of production and technological readiness and conditions for the protection of state secrets in the postwar period of strengthening the country's defense capability and the development of advanced military products. The best human and scientific potential of the Russian Federation was gathered in these ‘closed’ cities.
Based on the results of the events of 2023, the results of the Public Council of Rosatom, on the margins of the All-Russian Municipal Forum ‘Small Homeland – the Power of Russia’ a round table will be held with the participation of the heads of all the country's restricted territories to form a unified agenda for the development these cities for 2024.
JANUARY 19, 2024
Highly Qualified Scientific and Engineering Staff: Developing System of Continuous Training
Rosatom starts cooperation with a network of specialized training and research centers.
According to the plan they will become part of the educational ecosystem of the State Corporation and will train personnel for Rosatom's core universities and the educational core of the National Center for Physics and Mathematics in Sarov.
A meeting on ‘Highly Qualified Scientific and Engineering Staff: Developing System of Continuous Training’ was held at St. Petersburg State University and was devoted to the discussion of the development of the network and plans for their cooperation with Rosatom.
The event brought together representatives of ROSATOM, state authorities, universities, and networks.
JANUARY 25, 2024
Sustainable Tourism: Latin America
Four years after the start of the global pandemic, the travel sector is gaining momentum. In an effort to make up for lost time, a new profile of eco-travelers has emerged, those for whom environmental and ethical considerations are key factors in travel decisions and vacation destinations.
In fact, in 2023, about 70% of travelers have planned specifically sustainable tourism as their primary incentive for their trip.
Imagine a world where every traveler has a positive impact on the places they visit. Where a person can explore the wonders of our planet without harming it. This is the future of sustainable tourism.
Sustainable tourism involves being aware of our impact on the environment, local communities and culture, and choosing ways to travel that support responsible tourism and global sustainability.
In addition to the natural, cultural and culinary treasures hidden in Latin America and the Caribbean, tourism represents an important source of economic development and has the potential to become a major driver of growth, development, innovation and environmental sustainability for the entire region.
In addition, as a major economic sector (including transportation, hospitality, catering, culture, gastronomy, leisure, nature, etc.), it can also be a major driver in helping countries lead the global fight against climate change and biodiversity conservation.
Latin America is the new, powerful voice of global tourism around the world.
FEBRUARY 5, 2024
Career in the Russian Academy of Sciences
The Russian Academy of Sciences is the biggest scientific, state organization of Russia, the country's largest center of fundamental and applied scientific research on natural, technical, humanitarian, and social sciences, aimed at obtaining new knowledge about the laws of nature, society, and human development and contributing to the technological, economic, social and cultural development of the Russian Federation. RAS is called to fulfill the important mission of ensuring freedom of scientific creativity for the benefit and prosperity of our country.
On February 8, 2024 the Russian Academy of Sciences will be celebrating 300-year anniversary. On the eve of this remarkable date, together with leading representatives of the country's academic elite, we will discuss what awaits the Academy and world science in the next 30–50 years, discuss what promising directions and scenarios Russian science will develop in, what will ensure technological security, sovereignty of our state and global sustainable development of the entire world.
FEBRUARY 12,2024
Human and Polar Bear in the Russian Arctic: Conflict Prevention and Solutions
The safety of habitation and economic development of the territories of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation directly depends on ensuring peaceful coexistence between humans and predatory animals living in the Arctic area, in particular, the largest fissipede – the polar bear.
Since the early 2000s, there has been an increase in human conflict situations with polar bears at civil and industrial infrastructure facilities. This is due to a number of different reasons: from climate change, which leads to the loss of ice habitats for polar bears and the need to search for food on the coast, to the active economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation by people.
Obviously, under the current conditions, shooting animals approaching populated areas or industrial infrastructure facilities cannot be a solution to the problem of conflict situations between humans and predators. Such actions may cause significant damage to the population of polar bears, a species listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, as well as become a reason to initiate criminal proceedings.
In addition, conflict situations with polar bears can threaten the health and lives of people, the safety of their property and the smooth operation of enterprises.
An alternative to urgently required cull should be a comprehensive system of measures to prevent conflict situations between humans and polar bears, which will include all possible measures, methods and techniques that will both preserve polar bears and prevent harm to humans.
The system is of interest to residents who live temporarily or permanently in the polar bear's range and who fear for their personal safety and the safety of their loved ones, as well as to employers of industrial facilities, who are responsible for the lives, health of their personnel and the smooth operation of the facilities themselves.
