News
The business programme of the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress, slated to take place on 22–23 May at the Tavrichesky Palace in St. Petersburg under the motto ‘Planet Earth: Living in Harmony with Nature’, is now up on the official website of the event.
The main goal of the Nevsky International Ecological Congress is to create effective sustainable development mechanisms to preserve the environment in a changing climate. The Congress 2025 will once again host interstate, intersectoral dialogue on important environmental issues, with representatives from international organizations, government authorities, and business, scientific, and expert communities from across the globe already having confirmed their intention to attend the event.
The 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress will kick off on 22 May with a Youth Programme, which will become an important part of the business agenda. Participants will be treated to open dialogues and thematic sessions on youth engagement in the resolution of climate issues, the promotion of environmental awareness, the development of a culture of environmental volunteering, the inclusion of children in the ‘green’ agenda, and the role of youth climate initiatives in a more sustainable future.
“Many current environmental projects were actually spawned by proposals first made at the Nevsky Congress. Russia has plenty of environmental legislation, projects mitigating damage to the environment, and more that could benefit its foreign colleagues. That is why interest in the Congress continues to grow. This year we are preparing to welcome experts, scientists, government officials, and public figures from all over the world. Anyone looking to participate in a professional discussion of important international environmental issues on equal terms, free from politics or attempts to impose their own will, will receive a warm welcome. Concern for the environment should bring countries and peoples together,” Speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko said.
A meeting of the State Council Commission of the Russian Federation on Ecological Well-Being will be held on the first day of the Congress and will be attended by representatives of the authorities and scientific and business communities. Discussions will focus on strategic guidelines for environmental policymaking under modern conditions.
“The Nevsky Ecological Congress is a place for us to strengthen interaction among stakeholders and promote initiatives aimed at protecting our great nation’s natural wealth. It brings together leading experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, and representatives of public organizations in a single place and is the environmental agenda’s most important platform for discussion. The ideas and recommendations made there go on to form the basis of a final resolution that all branches of government then follow as a beacon. The new Ecological Well-Being national project was launched this year, and it will be widely discussed as part of the Nevsky Congress business programme. One important topic will be the creation of an effective system of solid municipal waste management,” Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev said.
The roundtables and sessions slated to take place on 22 May will focus on food security and climate risks, sustainable ecotourism, how artificial intelligence and digital solutions can be applied to benefit the environment, international cooperation within BRICS, conditions in the Caspian region, the development of the circular economy, the role of women in promoting eco-initiatives, green investment, the management of mineral resources, and low-carbon technologies.
“Environmental issues are no longer some niche concern; they have a place in the nation’s overall development strategy. How we address environmental issues has a direct impact on people’s well-being, economic sustainability, and confidence in the international arena. The Nevsky Ecological Congress is a place where professionals come to discuss real solutions and set the global, not just the Russian, agenda,” Adviser to the Russian President and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee of the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress Anton Kobyakov said.
The Congress will continue on 23 May with an exciting programme of business and international events touching on important parts of the environmental agenda. The day will begin with the international Ecology of Big Cities business breakfast, where regional heads, mayors, and experts from Russia and abroad will discuss the modern sustainable development practices of megacities, the process of making transport more environmentally friendly, the preservation of green areas, and new approaches to health preservation.
A special UNESCO session will shine a light on the management of Natural World Heritage Sites and the development of transboundary conservation areas, with participants also discussing the prospects of water and energy cooperation between Russia and Central Asia, water resource allocation, the modernization of infrastructure, and how to adapt to climate change.
The highlight of the Congress will come in the plenary session, ‘Ecology of the New Reality: Challenges and Opportunities’, when the Tavrichesky Palace Duma Hall will host a strategic discussion of global and national environmental challenges, new opportunities for the development of the green economy, and international cooperation.
A number of environmental and sports events will transform the streets of St. Petersburg on 21 May, the eve of the official start of the Congress. These will include a SUP swim, Street Eco, youth festival, Green Van workshop, and other events symbolically representing the Congress’ environmental agenda.
A major eco-educational and cultural programme consisting of Clean Energy and Pervozdannaya Rossiya exhibitions, ‘More than a Job’ youth career guidance tours, volunteer community work sessions, the Clean Coast Eco-Event, and activities for local residents and guests has been planned to coincide with the Congress.
The 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress is being organized by the Government of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the CIS, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation. The Roscongress Foundation is managing the event.
The official website of the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress is ecocongress.info/congress.