Partner events

The expanded BRICS format opens up new markets for entrepreneurs from the BRICS countries, creating new prospects for cooperation. BRICS+ encompasses almost 50% of the world’s population and 36% of the world’s GDP. The task of the business community is to seize the opportunity to form new business ties, synchronize their agendas, and understand how to make the most of BRICS+ opportunities to strengthen business cooperation. How has the BRICS business agenda already changed, and how is it likely to change? How can new opportunities for women entrepreneurs be capitalized on? What will the financial architecture look like, and what new financial instruments will be available to businesses?

Moderator
Anna Nesterova, Founder, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Global Rus Trade; Chairperson of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Russia Chapter

Anna Nesterova

Founder, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Global Rus Trade; Chairperson of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Russia Chapter

Chairperson of the Board of directors Global Rus Trade.
Born 25 of April 1983 in Moscow.
In 2006 Anna finished Academy of Labor and Social Relations, majoring in finance and credit.
Ph.D. in Economics.
In 2017 Anna enrolled in Moscow State University of Foreign Affairs, majoring in international economic relations.
Before 2015 Anna was engaged in the implementation of projects in the field of finance. Since 2008 was CEO and founder of the investment company Center Capital with an aggregate turnover of more than 40 billion rubles a year.
In 2015 Anna founded Global Rus Trade - the leading Russian platform for cross-border e-commerce.
Anna represents Russian federation in the working group on the digital economy of the BRICS Business Council.
She is a member of the Coordination Council and Chairman of the Committee on transfrontier e-commerce "Business Russia".
In 2015 Anna was nominated from Russia as a Woman Icon for achievements in the field of business at the APEC Gender Forum "Women as an engine of inclusive growth".
Since 2018 she represents Russia in the CICA Business Council.
She has acknowledgments for contribution to the development of SMEs from the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia and for active public activities from the President of the Russian Federation.
Speaks English and French.

Panellists
Rfah Hadi Alyami, Consultant, Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Marianne Ghali, Chairman of the Egyptian Chapter, BRICS Women's Business Alliance
Lebogang Zulu, Chief Executive Officer, AV Group of Companies; Chairperson of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance South Africa Chapter
Galina Karelova, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Self-Government and Northern Affairs
Zahra Farahani, Head of Cooperation with International Organizations Group of International Affairs Office of Center for Progress and Development of Iran's Presidency (CPDI)
Zhao Haiying, Chairperson of the BRICS WBA Chinese Chapter
Nadine Halabi, Head of Business Development and Operations, Dubai Business Women Council
Engedaye Eshete, President of the Ethiopia Women Entrepreneurs Association

Rfah Hadi Alyami

Consultant, Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Marianne Ghali

Chairman of the Egyptian Chapter, BRICS Women's Business Alliance

Lebogang Zulu

Chief Executive Officer, AV Group of Companies; Chairperson of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance South Africa Chapter

Galina Karelova

First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Self-Government and Northern Affairs

Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation
Born on 29 June 1950 in the city of Nizhnyaya Salda, Sverdlovsk Region. In 1972, she graduated from the Sergei Kirov Urals Polytechnic Institute with a degree in engineering and economics. PhD in Economics and DSc in Social Sciences, professor. For 20 years she was engaged in teaching and research. Author of over 150 papers on economic, social and political issues.
Since 1990 – delegate, Deputy Speaker (1992–1993) of the Sverdlovsk Regional Parliamentarian Council.
1994–1996 – Deputy of the Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy.
1996–1997 – Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Humanitarian, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.
Since 1997 – Deputy and since 2000 – First Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Russian Federation.
April 2003 – March 2004 – Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation on Social Affairs.
April 2004 – December 2007 – Chairperson of the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation.
On 2 December 2007, she was elected a deputy to the Fifth State Duma, Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Committee on Budget and Taxes.
On 4 December 2011, she was elected a deputy to the Sixth State Duma, First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on Labour, Social Policy and Veteran Affairs.
Since 22 September 2014, she is a Representative of the executive authority of the Voronezh Region in the Federation Council. Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, member of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy. Initiator and drafter of more than 40 laws, including laws on social protection. Full State Counsellor 1st Class of the Russian Federation. Decorated with state orders and medals.

