Business programme

Business programme

11 –13 May 2023

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Effective Law for an Effective State
Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Law and Society
Sovereign Law in a Changing World
+5
Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Effective Law for an Effective State
Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Law and Society
08:00 11.05.2023
11.05.2023
08:30–09:45

Priority of Law

Деловой завтрак

By invitation

Congress Centre, VIP restaurant
Prominent public figures, state officials and representatives of big business will share their expectations for the forthcoming St. Petersburg International Legal Forum and discuss the role and place of law in today's dynamically changing world.
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09:00
11.05.2023
09:00–14:00

International Conference of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation

by invitation only

Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, 1, Pl. Senatskaya, St. Petersburg
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10:00
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Today’s Challenges in Relation to Rulemaking: Improving Legislative Logic and Strategy

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E12
Today’s world is changing at a rapid rate, which in turn is giving rise to new challenges. It is an inevitable fact that finding quick responses to these challenges will be essential. In this context, legal stipulations need to be developed and adopted in a manner that ensures a high degree of quality. This means the logic and strategies underpinning legislative activity need to be reworked, with an eye on strictly observing national security interests, among other things. What can be done to preserve the systemic nature of legal regulation? In the face of time pressure, what strategic objectives should be prioritized? What should be done in terms of the requirement to make motivated amendments to legislation as the single method of addressing a problem? What steps need to be taken to improve interaction between all members of the legislative process? What is needed to train the personnel required to perform this work? What should be done to ensure that the necessary information and analytical support is provided?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Partner Financing in Russia: What Do We Expect the Experiment to Achieve?

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Pavilion F, conference hall F1
The practice of conducting economic activities based on the tenets of "partnership finance" has a lengthy history. Several nations, including select EAEU countries, have enshrined "partnership finance" principles and distinguished them from traditional financial products through legislative means. To evaluate the feasibility and requisites for introducing "partnership finance" principles into the legal system of the Russian Federation, a draft federal law has been devised to initiate an experimental legal framework for the operation of partnership finance mechanisms within specific traditionally Islamic regions of the Russian Federation. What measures must be taken to institute and cultivate partnership financing?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Protecting the Rights of Russians Abroad: Current Issues

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall D2
Russophobia is a dangerous problem, and one which many Russian citizens are facing today. Discrimination can occur in many forms and affect all areas of people’s lives. Clearly, the violation of Russian citizens’ rights in other countries is an issue that warrants close attention. Some of the most common examples of this include a refusal to provide a wide range of services, measures taken against Russian businesses, suspension from sporting events, physical attacks, threats, insults, and intentional damage to property. What’s more, cancel culture has imposed itself on history, sport and culture. What legal protection mechanisms for Russian citizens have proven to be most effective? What needs to be done to ensure that animosity and discrimination does not become an ideological norm?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Transforming Legal Functions to Improve Operational Efficiency

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall B1
Technological development is resulting in changing approaches and requirements in relation to various professions. The legal profession, which has invariably been associated with pen and paper, is undergoing rapid development. Today, lawyers not only rely on a single computer in their day-to-day work, but a whole range of devices. Whereas a company lawyer was once responsible for a specific area of work, they must now draw upon a range of expertise in order to fill in for a colleague at any moment. How should the legal department of a major company be best organized? How can the efficiency of a legal department be measured? How can teams of company lawyers based in several different cities across the country be managed effectively? Is a centralized or dispersed model more beneficial to businesses? How are legal functions automated? What methodologies can help make lawyers work more efficiently? Is this all a passing fad, or an essential step forward?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Special Administrative Region: New Corporate Management Tools and Opportunities for Russian Jurisdiction

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Pavilion F, conference hall F2
Oktyabrsky Island (Kaliningrad Region) and Russky Island (Primorye Territory) are both home to special administrative regions. In the wake of sanctions, what legislative amendments were made to simplify the redomiciliation procedure, reduce regulatory pressure on businesses, and provide participants in relevant legal relations with new opportunities to develop holding entities? What problems do SAR participants currently face with regards to law enforcement? What further steps can be taken to develop regulation in the field of redomiciliation, and to develop corporate practices in general in Russia?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Legal Support for Scientific and Technological Development in Russia

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Pavilion F, conference hall F21
Strengthening technological sovereignty is a key objective for the Russian government. It should provide a substantial opportunity to rapidly meet targets and fulfil goals in relation to socioeconomic development, security, and other areas through the development, introduction, and use of technology. Fostering innovation in the tech sector is also key in this regard. What kind of regulatory framework is needed to secure a nation’s technological sovereignty? What legal regimes need additional work to bring them up to the required level? How can law be leveraged in the technology race?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Creating Legislation for Non-Profit Organizations in the Realities of Modern Society

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall A
Due to the non-profit sector's demand for the functionality of civil society institutions, legislation on non-profit organizations (NPOs) is constantly being refined. Modern realities have dictated specific vectors of legal regulation development in the field of NPOs. The session proposes to discuss the primary directions for the advancement of NPO legislation in the implementation of the modern state and society.
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

UAVs in the Law: The Legal Regulation of Autonomous Vehicles

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Congress Centre, conference hall B4
The introduction of UAVs on all types of transport and the creation of a “smart” transport infrastructure are currently a common global trend. 2021 saw the approval of three strategic initiatives for the introduction of unmanned vehicles, involving science, tech start-ups, public corporations and private business (“lighthouse projects”). To test the use of UAVs on all types of transport, the state uses “regulatory sandboxes” – experimental legal regimes (ELRs). This approach enables UAVs to start being tested and operated without waiting for a large number of regulations to be drafted and passed. Participants in this session will discuss key issues of the legal regulation of all types of highly automated vehicles: experience from the ELRs that have been put in place, and the need to adjust existing ELRs and launch new ELRs to regulate the movement of UAVs.
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

International Commercial Arbitration: New Challenges

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall B2
Amidst reciprocal unilateral restrictive measures, international commercial arbitration is becoming the most convenient, neutral, and effective method for protecting the rights of Russian entrepreneurs actively engaged in foreign economic activity. Over the past year, the field of international commercial arbitration has undergone significant changes, primarily of a practical nature. There have been unprecedented obstacles in foreign arbitration proceedings involving Russian individuals, modifications in the selection of arbitration institutions' priorities and criteria, new approaches to structuring arbitration clauses, and the emergence of new court practices in recognizing and enforcing arbitral awards. What are the current trends in the field of international arbitration? What issues does Russian business regularly encounter?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

New Challenges to the Concept of Sovereign Immunities

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall B3
State immunities are based on the fundamental principles of international law, on the universal equality of States. “Par in parem non habet imperium” (“An equal has no power over an equal”) – is the basic premise for all the actors of the international law relations to be guided by. Despite the sporadic violations of the principle of sovereign equality, it has been for hundreds of years that State immunities have been recognized by the international community as a basic guarantee of the stability of the system of international relations. However, even time-tested and developed institutes of international law can erode due to unfair practices of certain States, and this prompts unwanted revision of approaches to the main premises of international law. It can be accepted already that the concept of sovereign immunities has been hit by massive blurring caused by commercial and political interests of States and their unions. It is especially noticeable with the assets of central banks and diplomatic property abroad. Will the concept of sovereign immunities withstand the geopolitical challenges? Will it be possible to restore the true equality and balance of the interests of States?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

International Experience in Out-of-Court Protection of Consumer Rights in the Financial Sector

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall D3
In 2021, the decision was taken to establish an advisory committee for financial ombudsman services in member states. This was with a view to drawing up proposals aimed at harmonizing approaches to protecting consumer rights in the field of financial services. What has the committee achieved to date? What can be done to achieve the aforementioned harmonization in EAEU nations? To what degree could a financial ombudsman help protect the interests of retail investors? What is the legal status of retail investors in EAEU nations?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

A Request for Freedom of Speech. The Legal Nihilism of Western Countries Towards the Russian Media

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall D4
These days, when the world is encountering severe political turbulence, Russia is already being openly subjected to acts of unprecedented information aggression, committed at the insistence of individual unfriendly countries and with the tacit but evident connivance of the entire collective West. RT and Sputnik have faced huge restrictions on their operations in the West and have effectively been forced out of the European and US media landscape for covering the Russian view of world events. ITRC Mir is also under pressure from FSU states seeking to halt the TV channel’s continued operation in their countries by denouncing the agreements on its establishment and on the observance of international legal guarantees of the broadcaster’s unhindered and independent work. In essence, we are dealing with an information war that has been unleashed against Russia, brought about by the Western world’s conviction that only their truth has the right to life and to be disseminated. How are Russian media resources surviving amid the high potential for conflict and sanctions? What solutions are they identifying to overcome information repression from hostile jurisdictions? How do they see their future in the face of open contempt for freedom of speech on the part of those who claim to be fighting for it?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

When a Well-Known Trademark Defines a Product: Problems and Solutions

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall D1
Well-known trademarks could be described as having reached a branding pinnacle. Their special status is down to multi-million investments in production and advertising, long-term and widespread use, and an impeccable reputation. The value of a well-known brand is frequently comparable to the value of the tangible assets behind it. Russian and international legislation offers protection for well-known trademarks that goes above and beyond that for regular trademarks. In particular, it acknowledges particular conditions which contribute to their recognizability, and which exist beyond the scope of goods and services. Today, more than 200 Russian and international trademarks are officially recognized in Russia as well-known brands. However, this status also encompasses some more obscure brands. Is it right to assign an equally high status to both indisputably famous brands and more niche examples which are not necessarily known to the regular consumer? Would it be prudent to rethink the way trademarks are recognized as well-known, and adopt judicial recognition along the lines of most other countries? Is public brand recognition an essential prerequisite to a trademark being designated as well-known? If a brand bears a degree of sameness or similarity with a well-known trademark to the point that they may be confused with one another, should its registration application be automatically denied, regardless of how similar the actual goods/services are? To what extent can the concepts of dilution, tarnishment and blurring become part of Russia’s protection system for well-known trademarks?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Legal Regulation for Artificial Intelligence

