Business programme

Roughly a quarter of Russia’s population lives in rural areas, including 19 million women. The persistence, concern, and professionalism of women leaders in rural areas have all made it possible to implement numerous social initiatives and projects. However, studies show that there is a gap between the opportunities available to women who live in cities and those who reside outside of them.

How do social projects in rural areas benefit countries and people? Which women’s projects have had the greatest success? What Russian and foreign experience can be replicated to support rural women?

The session will feature a presentation of the ‘Women in Agribusiness’ project, which aims to support women’s initiatives in rural areas and is being implemented by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and the Russian Agricultural Bank.

Moderator:
Elena Myakotnikova — Director of Sustainable Development, Member of the Executive Committee Board, Rusal JSC, Russian Federation (Moscow)

Panellists:
Marina Borlakova — Chairman of the Board of the Agricultural Association “Kolkhoz-Plemreproductor Kuban”, Chairman of the regional branch of the public-state organization “Union of Women of Russia of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic”, Karachay-Cherkess Republic;
Yevgenia Gutsul — Head of ATO Gagauzia; Member of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, Republic of Moldova;
Anna Jenderedjian — FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia Expert on Gender Equality and Social Protection, FAO;
Irina Zhachkina — First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC Rosselkhozbank, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Alena Kulik — Head of Khutor Baryshevo Peasant Farm, Russian Federation (Leningrad Region);
Sibulele Nomahlubi Poswayo — South African W20 Delegate; Founding Chair, Inequality Movement, Republic of South Africa;
Charu Pragya — Rural Development Expert, Moderator of the Ruling Party's National Television Debate on Rural Development, India;
Liudmila Spiridonova — Executive Director, NAFI Analytical Center, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Elena Fastova — First Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Russian Federation (Moscow)

In the collective consciousness, the fuel and energy complex is a traditionally male-dominated sector. Yet women make up approximately 30% of the workforce in this field, and as much as 40% in certain companies. The opportunities for professional development are many, and female employees are of course free to choose their own career path. The emerging trends that are transforming the industry (the focus on reducing the impact on the environment and the carbon footprint of companies, the development of renewable energy sources and nuclear energy, and digitalization) create new opportunities for talented female specialists to enter the industry.

Is a special policy needed for women in the fuel and energy sector? How can we make “new energy” attractive to female professionals? How can the effectiveness of corporate support programmes for women be properly measured? What combinations of tracks and practices in communication with women do all companies need today? How can a balance be found between motherhood and professional self-realization? Is the issue of dynasty a factor when it comes to choosing a career?

The session will include an awards ceremony for the winners of the “Not a Woman’s Business” professional skills competition.

Moderator:
Anastasiya Bondarenko — State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation;

Panellists:
Svetlana Danilova — Head of the Integration and Development Unit for Corporate Sustainable Development Practices, SIBUR
Dubravka Jedovic — Minister of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia, Republic of Serbia
Oksana Mashirova — Deputy Director of the Strategy Department of the Strategy and Prospective Development Department, RusHydro, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Yulia Chernyavskaya — Deputy General Director of PJSC T Plus, Russian Federation (Moscow Region)

Greening the economy provides a new impetus for the development of business and technology. A profound understanding of problems associated with climate change, environmental pollution, and the depletion of natural resources encourages companies to implement environmentally sustainable practices, and scientists to develop innovative technologies. Numerous studies show that women are most often the ambassadors of environmental thinking. They launch environmental campaigns and movements, implement environmental initiatives, create green technologies, and lead ESG departments at corporations.

What are some of the most pressing key goals of conscious consumption? What areas of a country’s environmental development efforts need to be improved? How can we create and encourage a culture of thrift and environmental patriotism? What environmental meanings and values are essential to convey for this purpose? What environmental protection projects and technologies can form the basis of national standards? How does the environmental agenda affect women’s professional development?