Zahra Farahani

Head of Cooperation with International Organizations Group of International Affairs Office of Center for Progress and Development of Iran's Presidency (CPDI)

Zhao Haiying

Chairperson of the BRICS WBA Chinese Chapter

Nadine Halabi

Head of Business Development and Operations, Dubai Business Women Council

Nadine Halabi is a prominent figure in the business community, particularly known for her contributions to women's development and empowerment in the UAE. With extensive experience in business administration and a passion for supporting women entrepreneurs, Nadine has become a pivotal force at the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC).
As the Head of Business Development and Operations at DBWC since 2011 , Nadine has played a crucial role in driving the council's initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing the professional and personal growth of women in Dubai. She has been instrumental in organizing various events, workshops, and networking opportunities that have significantly benefited the council's members.
Nadine's commitment to women's empowerment extends beyond her role at DBWC. She is a sought-after speaker and mentor, regularly sharing her insights and experiences with aspiring women leaders. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive business environment has earned her recognition and respect within the community.
With a background in business administration and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by women in business, Nadine continues to advocate for policies and practices that support women's economic participation. Her efforts have contributed to creating a more equitable and dynamic business landscape in Dubai.
Nadine Halabi's leadership and vision have not only strengthened the DBWC but have also inspired many women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. She remains committed to empowering women and driving positive change in the business community.

Engedaye Eshete

President of the Ethiopia Women Entrepreneurs Association

Front row participants
Galina Volkova, Chief Executive Officer, "ORTOMODA"; Member of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Russia Chapter
Yuliana Slashcheva, Chairman of the Management Board, Soyuzmultfilm Film Studio; General Director, Gorky Film Studio; Chairman of the Management Board, Russian Animated Film Association
Elena Chashchina, Co-owner and Managing Partner, EPOTOS Group of Companies; Member of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Russia Chapter
Shcherbakova Shcherbakova, President, Bright Way; Member of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Russia Chapter

Galina Volkova

Chief Executive Officer, "ORTOMODA"; Member of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Russia Chapter

Yuliana Slashcheva

Chairman of the Management Board, Soyuzmultfilm Film Studio; General Director, Gorky Film Studio; Chairman of the Management Board, Russian Animated Film Association

Prior to joining CTC Media, Yuliana was President of the Mikhailov & Partners group of companies. Before that, she was Chief Executive Officer of Mikhailov & Partners, one of Russia’s largest strategic communications agencies, having assumed this role in 1994.
From 2004 to 2005, Yuliana was a partner with the BBDO Group, where she was responsible for business development activities.
From 2001 to 2004 she was a Board member and Corporate Communications Director for the Russian investment company ESN Group, as well as the Vice Chairman of Kelenergo, a Russian energy company.
Yuliana was named one of the 20 most influential businesswomen in Russia by Kompania Magazine in 2013. In 2012, she ranked first in the PR agency manager category of Kariera Magazine’s list of “Top 100 communications specialists.” Yuliana also won the 7th Annual National Media Manager of Russia Award in 2007.
Yuliana received a degree in marketing from the Moscow University for the Humanities.

Elena Chashchina

Co-owner and Managing Partner, EPOTOS Group of Companies; Member of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Russia Chapter

Shcherbakova Shcherbakova

President, Bright Way; Member of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Russia Chapter

* Candidate of Economic Sciences
Defended her dissertation ‘Socioeconomic Efficiency of Greening Industrial Production’
* Made the Forbes Top 20 list of most successful self-made women in Russia
* Winner of the APEC International Competition for Women Entrepreneurs in the category ‘Project of Industrial Revolution 4.0’ in 2018
* Member of the ASI Expert Council
* Member of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance
* Member of the Council of the Eurasian Women’s Forum
* Member of the Council of Women of Industry at the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade
* Member of the panel of judges of the APEC International Women Entrepreneurs Competition 2022