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Pavilion F, conference hall F3
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology poses significant challenges to the legal system of the Russian Federation, the system of public administration, and society as a whole. This stems from the degree of autonomy of AI systems in solving set tasks and their inability to directly perceive ethical and legal norms or consider specific applications. Currently, there is no specific legislative regulation in the Russian Federation that considers the specifics of AI technology applications. Simultaneously, comfortable regulatory environments for safe development and integration of these technologies must be established based on the balance of interests of individuals, society, state, and companies that develop AI systems. What are the limits of AI technology regulation, and is it necessary? How can long-term development of these technologies benefit individuals? How can AI be applied in state management, ensuring client-centeredness? Is it possible to "delegate" decision-making to AI, including by the state, and who will be responsible for such decisions?
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11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

The Institution of Parliamentary Control in Today’s Russia: New Challenges and Opportunities

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E11
Legislative regulation of parliamentary control in the Russian Federation is advancing along a long and complex path – from the chaotic regulation of individual control institutions in acts of varying legal force to the adoption of specialized acts that reveal in detail the essence of parliamentary control as one of the most important functions of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. The 2020 amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation indicate support for parliamentary control and its prioritization. Have the new challenges facing Russia affected the need to seek out new ways and methods of strengthening parliamentary control? Which problems are impeding the effective implementation of parliamentary control? What should the next thrust in the development of legislation on parliamentary control look like?
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12:00
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Antimonopoly Regulation and Intellectual Property in the Context of Globalization

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall D3
The world today is characterized by increasing globalization and economic concentration. As a result, the direct influence that multinational corporations have on competition in national markets (particularly in developing countries) is growing. Across a number of areas, the influence of global players has grown substantially. This is particularly apparent in the pharmaceutical sector, information technology, and global food chains. Indeed, their dominance has grown to such a degree that they are not only able to employ unfair anti-competitive practices, but also threaten the national security of individual states. A number of serious challenges therefore need to be addressed in terms of antimonopoly regulation and protecting the interests of the state. These include exclusive rights to intellectual property held by major international corporations, and their technological potential – particularly in relation to the stable functioning of national markets and ensuring fair competition within them. What could be done to improve competition legislation and effective antimonopoly regulation in a modern economy based on the use of intellectual property and information technology? How are compulsory licensing measures and the practice of parallel imports applied in Russia and abroad?
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Digital Services for Non-Commercial Organizations

Мастер-класс

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E12
When starting a business, one of the most crucial decisions is choosing a legal entity. In many cases, the most successful option is a non-commercial organization (NCO). Today, NCO activities serve as the foundation for improving public and political life, the source of civic initiatives capable of conveying various social interests, and the guarantor of social stability and civil peace in the state. At the upcoming master class, we will discuss the various types of NCOs that exist, the process for registering them, the state support available, and how to improve the professional competence of NCO employees and activists in electronic form at the RLA of the Russian Federation Ministry of Justice and other sites.
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Reducing Risks for Entrepreneurs to Help Ensure Russia’s Economic Security in the Face of External and Internal Threats

Effective Law for an Effective State
Pavilion F, conference hall F21
The government’s criminal law policy has undergone a transformation over the past few decades as efforts are made to secure Russia’s economic security. The progress that has been made has led to the creation of an appropriate legal environment for entrepreneurs. The liberalization of relations between government bodies and business representatives has been key in this regard, as have improvements to criminal procedural law. When assessing legislative changes in the economic sphere with the aim of providing a safe business environment in Russia, what has been the degree of effectiveness? Given the current economic situation, are new approaches required to remove administrative and criminal barriers currently hindering the development of entrepreneurship?
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

The Children of Donbas: Right to Safety

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall D2
Ensuring the safety of children, including orphans and children without parental care living in the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics and the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions, is the most important goal that Russia has set as part of its special military operation. An educational process has been established and additional state support measures have been identified and provided for all children living in these regions. The relocation of orphans and children without parental care to safe regions in Russia is a measure that helps to save the lives and preserve their health. Kids from orphanages of the Donetsk People’s Republic have been relocated and placed at institutions in other regions of Russia. The children’s family ties and friendly relations have been preserved as much as possible. Children with a confirmed status of being left without parental care are being placed with families. How can we ensure favourable conditions for the children of Donbass during the special military operation? How are children from new regions being educated now? What are the summer holiday plans for the children of Donbass? What legal norms are needed so that orphans and children without parental care living in new territories of Russia can learn what a family is? Should we wait until the end of the special military operation to find substitute families for the children? Will children who are placed in families lose their family ties? What might be the future fate of these children?
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Sustainable Development Law: The Russian Standard

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall D4
In today's world, significant transformation is underway, causing widespread chaos. The concept of sustainable development could act as a balancing force to stabilize the international economic and environmental agenda. However, the Western-oriented infrastructure, inconsistent ratings and metrics, and politicization of the sustainable development agenda make it imperative to search for national and regional sustainable development priorities. In this regard, the right to sustainable development can and should be the key instrument. The President of the Russian Federation has defined benchmarks for sustainable development. Areas such as the technological development of the economy, ensuring environmental safety, spatial development of the country, and the implementation of social projects are essential in the context of sustainable development. How to optimize financial and non-financial disclosure practices in order to improve corporate social responsibility? How should Russian legislation on green taxonomy and circulation of carbon assets be developed? How to establish a national rating system? What industrial sector's request to the regulator should be taken into account? How are the financial and banking sectors being transformed by the sustainable development agenda? How to mitigate the negative effects of the sanctions policy on the environmental, economic, and technological sectors? These and other areas, evaluated through the prism of shaping the foundations of Russian law in the context of foreign and international regulatory developments, form the core of the Russian legal standard of sustainable development.
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Mining: New Economic Challenges and Opportunities

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Congress Centre, conference hall B2
The international economic landscape shifted significantly in 2022. Sanctions have given rise to a host of restrictions regarding settlements under foreign trade contracts which employ traditional payment systems and tools. A need arose to diversify ways of making international settlements. One option in this regard is the use of cryptocurrencies. They are universal, well-known, and the infrastructure is in place to use it throughout the world. Many states are currently creating a regulatory environment to govern their use. However, it is currently not homogeneous in the least. In Russia, an industry based on the turnover of cryptocurrencies has taken shape. It encompasses investments, stock trading, cryptocurrency mining, and international settlements. Indeed, turnover of cryptocurrency among Russian users has reached significant figures. At the same time, uncertainty in how cryptocurrency will be regulated in the country has meant that foreign digital platforms are primarily used. Cryptocurrencies may still be exotic, but they are also understandable tools. This market, together with distributed ledgers used as their technological platform, have become interesting not only to enthusiasts, but also to institutional players, including Russian banks and exchanges. It is a market which is developing in tandem with related industries, including information technology – a field which enjoys priority government support. The development of the crypto market will not undermine, but rather expand and strengthen the financial sovereignty of the state. It is therefore important that instead of banning it, the government helps develop and foster it. What can be done to regulate cryptocurrencies in a consistent manner, with an emphasis on optionality? How can a balance be struck between the interests of the state and market players when it comes to government regulation of cryptocurrencies?
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Tools for International Cooperation on Criminal Law Amidst the Global Challenges

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Pavilion F, conference hall F1
The existing institutions of international criminal justice fail to properly evaluate the crimes committed by Ukrainian armed formations and their accomplices, including those that violate international conventions on warfare. Given the degradation and political bias of the system, Kiev's neo-Nazi regime destroys the population of southeastern regions of the country using methods similar to those of Hitler's Germany, which were severely condemned at the Nuremberg Trials. It has become evident that there is a need to reform the existing world order and to improve the institutions, mechanisms, and tools of international criminal justice. What is Russia's role in the formation of modern international criminal law? What is the legal basis for the protection of Russia's sovereignty and countering attempts to reevaluate the events of national and world history?
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Algorithms of Power: Legal Aspects of Public Administration

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Pavilion F, conference hall F2
Digitalization has had a major impact on a variety of areas, including government and management. New technologies, including AI tools, have been tasked with making public administration more effective, while reducing costs. It should also make it much easier for members of the public to avail themselves of state services. At the same time, the use of these technologies is raising numerous questions to do with protecting personal data and cybersecurity. There are also ethical issues related to making decisions that may affect people’s rights and freedoms. What can be done to strike a legal balance between developing the state’s technical capabilities and protecting private interests? Should the use of digital technology – including AI – in public administration be limited somehow? What digital solutions could prove to be most useful in supporting administration in various areas of society and government?
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Tax Monitoring as a Key Aspect of Tax Control

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall B4
Since 2016, tax monitoring has been used as a form of digital tax control in Russia. Back then, just seven companies participated in the scheme. As of the start of 2023, that number has already reached 448. Tax monitoring has traditionally been seen as a voluntary form of tax control. However, as of 2023, tax monitoring has become mandatory for those involved in capital investment protection and promotion agreements. Public discussion is under way on a draft bill which, if passed, will oblige resident companies of advanced special economic zones, the Free Port of Vladivostok, and the Russian Arctic to undergo tax monitoring. Consideration is also being given to introducing tax monitoring for resident companies in free economic zones. Without undergoing tax monitoring, companies involved in capital investment protection and promotion agreements lose their status and associated incentives. More than 50% of total tax revenue comes from companies undergoing tax monitoring. This essentially makes tax monitoring the main – or at least most significant – form of tax control. The number of companies undergoing tax monitoring is growing, and the scheme is becoming mandatory for many businesses. In parallel, processes are increasingly being automated. Naturally, all this not only reflects development trends, but also comes with numerous difficulties which require discussion. What steps could be taken to improve the legal regulation of tax monitoring in order to help it further develop and to create greater legal certainty for participating companies?
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

The Universal Right to Sport: Contemporary Challenges in International Sports Events

