Russia Launches Transition to Sustainable Development in the Congress-Exhibition Industry

At the Eurasian Event Forum (EFEA) in St. Petersburg, national methodological recommendations titled 'Sustainable Development of the Congress-Exhibition Industry and ESG Transformation of the Sector' were presented, offering a step-by-step guide for implementing sustainability and ESG transformation in event companies. The project was initiated by the National Congress Bureau and VNIC R&C, with support from RUDN University, the Russian Geographical Society, the Eurasian Rating Agency, and the 'Sustainable Tourism' consortium. The recommendations cover certification, ESG reporting, and digital tools including carbon MICE calculators and offset exchanges. Nataliya Belyakova (RUDN MATSURT) presented the guidelines; Darya Ostrovskaya (CEO, VNIC R&C) shared Russia's experience in sustainable congress-exhibition development.