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 Financial 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 — 2023, 36 expert meetings were held, with more than 250 speakers participating in the discussions, a total reach of announcements and publications amounts to 525,000, and total amount of online views to 420,000.
October 21, 2022, 3 pm MSK
Energy of the Future
Welcome Address:
Moderator:
Speakers:
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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
Welcome Address:
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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.
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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.
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Welcome Address:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Welcome Address:
Chair:
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Speakers:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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September 12, 2023
Future of the Global Financial System
December 7, 2023
Discussion Sessions at the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28)
March 2024
Discussion Sessions at the UN Office at Geneva
*The programme may be subject to change