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall D1
It is currently a difficult time for Russian sport, as it comes under external pressure and attempts to isolate it. There have been some flagrant examples of unsporting behaviour. These include bans extended to Russian Paralympians, tennis players, footballers, chess players and even e-sports athletes. The mass suspension of Russian athletes may continue for some time to come and lead to their exclusion from the Olympic Games and other international competitions. Discrimination, suspension and various kinds of restrictions not only violate the rights of athletes, but also their human right to work. This is clearly a threat to the fundamental principles of sport. What does the immediate future hold for Russian sport, and what role might law play in its fate? What are the main issues in relation to ensuring people’s right to sport? How and when will Russian sport be reintegrated in the international arena?
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Human Rights in the Digital Space: Biometrics, Digital Footprints, Problems of Legal Regulation

Law and Society
Pavilion F, conference hall F3
The complete digitalization of social relations brings with it challenges and threats in relation to people’s rights and freedoms. In order to address these, a draft concept for securing the rights and freedoms of people in Russia’s digital realm was drawn up. Feedback from federal government bodies over the past year was then used to improve the document. The need to counter cyberthreats in the interests of national security is outlined in both the Russian constitution, and Russia’s strategic planning documents; however, these threats are not specified. What’s more, the aforementioned documents do not set out principles, goals, objectives, and mechanisms for ensuring the protection of human and civil rights and freedoms in Russia’s digital realm. How will the proposed draft concept address these problems, and can it serve as a foundation for the further implementation of Russia’s legal policy with regard to digitalization?
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Corporate Governance in Russia: Transformation under Sanctions

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall B3
In this period of sanctions, what changes were made to Russia’s corporate legislation in order to protect relevant participants and the ownership structure of companies? How has legislation aimed at countering sanctions impacted the investment attractiveness of equity capital? What subsequent steps should be taken to reform regulation in relation to mandatory corporate procedures?
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

New Approaches to State Regulation of Education: From Quantity to Quality

Law and Society
Pavilion F, conference hall F4
It is no secret that state regulation of educational activities, an important aspect of social relations, has been affected by the trend towards digitalization. As a part of this trend, the functioning of all state institutions must take into account the needs of each individual. At present, the introduction of a new model of state regulation of educational activity is being implemented in several ways, with the goal of providing a new quality of state services for licensing and state accreditation of educational activity. The participation of Rosobrnadzor in the experiment on optimization and automation of licensing processes, including the licensing of educational activity conducted in the Russian Federation, was also a kind of impetus to increase the client-centricity of Rosobrnadzor's state services. This has the positive effect of reducing the time required to provide public services, reducing the number of documents required from applicants and, consequently, reducing the number of legal actions required by applicants to obtain a particular public service. The introduction of indefinite validity of permit documents also has a positive tangible effect. The new model of state accreditation is based on the principle of “from quantity to quality”. It limits the analysis of documentation and focuses instead on the assessment of a student's knowledge. Therefore, the new model of state regulation of educational activity shifts the focus of activity in the relationship between the state and the recipients of state services towards public institutions. They must, inter alia, use all available instruments of power and law for the benefit of society and the state as a whole in their interaction with one another.
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11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Reforming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E11
Current legislation provides that where goods are produced in packaging, the manufacturer is responsible for the disposal of the packaging. This entails high administrative costs and makes monitoring the large number of producers of packaged goods impossible. What are the pros and cons of shifting EPR from goods manufacturers to packaging manufacturers? Under which conditions can associations of goods and packaging manufacturers remain subjects of EPR? What should the operating principles of associations be to make EPR more effective? Opportunities to include in legislation a mechanism that would exempt subjects of EPR from the administrative liability that arises in connection with the actions of an unscrupulous operator.
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14:00
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Legal Support for National Security in the Light of Current Threats

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall D1
In today's fast changing world, much attention is being paid to social, national and state security. Global political, economic and social turbulence on the planet is testing the strength of state institutions in many countries. One of the guarantors of national security is the legal sovereignty of the state. Can this be sustained and strengthened in the current volatile circumstances? What legal mechanisms can be used to protect the traditional spiritual and moral values of the Russian people? How can we protect the rights of our compatriots abroad, especially in unfriendly countries? Why is it so important at this precise point in time to bring the procedure of condemning Nazism to a logical and legally flawless conclusion and to put a clear and final end to the case of its legal prosecution? How can we harness learning and education to instil our youth with strong moral values, relevant knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s world whilst being ready for peace-building and defending the motherland?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

The New Global Order: Legal Modelling and Forecasting

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall D4
The international political and economic system has experienced a great deal of turbulence over the past few years. It has become clear that a systemic crisis lies at the heart of the matter. It is a crisis which has had geopolitical, institutional, and regulatory implications, amongst others. As a result, there is likely to be a partial or complete curtailment of the ideology founded on theories of the social contract, democracy, and human rights. In its place will come a new ideology based on new forms of economic, political and legal relations. What are the main scenarios which may play out in the development of the international legal order? What factors will play a role? What characteristics will underpin the emerging economic and political systems? How will new forms of economic, political and legal relations look? How should the new theoretical/ideological paradigm be defined? What is Russia’s place in the emerging world order? What would be an effective strategy for the country’s international legal policy?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Reducing Conflict in Tax Matters

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall B1
In the current reality, with businesses not yet having had time to recover from the pandemic and now facing the impact of unilateral restrictive measures, an objective assessment of tax risks for certain operations is particularly important for taxpayers. Openness and good faith behaviour by the taxpayer and consistency in the formation of positions by the tax authorities contribute to the taxpayer's business reputation and an increase in confidence in the dialogue between business and regulatory authorities. What principles of interaction between the public and private sectors contribute to the comfortable implementation of tax administration?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Withdrawal from the Council of Europe and Protecting Human Rights in the Russian Federation: One Year On

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Pavilion F, conference hall F1
The ongoing tectonic shifts in international law have impacted a range of areas, and the protection of human rights has been no exception. The ending of Russia’s membership of the Council of Europe from 16 March 2022 was a significant event. In recent years, the Council of Europe has transformed into a tool for promoting the Euro-Atlantic agenda. Following Russia’s departure, it became a conveyor belt of selective justice and open legal aggression against the country. Other international structures, including the International Court of Justice, the UN Human Rights Council, and treaty bodies of the UN system, have also fallen under the harmful influence of destructive politicization by a coordinated group of states. How have the aforementioned changes impacted the protection of human rights in Russia? In the current environment, what role has been assigned to the national system for the protection of human rights? What outcomes have 26 years of cooperation between Russia and the Council of Europe produced, and on what basis does the organization operate now? How far do the international legal obligations in the field of human rights assumed by the Russian Federation extend today?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Protecting the Intellectual Property Rights of Russian Authors and Producers in the New Reality

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall B2
The imposition of sanctions and the withdrawal of foreign companies from the Russian market have had an impact on logistics and production chains, and have led to the emergence of new areas of business and sales markets. In this context, intellectual property has become particularly vulnerable, since it was not ready to effectively respond to the evolving needs of the market, shore up Russia’s technological sovereignty, and adapt to the process of import substitution. A comprehensive solution is required to address this issue. It should encompass legislation, judicial practice, and a willingness on the part of businesses to adapt to the new reality. This all raises a number of questions which require discussion. How should legal regulation of intellectual property look, and what legislative amendments need to be made? How should judicial practice develop in order to strike a balance between the interests of all parties in legal disputes involving the infringement of intellectual property rights? In the context of sanctions, what can be done to address the issue of Russian producers using software and certificates belonging to foreign copyright holders through sublicence agreements? In the event of rights being held jointly, what can be done to ensure the disposal of exclusive rights to the outcomes of intellectual activity? What are the prospects for solving the problem of registering trademarks belonging to Russian producers in foreign jurisdictions, particularly given refusals by foreign patent lawyers to provide support services, problems with paying fees, and delays in paperwork? What trends can be observed in terms of Russian producers obtaining legal protection of their trademarks in Russia, geographical indications, and appellations of origin? What impact is the development of digital technologies – including NFTs – having on legal regulation?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Robotization: Robots to Replace or Serve Lawyers?

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Congress Centre, conference hall D2
As a professional field, jurisprudence is not under immediate threat from the development of robotics and artificial intelligence. However, processes related to drafting procedural documents are being automated, legal assistance is being provided using chatbots, and digital constructors are being developed. These and other solutions employing artificial intelligence raise questions about the place and role of these technologies as the legal profession evolves. Artificial intelligence is unlikely to be able to replace a lawyer. However, in the future, lawyers will need to possess expertise in information technology in order to hold a decisive advantage in the legal services market. Today, the automation of legal processes in public administration raises a number of questions regarding technology security and control. To what extent will lawyers without skills in the digital sphere be in demand? What steps need to be taken to build a system of legal functions which could be automated and fulfilled using robotics and artificial intelligence? Today, a great many legal documents are prepared using artificial intelligence. What role should the government play in terms of legally regulating these processes? Should a state monopoly have the role of building special systems for automating legal processes? What legal liability is borne by decisions taken by artificial intelligence?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Role of the Financial Ombudsman Service as a Tool to Protect Consumer Rights and Improve Legislation

Effective Law for an Effective State
Pavilion F, conference hall F21
What problems do consumers of financial services face when seeking additional services in lending and when concluding contracts of investment life insurance? What are the possible solutions to these problems, and what is the role of the financial ombudsman service in their resolution?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Protecting National Interests to Build and Develop Civil Society

