Programme

Taking Responsibility for the Future: A Long-Term Investment Strategy for Business

24 May , 15:00–16:15
The Global Economy in an Era of Change
Panel Session
Pavilion G, Conference Hall G1

The concept of sustainable development as a model for economic growth, social equality, and environmental protection was proposed by the UN as far back as the 1980s. Nevertheless, it has only recently become generally adopted business practice and a subject of national and international discussions as it relates to the economic development agenda. The global transformation underway today is both a driver for strategic corporate development and a challenge demanding a long-term and responsible approach. Accessibility of resources, consumer demand, investor pressure, the need to attract and retain talent, the appearance of new markets, and the disappearance of old ones are only some of the factors influencing businesses. All companies must eventually confront the challenges of sustainability. Incorporating the principles of harmonization of management and consumption into business strategies allows companies to reduce costs, establish new consumer bases, as well as attract and develop talent. In addition, companies adopting the principle of sustainable development are setting a long-term goal that reflects on their daily activities and efficiency, inspires consumer and investor confidence, motivates employees and other stakeholders. Is the idea of sustainable development today a responsible approach to management, a fashionable trend, or a competitive strategy? What are the real business advantages of applying sustainable development strategies in Russia and globally? What is the experience of global and Russian companies? Is it possible to calculate the benefits of long-term investments in sustainable development using traditional economic approaches?

Moderator
Evgeny Primakov, General Director, Russian Humanitarian Mission

Panellists
Jens Birgersson, President, Chief Executive Officer, ROCKWOOL International A/S
Andrey Varichev, Chief Executive Officer, Management Company METALLOINVEST LLC; Member of the Management Board, Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP)
Alexey Kornya, President, MTS
Vasyl Latsanych, Chief Executive Officer, PJSC VimpelCom
Alexander Machkevitch, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Eurasian Resources Group S.a.r.l. (ERG)
Juvencio Maeztu Herrera, Chief Financial Officer, IKEA
Alexey Mordashov, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Severstal
Larisa Ovchinnikova, Chairman of the Governing Board, National Network of the Global Compact
Ashok Rammohan, President for Affiliates in Russia and Belarus, Philip Morris International (PMI)
Jean-Pierre Thomas, President, Thomas Vendome Investment
Vadim Shvetsov, General Director, Member of the Board of Directors, SOLLERS
Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, Vice President, Global Head of Government and Public Affairs, Royal Philips
David Iakobachvili, President, Orion Heritage

Front row participants
Alexander Shokhin, President, Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP)
Anna Yanchevskaya, President, Chairman of the Management Board, Sistema Charitable Foundation

Broadcast