UNEP has been involved in the first dialogue between the Russian government, business and civil society on climate change as well as a public hearing on sustainable development in the country.

The ‘Global Climate Challenge: Dialogue Between the State, Society and Business’ conference hosted by the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Natural Resources on 17 November was the first of its kind and fed into preparations for the country’s position during the COP21 talks.

Panel interventions were made at the event on Russia and international climate change, green technology and investment as a driver of sustainable development and national perspectives on renewable energy sources.

UNEP spoke at the conference and also took part in a follow-up meeting together with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition NGO where officials from the Ministry affirmed the “central importance” they are giving to work on air quality.

Meanwhile, a hearing took place that same week presenting the 2014 report on Sustainable Development by Russian Development Bank Vnesheconom Group.

There, UNEP pointed out opportunities for cooperation with other Russian financial institutions and proposed links to activities under the organisation’s Finance Initiative.

The paper had won first prize in a national competition for reports covering corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.

For more information please contact ekaterina.tegina@unep.org