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Pavilion F, conference hall F2
The beginning of a special military operation in Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the "SMO") has led to a drastic increase in the anti-Russian policy pursued by the Western collective, especially in the information sphere. Through international and foreign non-governmental non-profit organizations, Russian NPOs affiliated with them, and individuals, attempts have been made to create negative public opinion about the activities of the Russian government and influence their decision-making. To safeguard national interests, the Russian Federation adopted the Federal Law On Control over Activity of Persons under Foreign Influence. This legislative act promotes transparency and openness of non-commercial organizations and individuals who receive money and other property from foreign sources and participate in political activities within the Russian Federation. The law does not intend to limit or terminate the activities of organizations recognized as foreign agents, and registration as a foreign agent does not exclude receiving financial support from either Russian or foreign sources. What measures does the Russian Federation take to address foreign interference in its internal political processes? What tools do foreign sources use to destabilize the political situation, and how are illegal activities financed? How does monitoring of the information space help prevent actions of foreign states to discredit and demonize Russia? What are the ways to further develop the institution of a foreign agent, and what are the grounds for inclusion in the foreign agent list? How does the internet become a vehicle for inculcating Western values among young people, and what are the consequences of destructive interference in the internal affairs of states?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

The Effective Management of Public Property as a Factor in the Development of the State

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall A
When managing property, the public owner is faced with a substantial number of tasks. Their ability to fulfil them has a direct bearing on the effectiveness of the state as the owner of the property. Unprecedented foreign political pressure has made it vital to reach and maintain a high level of effectiveness and efficiency in the management of public property in order to ensure the development of the state. The implementation of existing and potential approaches in this area is of interest to a wide range of groups, from the government to the business sector, and to members of the public. What aims and objectives does the government face in relation to state property management? What approach should be taken to evaluate the effectiveness of the state as an owner? What role does the government play when participating in corporate relations? How does it protect public interests and ensure the profitability of joint-stock companies? What mechanisms have been created to strike a balance when the government exercises its shareholder rights? Can the use of state property be made more efficient by involving it in commercial activities? Is the agenting of government functions in this area justified? What role can be played by a development institution focusing on all aspects of the housing sector? What might it do as the Russian Federation’s property management agent?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

The Digital Ruble: Advantages and New Opportunities

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Congress Centre, conference hall D3
In a time when society is demanding faster, more convenient, and secure settlements, financial regulators in many countries are actively discussing the possibility of introducing central banks' digital currencies into economic turnover. Responding to the needs of citizens and businesses, the Bank of Russia has initiated similar work and developed the concept of the digital ruble in 2021. Currently, the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation is considering draft amendments to the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, and other relevant federal laws in the financial market sector. These changes have been developed in connection with the introduction of the "third form" of money into economic circulation – the digital ruble. What are central banks' digital currencies, and what advantages do they offer over traditional forms of money? What is the digital ruble's place in the system of objects of civil rights? What are the essential conditions and features of a new separate type of bank account – a digital account agreement? What is the role and place of the digital ruble in public law relations? Are banks' operations with the digital ruble new challenges or new opportunities?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

The Digital Transformation of Rulemaking

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Congress Centre, conference hall B4
The goals that have currently been set for state and municipal administration require the transformation of approaches to the preparation, drafting, and adoption of regulations. New technologies should not only ensure the completeness and timeliness of legal regulation, but also be able to handle the significantly increasing volume of regulatory tasks and their complexity and ensure the consistency of legal regulation and convenient services for all parties involved in the policy-making process. How will the digitalization of policy-making help to solve these problems? When will a digital legal act be created with the ability to digitalize its application? What new opportunities may arise for business and the government? What digital solutions in this regard have already been introduced, and which ones are being developed?
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11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Презентация документального фильма «Служение праву» к 100-летию Института законодательства и сравнительного правоведения при Правительстве РФ

Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E11
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16:00
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

A New International Human Rights Architecture

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall D2
Events of the past decade have thrown into sharp relief the contradictions that are accumulating in the principles underpinning the protection of human rights today. The evident crisis in human rights has come about as the result of constant attempts by Western nations to employ the doctrine of human rights to destroy the sovereignty of states and ensure dominance in the world. International institutions designed to promote human rights around the globe (such as the UN Human Rights Council, Council of Europe, and others) have shown their political bias during the Ukraine crisis. Today, it is becoming clear that Western approaches to the issue of human rights need to be reviewed. The Russian Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights could serve as an effective international platform to discuss this. The practical embodiment of this endeavour would be the establishment of a permanent platform made up of non-profit organizations promoting the true meaning of human rights. What principles and approaches should form the foundation of a new architecture for the protection of human rights?
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Scientific Results: The National Assessment System

Effective Law for an Effective State
Pavilion F, conference hall F21
A system capable of fully evaluating the effectiveness of scientific work can form the foundation for fulfilling priorities related to Russia’s scientific and technological development. It can help determine where to focus and allocate material and financial resources. In addition, it is crucial for identifying and calculating final results that may indicate scientific innovation, and ultimately, provide a benefit to society. Given the unilateral and politically motivated weakening and fragmentation of international scientific relations, it has become essential to ensure scientific and technological sovereignty. This means that criteria and mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness and differentiation of scientific work should be developed and enshrined in regulation. This would not only benefit scientific organizations, but also universities, scientific teams, and individual scientists. A system evaluating the effectiveness of scientific work (including in the field of national scientometrics) encompasses a number of issues which require conceptually sound strategic solutions at the legislative level. Does legal regulation in the field need to be improved in order to make Russia's scientific and technological development more efficient?
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Legal Protection for Russian Business Abroad

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall D1
A host of unfavourable macroconditions have been created for Russian businesses abroad. This state of affairs requires appropriate solutions, both in terms of legal protection, and possible government support. Russian entrepreneurs operating in other countries have seen their rights violated and business freedoms restricted. A number of countries have also taken political decisions which disregard established legal boundaries. Russophobia has not only affected ordinary citizens, but the business community too. What’s more, it has had an impact on choice of jurisdiction. What forms of legal protection do Russian entrepreneurs have recourse to? What legal issues will Russian entrepreneurs have to deal with in the near future? How will the current situation affect national jurisdictions?
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

The Russian Federation’s Participation in International Intellectual Property Protection Agreements in order to Support the Country’s Technological Leadership

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall B4
The last few decades have seen Russia’s integration into global economic and legal systems, while the goal of becoming one of the world’s technological leaders has been among the country’s national priorities. Intellectual property is the basis for technological development, while the registration of rights to intellectual property is one of the key conditions for entry to foreign markets. Foreign economic activity, including the export of goods and the registration of intellectual property rights abroad, was encouraged by the Russian government. How have the goals changed given the changed global political situation? What are the latest trends in the development of international agreements on the protection of intellectual property rights abroad? What is Russia’s place in the global intellectual property system? What problems do Russian copyright holders face in terms of protecting their inventions in foreign markets? What problems is the domestic Russian market currently facing in terms of the intellectual property rights of foreign copyright holders in the context of the sanctions, and how can they be resolved?
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

The Legal Services and Legal Representation Market

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall D3
The decisions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation have repeatedly emphasized the need for the state to guarantee citizens' right to qualified legal assistance. To achieve this, the state must provide the necessary conditions for the training of qualified lawyers and establish professional qualification requirements and criteria. The responsibility for determining such criteria lies with the legislator, who must consider the need to ensure justice, the constitutional principle of adversarial and equality of parties, and the obligation of the state to provide qualified legal assistance to all citizens. However, the legal market in Russia remains fragmented in terms of legal regulation, and the lack of uniform rules for admission to the legal profession and practice, and mechanisms of accountability for lawyers providing low-quality services, undermines the level of constitutional guarantees for qualified legal assistance, creating a favourable environment for fraud. One of the critical challenges is the low level of training of judicial representatives who currently only require legal education to participate in the litigation of civil, arbitration, and administrative cases. Although discussions about the comprehensive legal services reform have been conducted repeatedly, no normative implementation has been established. Therefore, there is an urgent need to resume work aimed at creating entirely new mechanisms of legal regulation that meet modern needs and conditions of society and the state. What professional and ethical qualities should persons providing legal services have? What is the new vector of development of the institute of advocacy and the legal services sphere in Russia? What measures will contribute to the sustainable development of the Bar and the legal services market?
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Reworking Intellectual Property: Is Legislation Hindering the Development of New Outcomes?

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall B3
In the modern era, the development of manufacturing and civil commerce are directly related to the development of science and technology. As such, the role of the legal regulation of intellectual property is increasing. In this regard, one of the most striking features in the development of science, technology, and art is the mass creation of secondary intellectual property based on earlier achievements that is not entirely brand new, but is no less valuable for the economy and culture. At present, there is much concern about how strictly the law should regulate the correlation of rights to original (primary) and derivative (subservient, secondary) intellectual property due to Russia’s need to protect its intellectual property interests against the backdrop of economic sanctions and the withdrawal of numerous foreign companies from the Russian market. It is crucial to consider the recycling of intellectual property in the broader sense: not only in relation to copyrighted works, but also patent rights and trademark rights. What problems arise when using works as a basis for creating new ones? How should problems with the processing and modification of computer programmes and databases be solved? In patent law, the issue of subservient patents and problems related to technology improvements is particularly acute. For means of individualization, there are similar problems with determining the similarity of trademarks. Issues related to the integrity of actions to process certain types of intellectual property are also highly important.
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Public Trust in the Judicial System: An Objective Evaluation and Areas of Improvement

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall D4
The government is obliged to ensure the right to judicial protection, which must in turn be fair, competent, and effective. It should be acknowledged that public opinion alone is not an objective way of evaluating the work of the judicial system. This is because any dispute results in there being a losing party, and because it is essential to be highly qualified in order to evaluate the correctness of a decision. That said, public opinion does reflect the level of confidence that people have in the system’s ability to protect their rights. What’s more, it has an impact on the level of trust that society has in the government. What can be done to assess whether judicial reforms are sufficient and bringing results? And what steps should be taken to gain an understanding of the real level of public trust in the justice system, and of the attractiveness of national jurisdiction? How can a feedback mechanism be created in such a way as to allow the government to rapidly respond to the key needs of society?
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Economic Justice: Pathways to Improvement