FEBRUARY 15, 2024
Sustainable Tourism: Africa
Tourism across Africa is recovering from an unprecedented pandemic crisis, according to the latest figures from the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism):
• By the end of the first quarter of 2023, international arrivals in Africa had returned to 88% of pre-pandemic levels.
• At the subregional level, North Africa is doing particularly well. Here, arrivals over the same time period were actually 4% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
African economies, although highly diversified, are under constant pressure as populations increase and demand for natural resources continues to rise. African economies are highly dependent on natural resource sectors, e.g. mining, tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, etc., and ensuring the sustainability of these resources is critical for future generations.
We need to promote sustainable tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural preservation, environmental protection and community empowerment. Through strategic partnerships, knowledge flow and innovative initiatives, there is a need to enhance the quality of tourism experiences in Africa and in the whole world, while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the continent and the region.
Sustainable tourism is not only about being green, but also about securing a long-term future for African tourism based on partnership and community benefit.
A sustainable future for African tourism involves strong governance, improved education and expansion in the number and quality of workspaces.
MARCH 4, 2024
World Wildlife Day 2024: Digital Innovations
The theme of World Wildlife Day 2024 is ‘Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,’ it is designed to emphasize the role of human-wildlife interactions.
The United Nations has designated 2024 as the Year of Camelids. This year will highlight the key role camelids play in the livelihoods of millions of households in more than 90 countries. Camelids, which include species ranging from alpacas to double-humped and single-humped camels, guanacos, llamas and vicunas, contribute to food security, nutrition and economic growth, and are of great cultural significance to many communities around the world.
In Russia, the topic of camel husbandry is particularly relevant in regions such as Astrakhan Oblast, Kalmykia and Buryatia, as well as for areas bordering Central and East Asia.
MARCH 12, 2024
Sustainable Tourism: Asia
Tourism is constantly evolving and has already become an important part of Asia's gross domestic product. There is a need to ensure proper public access of people to tourist destinations. At the same time, it is important to cautiously protect and preserve the uniqueness of these tourist destinations, which are of particular importance locally and globally.
It is necessary to build a unified, sustainable tourism ecosystem, which should include the issues of innovation and technology, education and training, as well as support from the state and the private sector by attracting green investments.
We must set a new benchmark for human resource development in the tourism sector, emphasizing the critical need for innovation, collaboration and inclusive sustainable development. In recent years, the Asia-Pacific region has received particular attention from world tourism. The Asia-Pacific region plays a key role in the state of development of the global tourism sector of the economy. It is a leading market, a hub of tourism innovation, home to many of the world's leading organizations and businesses, and one of the world's most unique destinations for tourism. The transition to sustainable tourism is key to revitalizing the tourism sector of this entire region.
March 21, 2024
Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better Worl
In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March as the International Day of Forests (IDF). The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests.
The purpose of the International Day of Forests is to support the efforts of countries to organize activities related to forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns, at local, national and international levels. The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
On 22 March 2024 at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva, with the support of the UN Information Centre in Moscow and the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, five round tables of the Ecumene Discussion Club were held on water diplomacy, fight against plastic, development of sustainable economy and technologies, as well as the role of the young generation in the present and future.
The roundtables brought together leading experts to discuss key environmental issues at the global level, outlining the role of our country as a responsible global player, making a significant contribution to the joint achievement by the world community of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the formation of new goals of the organization for the period after 2030.
APRIL 23, 2024
Local Self-Government and Cities of the Future
Increasing the level of sustainable urban development has recently become one of the key global trends. More than 40% of the world's population lives in the BRICS countries, with approximately 1.5 billion people living in urban agglomerations. It is necessary to strengthen cooperation among cities of the BRICS countries to promote the global sustainable growth based on social justice, ecological balance and climate resilience. We need to build a partnership between cities based on equality and trust in order to achieve the 11th UN Sustainable Development Goal: «Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable».
It is crucial to implement the principles of the circular economy, renewable energy development, climate change adaptation measures, investment policy to attract the investment in small and medium-sized businesses, international trade development.
Cities of the Future should not only be innovative and technologically "smart", but also "green". The wildest and most remote places on Earth, the most threatened species, the chain of life that sustains human life on our planet, will only be protected if city dwellers would take care of the unique nature of the world.
We congratulate everyone on the Day of Local Self-Government in Russia. To follow-up the celebration, we will discuss with the mayors of the Russian cities issues such as infrastructure, ecology, innovative technologies, economy and finance, international cooperation and the role of the humans in the Cities of the Future.
APRIL 25, 2024
FinTech: Finance and Technology or Technology and Finance
With the improvement of computing power to collect and process large amounts of data, FinTech has changed the traditional forms of money and trade using new innovative technology solutions such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and blockchain technology.
