May 22–23, 2025, St. Petersburg — The 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress concluded in St. Petersburg, with the central theme “Planet Earth: Harmony Between Humans and Nature.” The event reaffirmed its status as one of the key international platforms for discussing issues of sustainable development, environmental protection, and climate security.
The President of Russia sent a welcoming message to participants, emphasizing the importance of the environmental agenda and the advancement of a circular economy. The central event of the congress was the plenary session titled “Ecology of the New Reality: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Chairwoman of the Federation Council, Valentina Matviyenko, noted that many of the congress's recommendations are already being implemented in environmental programs both in Russia and abroad. She thanked the President for his attention to environmental issues and stressed the forum’s international significance. According to her, the participation of experts, scientists, parliamentarians, business representatives, and civil society actors from over 70 countries reflects the global majority’s readiness for open cooperation in the field of ecology. A Final Resolution will be adopted based on the proposals made during the plenary session.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Patrushev, reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to over 20 international agreements on environmental protection. Presidential Advisor Anton Kobyakov highlighted the growing environmental responsibility of both business and citizens, stating that nature conservation is a continuation of traditional values. Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov emphasized that all environmental programs are grounded in scientific research conducted across 50 specialized institutes.
On the first day of the Congress, sessions were held on food security, the Caspian Sea, artificial intelligence, BRICS sustainable development, biodiversity, and women’s leadership in ecology. On the second day, attention was given to urban ecology, carbon footprint reduction, eco-transport, public health protection, environmental cooperation with Central Asia, and the role of business in the national project “Environmental Well-being.”
The Congress concluded with a shared commitment to continue international dialogue in pursuit of an environmentally sustainable future.
Source: Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