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall A
In light of new economic challenges, it is crucial to adjust current legal mechanisms to allow them to better protect participants in civil transactions when there is a violation or contestation of rights. Going to court remains the main way a party can protect their rights. However, the current arbitration process was designed for a different economic and social context. As a result, there are some contradictions when it comes to fast-developing economic relations. It is therefore necessary to objectively evaluate justice in the economic sphere. Consideration needs to be given to how effectively it can currently protect the rights and legitimate interests of individuals engaged in entrepreneurial or other economic activity. Protection of the rights and legitimate interests of the Russian Federation and other public legal entities also needs to come under the spotlight. How competitive is economic justice and arbitration in Russia? What prospects exist for Russia’s judicial system to further develop in relation to arbitration proceedings? What challenges need to be addressed by the EAEU Court and the supreme courts of Eurasian Economic Union member states? How effective have interim measures been in economic justice today? What have been the outcomes of reform in arbitration? What key issues need to be addressed in relation to resolving disputes involving parties subject to restrictive measures? Is it necessary to rethink and further improve current legislation in relation to prosecutors in arbitration processes?
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Law and Society
Pavilion F, conference hall F3
AI is set to be rolled out on a mass scale in all sectors of the economy, including healthcare, over the next 10 years. In the Russian Federation, a regulatory framework has been created for the registration of medical technology that uses AI. To date, 21 medical devices that use AI have been registered, with another five undergoing registration. The development of new AI-based medical technology raises issues of the development of approaches towards its inclusion in the public finance system and its effective use. Which path should a technology take to be included in the public finance system? What opportunities are there for financial support for the use of AI in healthcare? What opportunities are there for an experimental legal regime for AI? Which legal regulations currently impose restrictions, and which will create the conditions required for the introduction of AI technology in Russian clinical practice? What are the risks of rolling out AI in healthcare? Are doctors and patients ready for the introduction of AI?
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Professionalism in the Law – the Path to the Future

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall B2
A proper legal culture is essential to the development of the rule of law in Russia. Without it, values and constitutional foundations such as the rule of law, the priority of man, and human rights and freedoms cannot be fully enacted. At the same time, professional legal assistance and strict observance of the norms of law and ethics by lawyers are vital components in this regard. Indeed, they are essential to fostering a legal culture, positive legal consciousness, and responsible behaviour on the part of the public. And yet, the quality of legal services provided to citizens and organizations is often lacking. It is therefore important to understand what personal and business qualities lawyers should possess today. Is it crucial for there to be lawyers with a narrow specialization in specific civil, criminal and administrative cases, or more generalists? What skills and abilities, in addition to legal knowledge, should a lawyer possess today?
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Legal Migration Policy: Current Challenges and Solutions

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall B1
Changes in global politics have exacerbated existing problems and created new challenges for state agencies that manage and control migration flows. Even the most effective legal regulation of migration is unable to substantively impact the root causes of migration and attractiveness of Russia for migrants, with the latter depending on socio-economic and political factors as well as quality of life indicators. The socio-economic and infrastructural well-being of the regions that receive migrants and the opportunity for qualified migrants to stay and work legally are key to ensuring the latters’ social and cultural adaptation to life in Russia, the assimilation of Russian language and culture, and their compliance with domestic law and adherence to the Russian way of life. What effective mechanisms should legal regulation offer to solve the existing problems? How is migration law being reformed today and can the problems associated with migration be addressed at this level? Can the requirements for receiving a Russian passport be simplified for migrants?
We need to develop legal regimes that would reduce illegal labour migration as far as possible, and ensure both oversight over the validity of migrant labour and civil law contracts and due payment of taxes and social contributions by foreign nationals and their employers.
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Legal Outlines of Russian Identity

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Pavilion F, conference hall F1
The current foreign political climate has meant that preserving Russian identity is integral to preserving the country itself. That applies to its legal system, history, and culture, based as they are on the nation’s traditional spiritual and moral values. How does Russian civic identity manifest itself in the country’s legislation? What are its legal outlines? Russia is set to adopt a range of critical strategic documents. Primarily, these include the Fundamentals for the Preservation and Strengthening of Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values, and the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation. In addition, the country is also making clarifications to its Fundamentals of State Cultural Policy. Once this is done, the entire legislative system should be transformed in line with a set of fully developed traditional values.
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Register of Mandatory Requirements: A Basic Component of the Digital Ecosystem of Control

Effective Law for an Effective State
Pavilion F, conference hall F2
A register of mandatory requirements, which is a basic component of the digitalization of the tax documentation classifier system as the unified repository of all requirements, would make it possible to create unique assistant services for businesses, including start-up entrepreneurs, in various sectors of the economy. The register should help businesses prepare for audits, study all the requirements that must be met for certain types of activity in a convenient format, and assess the costs of opening new businesses. The data that has been accumulated on the application of mandatory requirements should be the basis for the next cycle of optimization and regulatory revision.
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Lecture by Andrey Artizov: “Historical and Legal Roots of the Ukrainian Conflict”

Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E12
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11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
Broadcast

Lecture by Andrey Bezrukov: “The New Global Landscape and Challenges for Russia”

Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E11
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09:00 12.05.2023
12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

New Challenges and Old Problems: Are Changes Needed to the Law on Advertising?

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall B1
Digital technologies and information exchange are all developing at an intense rate, and the legal field is struggling to keep up. New advertising techniques and methods are emerging, as are ways of determining audiences. An enormous amount of data on consumer behaviour is collected online, including by advertisers. In its current form, the law is not always fully capable of regulating issues pertaining primarily to the digital realm. Some of the more conservative and cumbersome constructions are excessive when it comes to regulating online advertising. Another frequent issue is the lack of regulation for situations that arise when using electronic and online services, and advertising services and platforms. The problem is that it can be difficult to determine the liability of those involved in disseminating information online. Over the past few years, the courts and Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia have worked to build a practice which has already become firmly embedded in legislative regulation. Approaches developed for individual disputes have served to create general rules. Do these rules need to be enshrined in law? Should the excessively detailed regulation of requirements concerning advertising content be simplified? How can greater flexibility be offered in terms of communicating obligatory information to the consumer? What can be done to more clearly outline the boundaries of responsibility, both in relation to advertisers and advertising distributers?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Foundations of the International Legal Order vs. the “Rules-Based Order”: The Future of International Law

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Pavilion F, conference hall F2
Currently the system of international law is being seriously tested. The vast majority of international actors continue to adhere rigorously to the foundations of the international legal order, viewing them as the cornerstone of just, equitable, stable and predictable international relations. At the same time, a group of Western States persistently attempts to substitute them with an alternative concept of ‘Rules-Based Order’. The practice of settling international disputes through unilateral sanctions is one of its manifestations, as is the substitution of the principle of non-interference in the other States affairs with the concept of ‘responsibility to protect’. What are the implications of this situation for the future of international relations? What can be the basis for further States interaction?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Family Values at the Centre of Global Politics: The Right to Identity

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Pavilion F, conference hall F21
Long-established moral and cultural norms, religious principles, the institution of marriage, and family values are increasingly coming under threat. This is happening in the context of changes taking place in the world today, which are putting traditional spiritual and moral values and stable moral guidelines in a precarious situation. In his address to the Federal Assembly, the President of the Russian Federation paid special attention to destructive external threats to the family institution, as well as to cultural and national identity. Traditional ideas about the family are being declared obsolete and contrary to human rights and freedoms. Meanwhile, repeatedly emphasized that concepts such as the family, motherhood, and childhood are essential to the preservation and development of Russia’s multinational society. This position is drawn from a traditional understanding of these concepts which has been passed down generations, and which will ensure continuity going forward. As a result, Russian legislation pertaining to the family is rooted in traditional ideas pertaining to the country’s national and confessional composition, its sociocultural structure, and other historical factors. Its legislative concepts also take into account the purpose of the family, including the raising of children. A strong family is the basis of a strong state. What international practice exists in relation to fostering family ties? What steps can be taken to create a system to protect families?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Sovereign Jurisdiction: The Challenge of the Current Realities

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall D2
In the current environment, it has become essential to look at ways of making national jurisdiction more independent and freer from external factors and pressure. Possible changes to the borders of states’ jurisdictions is a matter of particular significance, as is the impact of national jurisdiction on business and the economy as a whole. What is sovereign jurisdiction, and what features should it have? What challenges to national jurisdiction pose the greatest danger to the economy, and how do they need to be addressed? What legal measures need to be taken to strengthen Russian jurisdiction?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Legal Aspects of Implementing PPP Projects

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall D3
The PPP market is not only one of the main drivers of the economy today, it is also a key factor behind a nation’s growth and influence in the world. The unprecedented sanctions imposed on Russia failed, along with attempts to isolate the country. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the PPP sector. Not only did the number of far-reaching projects not decline (either in Russia or abroad), it actually increased. Thanks to public-private partnerships, infrastructure is being built, high-tech developments are being used, and international initiatives (encompassing several states and businesses operating across various jurisdictions) are under way. Supranational legal constructions which were previously the norm are now being employed less and less for the reasons outlined above. When structuring PPP projects, priority is given to sovereign national law. How does this work? What should regulators and legal experts do to ensure that PPP projects are implemented faster and more efficiently, and that the interests of all participants are best protected?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Antimonopoly Regulation in the Present Conditions: Challenges, Tasks and Development Prospects

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall B4
A mixed market economy depends on a number of factors. These include competition, competitive market conditions, and efforts to prevent monopolies from taking shape. The structural shifts taking place throughout the world, the development of digital technologies, and the increased role played by innovations all have implications. These include the transformation of legal relations, the removal of geographical borders delineating commodity markets, and the destruction of established economic ties. In their place are emerging completely new markets of a global and multilateral nature. An evaluation of the changes which are under way, and of the economic situation in Russia and across the world reveals that timely steps need to be taken by the government in order to withstand such global challenges. What measures have been taken in recent years by antimonopoly bodies in order to address economic challenges and ensure fair competition across various sectors of the country's economy? What has been done in terms of improving antimonopoly legislation and minimizing red tape for businesses operating in markets of social importance? What issues are central to developing antimonopoly regulation in foreign jurisdictions, including in EAEU and BRICS member states? What should be done in relation to improving the content and application of competition law in the Eurasian Economic Union? What are the prospects and possible benefits of fostering multilateral partnerships between antimonopoly bodies based in these countries?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Regulating the Real Estate Market: State Guarantees for the Protection of Rights