Now we are at the center of a contentious debate over the loss of trust between the central banks, which is shaking up the entire financial market environment, and creating uncertainty in the cross-border payment systems. The financial system needs innovation, and the emergence of digital currencies could be the next step in the evolution of what we would define as money.
FinTech is successfully transforming the world of finance by using the new innovative technology solutions such as the internet growth, widespread of smartphone use and the improvement in computing power to collect and process large amounts of data. FinTech focuses on social groups that have not previously used the full range of banking products, promoting all types of financial services on one common platform.
It is time to discuss the future of FinTech, and what it will be: financial organizations using the latest innovative technologies, technological giants ready to take a part of the financial economy, or it will be a partnership between them and the creation of common, global rules - building a new world financial model.
MAY 02, 2024
Civil Forum BRICS 2024
We highly appreciate the progress made by the BRICS countries in improving the sustainability of cities. Recognizing that over 40% of the world's population lives in the BRICS countries, with approximately 1.5 billion BRICS people living in urban agglomerations, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening cooperation between the cities of the BRICS countries in order to promote global economic growth based on social justice, environmental balance and resilience to climate change.
Based on trust and equality, we plan to develop a partnership between BRICS cities to achieve the 11th UN Sustainable Development Goal ‘Ensuring openness, security, resilience and environmental sustainability of cities and human settlements.’
May 13, 2024
Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence
Ten years ago, the world's best artificial intelligence systems could not classify objects in images at a human level. The AI struggled to understand language and could not solve math problems. Today, the artificial intelligence systems regularly outperform the human capabilities by standard criteria.
The progress has accelerated in 2023. New modern systems such as GPT-4, Gemini and Claude 3 are impressively multimodal: able to generate fluent text in dozens of languages, process audio and even explain memes. With the improvement of AI, it actively becoming a part of our lives. Companies are eager to develop AI-based products; artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by the general public.
However, the existing artificial intelligence technology still has serious problems. It cannot reliably process facts, perform complex reasoning, or explain its own conclusions.
There is a need for unbiased, elaborate monitoring of verified data from a wide range of sources to enable the government, business, scientific and educational communities to gain a deeper and more detailed understanding of the complex field of artificial intelligence development.
AI faces two types of interconnected futures. Firstly, technology is constantly improving and becoming more widespread. This has serious implications for productivity and employment and can be used for both good and evil. In the second future, the adoption of artificial intelligence is limited only by the constraints of the technology itself.
Regardless of what future will become a reality, it is necessary to monitor the development of AI in order to stimulate its growth potential, for example, by funding university research, developing, and encouraging the private investment. We should be aware of the emerging potential disadvantages such as the impact on the employment, privacy issues, misinformation and intellectual property rights.
May 15, 2024
Climate risk management: vector of development of the environmental agenda in Russia
The discussion session was held as part of the Sustainable Development Forum.
During the discussion, the speakers focused on the following issues:
• What efforts is business prepared to make by 2030? And what actions should be taken today to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060?
• A monitoring system: how to assess environmental impact? From project creation to carbon footprint measurement.
• Technological innovation and industrial modernization. What relevant steps will help to achieve the energy efficiency and reduce the environmental load?
• Infrastructural, financial and digital solutions for greening cities.
May 17, 2024
University entrants in 2024: the best for the best
The university admissions campaign will start within a month, on 20th of June. At a roundtable the rectors of Russian universities will discuss what new interesting offers universities are preparing for applicants, whether admission to targeted education has become attractive, how yesterday's schoolchildren should not make mistakes in choosing their future professions, and how university rectors should meet admission quotas and enroll the most capable and prepared students.
The event was supported by the Association of Global Universities.
May 22, 2024
Progress in developing of corporate programmes for Biodiversity Conservation in Russia
The International Day for Biological Diversity has been celebrated around the world every year since 2001. In December 2022, at the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) to the Convention on Biodiversity, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted. The involvement of large companies is necessary to achieve the ambitious goals of the Framework.
In October 2024, the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity will be held in Colombia where the first results of the program will be reviewed.
The round table discussed the current trends and advanced approaches of Russian business to biodiversity conservation using the examples of two leading sectors of the Russian economy - oil and gas extraction.
The roundtable was held under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration that is coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
June 26, 2024
Russian national systems of voluntary forest certification - how to find a market for products from responsible forest management?
July 08, 2024
Russian-Chinese Motorbike Union
By a special decree of the President of the Russian Federation, the years 2024-2025 are defined as the cross-cultural years of Russia and China.
