Every fall since 2003 the Russian Donors Forum has been holding a key event in the field of philanthropy — the Annual Conference. This is a recognized expert platform, where the most important trends and events in the field of philanthropy in Russia and in the world are professionally discussed. The conference brings together leading experts and heads of large Russian and foreign philanthropic organizations, managers of companies, that implement philanthropic programs, government officials and journalists, experts and public opinion leaders. The conference keeps up with the times, offering offline, online and hybrid participation to the experts from all over Russia and the world: the representatives of the USA, China, India, Brazil, South Africa and other countries are frequent speakers at the event.

In recent decades, the Human development index of Russia has been steadily growing: according to the UNDP, since 2015, Russia has risen from 59th to 52nd place on the rating. However, a series of challenges over the past three years is jeopardizing not only the progress already achieved, but also the opportunities for further development.

Meanwhile, amidst instability, human capital can become one of the key stabilization drivers, helping to implement the necessary anti-crisis models. Bridging the gap between different regions of the country as well as ensuring quality living standards requires an unprecedented consolidation of efforts and resources, and foundations and companies traditionally play a huge role in tackling social problems of this kind, offering the state ready-made systemic solutions.

Diversity and inclusion, employee and local communities support are an important part of donor programs, moreover, in 2021 and 2022 the philanthropic sector has been actively involved in assessing its achievements at the global and national levels. Today we will have to revise the role of ESG factors in the strategies of organizations, faced with the need to adapt the triad to the national context and expand the range of indicators.

In 2022, the Conference is hosted by a unique space — the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Built in the 19th century, it keeps a century and a half of mesmerizing history, while meeting all the standards for a modern event. The nature of this space is also intertwined with the theme of the Conference, driving us to reflect on the evolution of entrepreneural and non-profit community of Russia.