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall D1
The purchase of real estate is an important event in a person’s life, as well as the most popular and understandable form of investment. Protecting people’s property rights is a priority for the government. Legislation designed to keep people safe and protect their interests is being constantly improved. However, this process brings with it new challenges for government bodies and the business sector. It requires a degree of flexibility and the ability to react quickly. Ensuring that the Unified State Register of Real Estate contains complete and reliable information is key to ensuring the safe and unopposed ownership of real estate. A package of legislative initiatives will help in this regard. These will focus on preventing incursions on land boundaries, eliminating errors in the registry, registering rights to existing real estate, and developing a so-called forest amnesty. How can people and businesses protect their real estate rights? What new approaches in real estate transactions will help secure owners’ rights? How can professional real estate market participants maintain efficiency in the face of changes to legislation?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Building Legal Regulation for Rail Transport in the Eurasian Economic Union

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall A
The Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union that was signed in 2014 formally established a new stage in Eurasian integration. Intensifying interstate cooperation within the EAEU involves building transport routes, including rail, and creating equal conditions and opportunities for all parties in the transportation process. These changes often entail overcoming a number of obstacles on the domestic market of the EAEU member states. How can we identify the nature of the obstacles that arise under these circumstances? Who is responsible for taking the initiative to eliminate them: the state or business? Which body has the purview to decide this issue and what is the status of its decisions? Is there legal precedent? How can the potential of piggyback transportation be used to create the most favourable conditions for the movement of goods, and what measures are needed for this from government agencies and market participants? What tools should be used to expand the range of transport services provided?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

The Law and Gene Technologies: Drivers of Growth and Barriers to Progress

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Pavilion F, conference hall F3
An important objective the solution of which is provided within various areas of state policy is to energize the improvement of genetic technologies and their practice application in Russia. Such technologies cover the social sphere by using the latest achievements of genetic science in medicine and pharmaceutics, economic development in agriculture and industry, as well as national biosafety in the Russian Federation. However, legal support for the development of genetic technologies requires conceptual refinement: biologists, geneticists, doctors and other practitioners in genomic research and the application of genetic technologies face a raft of legal problems, which cannot always be resolved within the scope of current legislation. What new regulatory solutions can be developed in this regard?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Reforming the General Provisions of Civil Law on Obligations and Contracts: The Experience of China and Russia

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall B2
In recent years, reforms of civil law have been actively underway in China and Russia, resulting in the adoption of the 2020 Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China and the modernization of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation as part of the implementation of the Concept for the Development of Civil Legislation in Russia. It was in pursuance of this Concept that amendments were made in 2015 to the general provisions of the Russian Civil Code concerning obligations and contracts. The new provisions of Chinese and Russian contract law have been highly praised by the legal and business communities of both countries as intelligent and mature legal regulations that are well-adapted to the needs of commerce today and, in the context of strengthening economic ties between our countries, they have aroused the mutual, keen interest of Russian and Chinese civil law specialists and businesspeople. What potential is there for applying analogous provisions of the Chinese and Russian civil codes at present? What are the similarities and differences between approaches to the creation of contractual obligations? What are the similarities and differences between the regulation of general issues concerning the performance of obligations? Which problems arise as regards the inability to perform obligations in the context of the new challenges? What prospects are there for the use of methods of ensuring the performance of obligations in relations between business entities in Russia and China?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Legal Education: Problems and Opportunities

Law and Society
Pavilion F, conference hall F1
Legal education is key to the development of legal awareness and a legal culture. And the degree to which legal professionals are qualified has a direct bearing on virtually all areas of life, both in terms of society and the state. What’s more, legal education carries with it the mission of law to a degree. The legal system requires a constant influx of qualified, knowledgeable, and professional personnel. In turn, employers play an important role in evaluating the quality of legal education. The demand for and interest in personnel can be viewed as trust in a certain qualification. What are the main issues facing legal education? What can be done to gain a genuine understanding of the level of legal education in Russia? What potential does Russia’s legal education system have, and what needs to be done for it to develop further?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

This is not Goodbye: Lessons from the Departure of Foreign Law Firms from the Russian Market

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall D4
The freedom that foreign law firms had in their operations in Russia led to the Russian economy’s unacceptable dependence on foreign law, foreign dispute resolution institutions, and Western consultants. The resulting political, legal, and economic risks fully materialized. The departure of foreign law firms from Russia was accompanied by the outflow of Russian personnel abroad and led to the offshorization of legal aid as it pertains to Russian law. The negative ramifications included the failure to comply with Russian regulatory requirements, the erosion of the Russian tax base, ‘jurisdictional losses’, and a violation of the principles of fair competition. At present, the situation (the politically motivated withdrawal of foreign law firms and the establishment of new Russian law firms based on the team members who are left) is conducive to reforms on the legal services market. This is also crucial in terms of avoiding any future negative scenarios that unfriendly countries have recently been pursuing. The tasks and principles of interaction with foreign consultants need to be reconsidered in a short time. The legal sector needs to be brought back from offshore jurisdictions and made sovereign to support the Russian economy, with the creation of an independent infrastructural basis. Among other things, it is crucial to ensure that new Russian law firms are actually independent from their former foreign owners and employers.
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Criminal Law Policy in an Era of Change: Challenges and How to Rise to Them

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall B3
In terms of criminal law policy, Russia has made it a priority to improve criminal and criminal procedure legislation. In recent years, a number of amendments have been made. These have resulted in a reduction of criminal repression. However, it is hardly the case that an optimal and reasonable balance has been struck between the interests of the individual, society, and the state. It is therefore crucial to discuss further prospects for the development of criminal law policy in the current reality. What can be done in relation to criminal law to ensure that Russia’s national interests are better protected from socially dangerous actions and related threats? What steps should be taken to ensure the timely and justified criminalization and decriminalization of actions? In what way could public responsibility be further differentiated and individualized? What prospects and mechanisms exist for optimizing processes related to criminal procedure?
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12.05.2023
09:30–11:00
Broadcast

Russophobia: 21st Century Nazism

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E12
Russophobia has become not only a means of inciting hatred and discrimination against those of our compatriots living abroad, but also the ideological basis for the collective West’s aggressive anti-Russian policy. The US has unleashed a new type of hybrid war aimed at weakening Russia in every way possible, including by undermining its formative civilizational role. In this context, unfriendly countries are using new, extra-legal and illegal leverage against Russia and our compatriots. One of the most obvious forms of Russophobia is the sanctions being used as illegal leverage against Russia, its citizens and organizations. With the help of quasi-judicial mechanisms, unjust decisions are increasingly being taken against Russian citizens in unfriendly countries, with intergovernmental organizations also being used to this end. A Russophobic war has been declared not only on the people of Russia but also on its monuments, with bans on its civilizational heritage sites and its universally recognized works of art and literature. The Foreign Policy Concept approved by the President of the Russian Federation uses the term “Russophobia” for the first time and speaks of the need to push back against the campaign of Russophobia that has been unleashed by unfriendly countries.
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11:00
12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Bankruptcy: Development from a Social Perspective

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall D4
What issues concerning bankruptcy procedures for citizens are of particular importance today? What potential pathways to addressing them exist, particularly in terms of making bankruptcy – both in and out of court – more efficient? What conclusions can be drawn from analysing the practical issues that arise in the process? How should a balance best be struck between the rights of creditors and debtors in bankruptcy proceedings? What aspects relating to the development of bankruptcy show promise in line with current trends? Is a separate rehabilitation plan required in bankruptcy proceedings with regards to primary housing being used as collateral? What special factors come into play with regards joint bankruptcy of spouses? What can be gleaned from studying international experience?
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Assessing a Partner’s Level of Solvency

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall B1
At some point or another, every business needs to examine the status of other players in the market. Companies need to know about possible risks prior to working with another business, choosing a debt settlement strategy, identifying signs of bankruptcy and developing a concept for effective rehabilitation procedures. Risk analysis is a two-way street, with those doing the evaluating being evaluated themselves. The quality of risk assessment not only has a direct bearing on signing contracts on the provision of goods or services, but also on receiving additional funding. However, without unified approaches to assessing a company, it becomes impossible to predict the outcome of a partnership. At the same time, insufficient information regarding quality is a risk in and of itself. This situation means that businesses have no flexibility when it comes to making quick decisions. And in the context of current sanctions, it is difficult to transform business processes quickly. If creditors have no way of genuinely knowing what their chances are of getting their money back, the simplest and most understandable option would appear to be the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings. And as many creditors know, once these have been initiated, the chances of recovering debts dwindles substantially. Meanwhile, the business sector is finding solutions in the creation of its own databases, scoring systems, and analytical tools. However, in order for these tools to stay relevant, reliable, and comprehensive, a unified methodology is required. What is the solution to these issues today?
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Property Tax: The Present and Future of Cadastral Valuation

Effective Law for an Effective State
Pavilion F, conference hall F1
The overarching revision of how property tax is administered is largely behind the recent increase in the fiscal burden experienced by SMEs. In Russia, most microbusinesses and small enterprises work under a special tax regime (the simplified tax regime being the most common). And this is precisely in order to clearly delineate fiscal obligations, whether that be a percentage of turnover (profit) or a specific, predetermined amount. However, since 2014, small businesses have often been additionally levied property tax based on the cadastral value. Entrepreneurs often have questions regarding conducting a cadastral valuation. The introduction of a new valuation methodology has further exacerbated matters.
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Digital Platforms: Identifying Where the Civil Code Ends and the Labour Code Begins