At the same time, 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.
In this regard, the Russian and Chinese motorbike movements are taking the initiative to create the International Public Organization ‘Russian-Chinese Motorbike Union’.
The main goal of the organization is to create an international communication platform for representatives of culture, business and politics of the two countries, united by common ideas and principles of international motorcycling culture.
This decision was supported by successful long-term activity of Russian and Chinese motorcycling activists in the implementation of joint projects.
In the period from 3 to 6 September 2024 on the fields of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok it is planned to hold the General Conference of the International Moto Union, where the official establishment of the International Public Organization will take place.
AUGUST 29, 2024
International Climate Cooperation: on the way to COP29 and COP30
It is necessary to recognize the importance of a comprehensive, symmetrical and holistic implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as poverty eradication as an indispensable condition for achieving sustainable development in its economic, social and environmental components. The development of technology and innovation, international cooperation, public-private partnerships, including South-South cooperation is becoming critical.
It is important to address climate change while ensuring a fair, affordable and sustainable transition to an economy with low greenhouse gas emissions and characterized by resilience to the negative effects of climate change, taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, as well as different national circumstances. It is necessary to implement a fair, equitable and sustainable transition based on national development priorities.
Within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the main focus should be on defining a new collective quantitative goal for climate finance for the period after 2025.
A key event next year will be the holding of the 30th anniversary session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC in Brazil, given that 2025 will be an important year for the implementation of global responses to climate change.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2024
Sustainable Cities Movement in BRICS
On 13 September 2024, Rio de Janeiro hosted the Ecumene Club meeting on ‘Sustainable Cities Movement in BRICS’. The meeting was organized as part of the One Planet Network Forum and focused on ecology, urbanization and the introduction of green technologies in the BRICS countries.
Speakers discussed how the BRICS countries could promote a circular economy, develop renewable energy and create smart cities. Speakers reviewed experiences and technologies to address climate and urbanization challenges, with a focus on environmental sustainability and social justice.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
Food Security
The BRICS countries produce a third of the world's food supply. It is important to strengthen cooperation and sustainable development in agriculture and rural areas aimed at enhancing the food security of individual nations and the whole world.
Sustainable access to the means of agricultural production is necessary to ensure the global food security, and sustainable food supply chains are crucial.
The digital economy continues to play an active role in promoting of global economic growth. Investment and trade also have a positive impact on promotion of sustainable development, national and regional industrialization and the transition towards sustainable patterns of consumption and production.
Openness, efficiency, stability and credibility are essential to solving the problem of economic recovery and boosting international trade and investment. It is significant to continue cooperation among countries to strengthen the interconnection of supply chains and payment systems in order to facilitate trade and investment flows.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
Youth and Sustainable Development
Humanitarian exchanges, aimed at strengthening of mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation are becoming increasingly important. It is necessary to consolidate the progress made in the fields of media, technological development, culture, education, sport, the arts, youth cooperation, civil society and academic exchanges. Humanitarian exchanges play a pivotal role in enriching international community and developing stable global economy.
Youth is a driving force that will accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The youth leadership is essential to increase the pace of just transition based on the principles of intergenerational solidarity, international cooperation, friendship and society transformation. It is necessary to develop culture of entrepreneurship and innovation for Sustainable Development of the Youth. We should not forget that today's young people would be responsible for the implementation of Post 2030 Development Agenda.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
Specially Protected Natural Areas of Russia
The tourism sector is becoming a catalyst for change, with a particular focus on the development and use of new innovative technologies. Extreme weather events have a negative impact on the development of the travel industry.
It is important to continue the balanced expansion of tourism infrastructure, to invest in the systematic education and training of personnel who will work in and with this infrastructure, to retain and develop talent and human resources.
It is necessary to develop new areas of tourism such as gastronomic tourism, sports tourism, health tourism, wine tourism, audiovisual tourism, mountain tourism and urban tourism.
In arranging tourism in natural areas, it is necessary to evaluate the level of compliance of tourism with generally accepted principles of ecotourism: promotion of nature protection, absence of significant damage to the natural environment, environmental education and awareness, participation of local residents and their economic benefits, ensuring sustainable development of the region. It is necessary to strive to develop tourism in natural areas that do not have a special protection status. Tourism in Specially Protected Natural Areas (SPNA) can only take place in strict compliance with the protection regime, ensuring the preservation of the outstanding universal value of the of World Heritage Natural Sites, refusing to implement projects that lead to the violation of the integrity or destruction of natural systems and objects of protection of SPNA.
*The programme may be subject to change