The international ESG forum SO.KNOWLEDGE will focus on conscious development and leading technologies as its central themes. The event will take place in Nizhny Novgorod from December 4 to December 6, with the forum’s press service sharing these plans with socialbites.ca.
Over three days, more than 40 sessions will explore the global transformation of ESG practices across diverse sectors. Attendees will work toward proposing a refreshed development model for BRICS and BRICS+ nations that could serve as a universal value system at the international level.
What is BRICS?
BRICS is an alliance of five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The acronym stems from the first letters of their names in English. The member economies shape global markets and influence a wide range of economic activity. Recently, 23 countries including Argentina, Iran, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have expressed interest in joining the bloc.
Nizhny Novgorod region Governor Gleb Nikitin highlighted that the region has become a hub for advancing sustainable development initiatives.
He noted that the SO.KNOWLEDGE forum offers more than discussion. It provides a platform to develop concrete solutions, such as business support measures. Representatives from all relevant sectors will participate, benefiting both the region and the nation as a whole, according to the forum’s press service.
The forum’s business program is organized into eight thematic tracks, each centered on a distinct facet of integrating sustainable development principles into the economy and society.
● C.BINA focuses on technological sovereignty and sustainable progress, emphasizing the formation, growth, and protection of national technological, human, and financial potential.
● PROTECTION addresses environmental respect, energy efficiency technologies, and a holistic approach to sustainable growth for businesses, regions, and the country.
● CO.ACTION links to modern industrial concepts aligned with sustainable development across sectors.
● CO-CREATION explores the balance between innovation and profitability in technology-driven enterprises.
● MODERNITY centers on the fusion of technology, smart finance, and environmental stewardship as core themes.
● LIFE TOGETHER considers the urban economy and the creation of comfortable environments for residents, highlighting current environmental technologies and sustainable urban solutions.
● CO.INVOLVED charts a path toward a higher quality of life and a broader social awareness.
● CREATION focuses on social change, encouraging collaboration between authorities and businesses on community-centered projects.
The most significant gathering of the forum will be the Sustainable Conscious Development general session, scheduled for December 5 at Depo Concert Hall. The session will feature high-level speakers, including Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Nikitin, a key curator of the national Ecology project Victoria Abramchenko, and the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Volga Federal District, Igor Komarov. Also participating will be Andrei Turchak, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council and Secretary of the United Russia General Council; Dmitry Azarov, Samara Region Governor; and Petar Djokic, the Serbian Minister of Energy and Mining. Invitations extended to Denis Butsaev, General Director of PPK REO, Artem Sedov, General Director of the Big Three, and Alexey Komissarov, Rector of the RANEPA Presidential Academy, reflect the broad scope of involvement in the discussion.
As part of the ESG Forum’s environmental week, the Ecotorium will host a series of masterclasses and lectures for children. Through engaging activities, young participants will explore the biodiversity of the Nizhny Novgorod region and craft ecological souvenirs that reflect their learning.
The ESG forum is organized by the corporate university of the Nizhny Novgorod regional government in partnership with OMG. The event is supported by the regional government. Official partners include PPK Russia Ecological Operator and Sberbank, with additional collaboration from Skolkovo Innovation Center, R-Pharm Group, TECHNONICOL, and AFK Sistema. The forum’s organizers and supporters are highlighted in the event announcements and communications, with ongoing updates provided through the forum’s official channels [Source: forum press service].
Notes on the previous announcements for the ESG forum SO.KNOWLEDGE reflect a continuing effort to elevate sustainable development discussions and practical action in the region and beyond.