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Congress Centre, conference hall D2
The current legal framework governing labour relations was inherited from a previous technological era. It is unsurprising then that the onset of the platform economy has shaken its very foundations. This new structure links new communication practices, new algorithm-based labour management technologies, and a new role and place for labour in modern life. This is a global challenge, and each country, each national economy, and each legal system is attempting to find its own way to respond to this challenge. These responses are likely to differ in line with specific national characteristics. Russia is no exception in this regard. More than 10 million people in the country are already part of the platform economy in one way or another. Of this figure, a quarter work in the production of goods and services. The freedom to choose what to produce and for whom, and what service to provide to whom at what price all form the basis of aggregator platforms. It is their driving force. And it falls within the scope of Russia’s Civil Code. However, this generally healthy process is sometimes infiltrated with criminal practices, whereby people are coerced to abandon their labour rights in favour of pseudo civil law contracts. What can be done to separate freedom of choice in self-employment from a fictitious form of freedom sometimes forced upon employees? Is the presumption of employer-employee relations a protective or harmful mechanism on the part of the state, and a hinderance in civil law relations? Is it acceptable that the tax authorities of some Russian regions now practice the compulsory re-classification of civil law relations to labour relations, without at least one of the parties having the right to appeal? What are such conflicts rooted in: law enforcement in a disputed area, or imperfect legislation? Who will protect the civil rights of self employed people in the same way the Labour Inspectorate is tasked with protecting the labour rights of employees?
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Recognition of the Genocide of the Soviet People: Legal Aspects

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall D3
Based on an analysis of a wide array of historical facts, legal acts, and the legal positions of Russian and international researchers, the crimes committed against the peoples of the USSR during World War II in 1941–1945 are regarded as the genocide of the Soviet people, which resulted in the death of tens of millions of people. The fact that Russian courts have confirmed that the Nazi invaders and their accomplices committed war crimes as well as the investigation by the Russian Investigative Committee of criminal cases concerning these crimes should be viewed exclusively in the context of responsibility inevitably being established as one of the central principles of law based on the verdict of the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg and the subsequent trials of Nazi criminals. At the same time, a number of facts and events related to war crimes concerning the plans and actions of Nazi Germany, its satellites, and their accomplices to exterminate the peoples of the USSR have not yet been given a proper legal assessment based on the Nuremberg principles, including by international legal institutions. The Western world is not ceasing its attempts to distort historical truths, reassess events, and revise the results of World War II, including the mass extermination of Soviet citizens.
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Dispute Resolution in Insurance

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall B4
Many individuals have begun to experience difficulties in fulfilling their contractual obligations in the face of sanctions. Insurance payouts have therefore come to prominence in an environment where counterparties are seeking to recover their costs as far as possible. At the same time, sanctions have had a deleterious impact on settlement processes between participants along the insurance and reinsurance value chains. These factors have brought conflict to the insurance sector and given rise to numerous disputes. How should insurance payments be made in the current conditions? What can be done to mitigate the dishonest actions of insurers and their customers? What role do legal consultants, adjusters and other experts play in the settlement of losses? All interested insurance market participants will discuss these and other issues at the session.
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Activities of Professional Plaintiffs: Current State and Future Development

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall B2
Lending is a key area. A range of special measures has been taken to ensure easy access to financial services. These measures include developing remote financial services, and simplifying procedures related to applying for and receiving loans. However, it also needs to be recognized that the overall level of consumer debt has risen. What’s more, there has been an increase in loan arrears. Financial institutions have the right to recover these overdue debts themselves as creditors. Alternatively, they may hire professional collection agencies for this purpose. Protecting the rights and legitimate interests of the public when conducting such activities is an undertaking carrying significant social implications, and it is essential to strike a balance between the rights and obligations of all parties involved. It is crucial to recognize that recovering people’s overdue debts is one of the most sensitive areas of the financial sector. What can be done to ensure that professional recovery agencies focus on mediation, so that problematic situations are resolved out of court? Should the scope of federal state control exercised by the Federal Bailiff Service of Russia be expanded? Should limits be set on amounts loaned to individuals? How important is it to consider a potential borrower’s financial situation and track their credit history when deciding whether to issue a loan?
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

International Arbitration and a Crisis of Trust

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall B3
Gradually, courts in pro-Western states are closing their doors to Russian businesses, while foreign companies are often reluctant to resolve their disputes in Russia. These conditions create an environment in which arbitration can thrive. However, major arbitration institutions are often associated with unfriendly countries, causing them to lose credibility in the public eye. As a result, previous arbitration decisions are becoming increasingly irrelevant. Russian businesses must reinvent international arbitration for themselves. Which path did Iran follow, when faced similar challenges? What place will the investment arbitration occupy in the new system? What practical guidelines for drafting "anti-sanctions" clauses should be created?
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Visualizing Law: Integration and Trends in the Development of Law and Art

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall A
Law is traditionally considered to exist in a textual world. Texts continue to dominate in judicial proceedings, regulatory documents, and legal opinions. However, over the centuries, law has also been reflected in works of art and literature. Today, new technology has led to an increase in visual tools being used in the legal system. Law visualization, legal design, and visual legal communication combine design tools with legal language. This session will examine how law and art interact in order to gain a better understanding of trends in the development of the two fields. What significance from a historical perspective does the reflection of law in works of art have? How and where are legal symbols and signs used? Could visualization be used to facilitate functions and tasks in the legal field?
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

The Right to Growth

Effective Law for an Effective State
Pavilion F, conference hall F3
The law acts as a mediator in the economy, and can either be a tool for growth, or a hinderance and cause of stagnation. Is there sufficient government support from a legal perspective and in other areas, given current domestic and foreign challenges?
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Lecture by Valery Zorkin, Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation

Congress Centre, conference hall D1
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Legal Aspects of Aviation: Tools to Regulate Transport Infrastructure and Aircraft Fleets while Counteracting Sanctions Restrictions

In partnership with Aeroflot

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Pavilion F, conference hall F2
The Russian aviation industry is facing unprecedented sanctions from unfriendly states. Almost all foreign-made aircraft engaged in aviation operations faced the threat of all flights being terminated. Nevertheless, the unconventional decisions of the Russian authorities, combined with the high level of professionalism of aviation industry officials, made it possible to ensure the efficient operation of the foreign aircraft fleet by Russian airlines and prevent a critical drop in revenue, as well as a decrease in passenger traffic. What specific legal instruments were used to support the transport system and ensure the normal operation of the civil aviation fleet amidst unprecedented pressure from unfriendly states? Does the legal status of aircraft need to be amended in Russian law? Are new legal structures needed for the efficient operation of aircraft (wet leasing)? The optimal use of personnel is one of the main challenges for businesses in industries that are dependent on the changing seasons. Are there any ways to temporarily expand staffing at present? Which methods require more detailed regulation? How can fixed-term employment contracts be concluded with minimal risks for employers? How is the ability to temporarily use the personnel of another company regulated at the legislative level? What needs to be done to use outstaffing within a certain industry and/or group of companies?
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

AI Applications to Transform Oversight and Supervisory Activities in Agribusiness

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E12
In 2022, Russia produced more than 5 million tonnes of poultry meat, 4.5 million tonnes of pork and 1.6 million tonnes of beef. In addition, almost 5 million tonnes of aquatic bioresources were produced, and milk production reached 32 million tonnes. The past year was also marked by a record grain harvest of more than 150 million tonnes. What’s more, 1.5 million tonnes of fish, 650,000 tonnes of meat, and 45.5 million tonnes of grain were exported. Each year, Russian products are bought by 130–160 countries worldwide. Given this, digitalization has become essential in a global market to support national biological security, guarantee the safety of primary produce and processed goods, and ensure that goods comply with requirements through oversight, supervision and licensing. Since 2006, 10 information systems have been developed and launched by the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor). Thanks to these programs, supervision can occur without having to interact with businesses across all basic areas of the agricultural industry (animal husbandry, industrial processing, crop farming, veterinary medicine, and agrochemistry). Today, it has become possible to automate the identification of unscrupulous entrepreneurs and consumer fraud schemes through the use of neural networks. One AI model recognized by the OECD as an outstanding global innovation is capable of analysing 46 million documents per hour. This translates into a 90,000-fold increase in inspectors’ productivity. Digital supervision allows the state to quickly identify violations, and helps honest entrepreneurs work in a competitive environment and openly maintain their reputation. It is becoming clear that there needs to be a legislative definition of digital public administration. This should encompass supervision and oversight, and should enshrine the procedure for employing artificial intelligence when detecting violations. Is it possible for inspectors to make decisions based on information provided by AI models? What interaction tools in digital public administration should facilitate prompt action on incidents detected by systems that go beyond the purview of the agency that identified it? Is the government in a position to delegate procedural steps to neural networks?
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Investments Instead of Fines: How to Ensure Compliance with Mandatory Requirements

Effective Law for an Effective State
Pavilion F, conference hall F21
Russian legislation on state control (oversight) requires compliance with mandatory requirements while minimizing the administrative burden on controlled entities. As such, the main objective of state control (oversight) is not to hold a controlled entity accountable, but to prevent and eliminate violations of mandatory requirements. However, the current norms of the Russian Code of Administrative Offences do not preclude subjecting a controlled entity to administrative liability for violating mandatory requirements in the event said entity properly executes an order to eliminate any violations that are found. This can only serve as a circumstance that mitigates administrative responsibility. As evidenced by the practice of considering requests to extend deadlines for the execution of orders from the government, businesses often need long periods and significant investments to correct the violations. It takes a long time, for example, to supply and install advanced equipment or reorganize production chains. In this regard, it would make sense to develop a pattern of interaction between the state and business to ensure compliance with mandatory requirements, while maintaining the required level of socioeconomic development in a specific territory.
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12.05.2023
11:30–13:00
Broadcast

Public Meeting of Ministers of Justice

Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E11
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13:00
12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Current Trends in International Relations Relating to Energy Policy and Law