Moderator:
Alexandra Ryabykh — Co-Chair of the All-Russian Ecological Movement “Ecosystem”, Co-Founder of the Foundation “Association of Women in the Nuclear Industry”, Russian Federation (Moscow)

Panellists:
Farah Algarib — CEO, environmentalist, social activist and founder of Precision & Choice, Saudi Arabia;
Bahire Gul Goktepe — Director of Nutek Energy Consulting, Technology and Industry Inc. and President of the Turkish Women's Nuclear Society, Republic of Turkey
Danica Grujicic — Oncologist, Professor, University of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia;
Elena Malysheva — Coordinator of the Eurasian Women's Forum Council Project “Women for the Preservation of Traditions”, Head of the National Center for Historical Memory under the President of the Russian Federation, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Milena Milich — Special Representative of the Governor for Climate and Sustainable Development of Sakhalin Oblast, Sakhalin Oblast Government, Russian Federation (Sakhalin Oblast)
Mariela Micaela Moreno Palacius — Research Technician, Alternative Energy and Environment Research Group, Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, Ecuador;
Anna Russka — Public figure, marketing expert, founder of the All-Russian Educational Forum ‘Reputation’, Ecological Society ‘ECORAZVITIYE’ and ANNARUSSKA Group, Russian Federation (Moscow)

The Arctic is a unique territory that is of great interest to the world’s leading countries. The region is strategically important due to its high rates of development, economic growth, and the implementation of major investment projects. The Arctic has become a focal point for businesses and state-owned companies, as well as scientific institutions and public organizations from all over the world. It is crucial to join forces to preserve its sensitive ecosystem and the cultural identity of Indigenous peoples.

The sustainable development of the Arctic requires the establishment of high-quality human capital and increased innovative and social activity among citizens. International and intersectoral cooperation also plays a major role.

What is the role of women in the ideology of social reforms? How actively involved are they in preserving the unique ecosystem and identity of the Russian North, as well as designing the future of the Arctic? How do the HR strategies of businesses affect the creation of human capital in the northern territories? What career opportunities exist for women in the Arctic territories? What mechanisms will promote inclusion, equality, and social cohesion? What support measures are needed to boost their involvement in the implementation of socially significant projects in the Arctic region?

Moderator:
Kristina Reshetova — Head of the Enterprise Development Department - Deputy Head of the Moscow Representative Office of FSUE Atomflot, Russian Federation (Moscow)

Panellists:
Angelika Andreeva — Chairman of the Public Movement “Union of Women's Organizations of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)”, Russian Federation (Republic of Sakha);
Nina Veysalova — Vice-President of the Association for Education, Native Languages of Indigenous Minorities of the North, Siberia and the Far East, Russian Federation (St. Petersburg)
Tamara Lorincz — Senior Researcher, Canadian Voice of Women for Peace, member of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Canada;
Elvira Nurgalieva — Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Anastasia Faterina — Public activist, head of volunteer groups of the federal project “Clean Arctic”, coordinator of the project “Save Baikal”, Russian Federation (Moscow)

Access to clean water is essential to improving social well-being and public health, as well as solving demographic problems. Deforestation, deteriorating environmental conditions, and climate change are making water an increasingly expensive resource. There is a theory that water is the new oil of the 21st century. Russia not only has the largest reserves of water in the world, but is also a major exporter of fresh water and technological solutions in related sectors.

How is international cooperation evolving to overcome the water crisis? What opportunities are opening up for women in matters concerning water supply? What successful innovative practices among women could be replicated in other countries? What are the most promising areas of international cooperation? How can we ensure access to funding for women entrepreneurs’ projects to build water infrastructure? How can we increase women’s involvement in decision-making when it comes to water supply issues?

Moderator:
Irina Gaida — Deputy Director, Energy Transition Center, Skoltech, Russian Federation (Moscow)

Panellists:
Elena Gershelis — Executive Director of the International Scientific Center for Ecology and Climate Change, ANOE VO Sirius University of Science and Technology, Russian Federation (Krasnodar region)
Dinara Ziganshina — Executive Director, International Centre for Ecology and Climate Change Science, Republic of Uzbekistan
Alexander Kraevoy — Head of Production Engineering and Sustainable Development Department, RusHydro, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Oksana Mashirova — Deputy Director of Strategy Department of the Strategy and Prospective Development Department, RusHydro PJSC, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Nelisiwe Nhlapo — Project Manager, Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority, RSA
Ekaterina Salugina-Sorokovaya — First Vice President, Gazprombank, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Evgenia Chibis — Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ANO “United Volunteer Center”, Russian Federation (Murmansk region)

Food and environmental security is a necessary element of the security of society. Yet the world is facing serious challenges: over the next ten years, the global demand for food may very well exceed production. Add to this the fact that that loss and waste is a serious issue in the food production chain, and increasing soil erosion, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions pose environmental problems.

What role do women play in strengthening food and environmental security? What can be done to ensure that female leaders in the agro-industrial complex and related industries and representatives of government bodies and agro-industrial regions combine efforts to develop agriculture and protect the environment?
Is the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda a trend or a necessity? What can be done to improve the global supply chain, reduce food loss, and ensure access to nutritious and healthy food for all?

Moderator:
Tatiana Sakharova — Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Nature Management, Russian Federation (Murmansk region)

Panellists:
Farah Algharib — CEO, environmentalist, social activist and founder of Precision & Choice, Saudi Arabia
Jehad Abdulla Mohamed AlFadhel — Second Deputy Chairman, Consultative Council of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Bahrain;
Gohar Barseghyan — Member of the Board (Minister) for Industry and Agro-industry of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Republic of Armenia
Anna Vitinina — Executive Director, Small Innovative Enterprise Greenbar LLC, Russian Federation (Chechen Republic)
Liudmila Volkova — Member of the Board of Directors, Damate Group of Companies, Russian Federation (Penza region);
Natalya Kudlaeva — Deputy General Director for Strategy, Rusatom Greenway, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Irina Makanova — Director of the Department of State Policy and Regulation in the Development of Specially Protected Natural Areas, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, Russian Federation
Marina Medvedeva — Member of the Management Board - Managing Director, LLC SIBUR, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Svetlana Radchenko — State Secretary, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, Russian Federation (Moscow);
Delgir Sarangova — Individual entrepreneur (founder of canned food project), Russian Federation (Republic of Kalmykia)
Elena Fastova — First Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Russian Federation (Moscow)

Society is again starting to value motherhood. Even so, 70% of women today would like to continue their careers. Measures are being taken at the state level to help women realize their potential by combining family responsibilities and work. Corporations are also changing their strategies to keep women at work. The maternity leave period is often among the most difficult times for women in terms of their professional growth. Many women put off having a child for this very reason. But they later experience problems as a result of giving birth later in life.

What demands do modern women who balance working in a large company with motherhood have when it comes to working conditions? What barriers to combining family responsibilities with work exist? What are some successful examples of corporate support for women and families with children?

Moderator:
Yulia Baranovskaya — Director of Media Communications, Rambler&Co, Russian Federation (Moscow)

Panellists:
Irina Gaida — Deputy Director of the Project Center for Energy Transition and ESG at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Coordinator of the Eurasian Women's Forum Council Project “Environmental Platform of the EWF”, Russian Federation (Moscow)
Svetlana Danilova — Head of the Integration and Development Unit for Corporate Sustainable Development Practices, SIBUR
Elena Saveleva — GR Department Director of Perm Pulp and Paper Company Group, a graduate of the second international stream ‘Woman Leader’, federal coordinator of the project ‘Women in the World of Martial Arts’ of the Russian Union of Martial Arts
Minu Singh — Managing Director, Nuvia India Private Limited, Republic of India;

Climate change is causing numerous problems that affect almost all sectors of the economy, as it influences economic, social, and political life in all countries. The manmade impact on the environment creates a wide range of risks that primarily affect women since they make up a high percentage of communities whose livelihoods are highly dependent on natural resources. In addition, studies show that climate change and global warming pose major threats to women’s reproductive health, create the risk of complications during pregnancy, and also lead to an increase in premature births. However, the UN Population Fund says that only a third of countries around the world take into account women’s health and safety issues as part of their plans to combat the climate crisis. Studies show that countries pay more attention to eco-friendly development strategies when women play a greater role in government and business.

How can we adapt to climate change? What adaptation practices and strategies are considered successful and which countries are implementing them? What experience can be recommended for global use in terms of risk assessment and forecasting? Are social measures needed to respond to climate change and, if so, what should they consist of? How can we make use of the corporate and country-specific experience of women’s influence on the environmental agenda? How should we build international cooperation to reduce climate risks in the context of the current challenges?

Moderator:
Elena Myakotnikova — Director of Sustainable Development, Member of the Executive Committee Board, Rusal JSC, Russian Federation (Moscow)

Panellists:
Elena Babenko — Deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
Narnia Bohler-Muller — Divisional Executive, Developmental, Capable and Ethical State, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC); climate specialist, Republic of South Africa
Adilia Caravaca — Past President, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Republic of Costa Rica;
Сrista Mapagha — Doctoral student in tropical infectiology in environmental and public health research at the Interdisciplinary Medical Research Center of Franceville, Gabonese Republic;
Milena Milich — Special Representative of the Governor of the Sakhalin Oblast on Climate and Sustainable Development, Russian Federation (Sakhalin Oblast)
Anna Romanovskaya — Director, Y.A. Izrael Institute of Global Climate and Ecology of the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environment Monitoring, Russian Federation (Moscow)