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Pavilion F, conference hall F2
The process of transitioning from a unipolar world to a multipolar structure has led to increased unfair competition for markets of energy resources, technology, and sources of economic and financial wealth. The North Atlantic Alliance, including the NATO Bloc, is using economic, political, legal, and military means to return to the era of colonialism in the economic, legal, cultural, technological, digital, and energy sectors. This is reflected in the ideas of legal exclusivity, setting price limits on oil and gas sales, imposing illegal sanctions against Russia and other countries, expanding its jurisdiction over the actions and decisions of third countries, and disconnecting countries and populations from digital services. At the same time, in the current contentious environment, the notion of sovereignty – the ability to make autonomous decisions in areas such as economics, law, digital technology, and energy based on national interests – is regarded as a valuable means of resistance. As a result, it is imperative to seek out, cooperate with, and coordinate efforts with partners on a mutually beneficial and respectful basis. Russia is increasing interaction and cooperation, including energy cooperation, with countries in Central and South-East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, on platforms such as G20, BRICS, SCO, within the Arctic World Club, and others. These conditions provide opportunities for the development of the domestic market, investment in the country's economy, and the improvement of legal instruments in various sectors of the economy, politics, and law.
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Special Legal Regulation in the Financial and Corporate Sectors under Sanctions Pressure

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall D3
2022 was marked by a material change in the configuration of the financial and corporate sectors. The rapidly changing environment brought about by sanctions pressure, among other things, required an immediate response. Decrees issued by the President of the Russian Federation were the only means of ensuring adequate legal regulation in the rapidly changing environment, with the adaptability of their application supported by the decision-making mechanisms of the Government Commission on Monitoring Foreign Investment in the Russian Federation and the Bank of Russia’s ability to issue official clarifications and adopt regulatory decisions of the Bank’s Board of Directors. Will this “temporary” special legal regulation become “permanent”?
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

The Essence of Probation: Prerequisites for Achieving a Reduction in Recidivism

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall B4
In February 2023, the Federal Law on Probation in the Russian Federation was signed, marking the first-ever establishment of a probation system. This system encompasses a range of measures applicable to convicts, individuals subject to other criminal-legal measures, as well as persons released from institutions where they had served sentences of compulsory work or imprisonment, and who may now find themselves in difficult life situations. The introduction, implementation, and attainment of socially significant outcomes relating to this probationary institution are crucial topics for discussion.
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

The Right to Historical Truth and the Fight Against Falsification of History

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall D1
Falsification of history is an important tool of the West in the mental war unleashed against Russia. It is aimed at manipulating its citizens and undermining the unity of the peoples of Russia. The task of protecting historical memory and preserving traditional spiritual values must be implemented as part of a general strategy to ensure national security and defend the national and governmental interests of Russia on the world stage. As part of the discussion platform, it is planned to address the underlying values of Russian sovereign historical policy (politics of memory), the forms and legal mechanisms of protecting the historical truth, and ways of counteracting the falsification of history.
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Forensic Science in the Service of the Law

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall B2
Today, it has become essential to foster a constructive dialogue on modern practices in the development and implementation of new areas of forensic research, and the training of forensic experts. What is the current state of the sector? What potential exists to introduce new aspects of forensic research in line with the needs of the legal process? What harmonization-related issues exist in the development of new areas of forensic research at public forensic institutions and educational organizations?
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Justice in the 21st Century

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall A
Justice is the central element of any legal system. It is a highly sophisticated mechanism, and the way justice is administered, on what basis, for what values, for what aims, and to what ends all have a direct bearing on public trust in the legal system and the state as a whole. Traditionally, changes in substantive law were not always accompanied by the transformation of procedural institutions. Legal doctrine and practice both proceeded from the belief that a universal procedural form can be applied to almost any substantive legal issue. Is that the case now? Can – and should – we keep observing the principles of legal proceedings at any cost, considering that we are in the midst of an era of global uncertainty, rampant growth, increasingly complex legal conflicts, and the development of new digital technologies? Has the very nature of justice changed in the 21st century? By posing these questions in relation to civil, criminal, arbitration, constitutional and even international processes today, it becomes possible to conceptualize the status quo and make predictions about the further development of justice.
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Russian Legislation: Projections, Prospects, Programmes (to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation)

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall D4
New dynamics are continuing to emerge in Russian legislation. These include increasing sovereignty, weakening the influence of international and supranational regulators, combining modernization with constitutionalization processes, and adapting to extraordinary conditions. Under these circumstances, it is increasingly important to take into account advances in jurisprudence and other sciences when designing and predicting future legislative developments. The conceptualization of further legislative modernization has become an important and integral part of the current process of legislative enactment and reform. It is therefore not only legitimate to question the institutionalization of scientific law-making consultancy, but also to seek answers to the following questions: What predictions of legislative trends are instrumental and credible? What are the parameters of the relationship between the universal and the national in domestic law that are sufficient to meet the challenges of the times? Should we expect the role of "flexible regulators" to increase? Should mechanisms and practices for implementing court decisions into law be strengthened? What are the prospects for the systematization and "mechanization" of legislation? What are the prospects for legislative consultancy?
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Contemporary Issues in Protecting the Professional Rights of Lawyers

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall B1
The Russian Bar acts as a reliable guarantor of citizens’ constitutional right to receive qualified legal assistance. The legislation on advocacy, the Bar and the international commitments of the Russian Federation provide lawyers with a sufficiently high level of safeguards in carrying out their professional activities. It also provides lawyers with a certain amount of rights and obligations as a result of their legal professional status. Legislation also provides lawyers with a set of rights and duties arising from their procedural roles. At the same time, law enforcement practice shows that, unfortunately, lawyers' professional rights are violated on a regular basis. Consequently, there is a need to improve and defend the legal institution of lawyers’ professional rights. Do lawyers need protection of their professional rights? How have violations of lawyers’ professional rights evolved? Who most often infringes on the professional rights of lawyers? How can lawyers defend their professional rights? Are lawyers’ professional rights subject to judicial protection? How should a lawyer defend himself/herself if a trustee in insolvency demands his/her fees in court? Is it ethical for a lawyer to go to court to recover his or her fees? Can a court exclude a lawyer from taking part in a client’s case? Is it permissible for private practitioners to provide services while positioning themselves as representatives of a solicitors’ corporation? How can a corporation prosecute “legal poachers”?
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Current Trends in the Development of Corporate Legal Management

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall B3
The changing economic and political climate brings new challenges to managers tasked with leading their company's legal function. The key factor in this context is the shift of legal services from a reactive to a preventive management approach, premised on a partnership role concerning both internal and external clients. During the session, we will discuss various issues pertaining to a company's legal service, including how a legal head can become a business partner, the strategic nature of a legal head, methods and tools for fostering client-oriented legal staff, and whether the legal service should be an earning unit. Specifics surrounding the KPIs of the legal service and how to ensure effective interaction between the legal function and internal and external clients will also be covered?
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

The Impact of Information Technology on the Development of Corporate Relations: Bringing Decentralized Autonomous Organizations under Russian Jurisdiction

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Pavilion F, conference hall F1
Digitalization is already a major driver of social and economic development. Representatives of the legal community, business and state agencies will discuss how business is harnessing digital innovation. Can businesses fully digitize their business processes so that they can resolve corporate issues and challenges and work with government agencies and contractors online? What is required for businesses to evolve into so-called decentralized autonomous organizations? How will the legal status of such businesses change: a new organizational form, a simple partnership or a method of corporate governance? What legal and technological framework should be created to ensure that business can operate smoothly in this new environment?
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Cross-Border Foreclosures and Bankruptcies

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Pavilion F, conference hall F3
Issues surrounding transnational payment recovery – and transnational bankruptcy in particular –invariably involve various legal orders interacting with each other. It also encompasses work by legal specialists based in different jurisdictions. This is not always an easy task in and of itself, and now the new international legal reality arising from the war of sanctions has only complicated this process further. Numerous experts have identified a growing trend for jurisdictional fragmentation. When considering lawsuits, the claim is often made that it is impossible to ensure justice or fair consideration of disputes in a court or arbitration process as originally set out by the parties to a contract. What’s more, procedures to recognize and enforce foreign judgments and arbitral decisions (already a complicated process from a legal and formal point of view) have become much more difficult. What new challenges have emerged, and what approaches can be taken to address them?
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Russia–India: Legal Challenges for Business in an Era of Booming Bilateral Trade and Investment

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall D2
Russia's “Pivot to the East" has provided an additional impetus to generate new economic ties between countries that have historically focused on working with classical financial centres, at a time when they are losing their credibility and reputation as trustworthy partners. Alongside its legal system, which is based on that of the UK, India has many national features which, when coupled with the overall exoticism of the country, create a complex backdrop for doing business. The pace of economic convergence between the two countries is at an all-time high. Last year Russia became India's largest supplier of crude oil. In 2023, the two countries switched from dollars to local currencies in trade transactions. Numerous Russian IT companies (VisonLabs, Geoscan, Quantum Communications, Scout, etc.) have entered the Indian market. Trial shipments of the new strategically important North-South ITC logistics route are underway. In other words, Russian business is actively entering the Indian market, which means that there is an immediate need for a comprehensive understanding of the Indian legal landscape, especially in the context of protecting the interests of companies. The situation is similar for Indian companies supplying goods to Russia through parallel imports under the legalized product list, as well as for domestic pharmaceutical companies that have a strong chance of taking over vacant market niches for medicines and medical devices. How can favourable access for business to the countries' markets be organized? How should information channels for doing business in India and Russia be centralized? How can regulatory and administrative barriers to business be effectively harmonized?
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Control Legislation as a Driver of Economic Growth

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E12
A new law on state control was adopted in 2020, and a companion law to it was passed in 2021. More than 200 resolutions of the Russian government, 400 decrees of the federal authorities, 2,500 acts at the regional level, and 25,000 municipal acts have been adopted to implement the laws. One could argue that Russia has created a progressive practice of regulation in areas of risk-based approach, working with business by preventing violations, and working with data in monitoring activities, which is more advanced than the vast majority of countries around the world. How should legislation on control evolve in the near future to implement the next phase of control reform? Which provisions require specific adjustments, and which ones need to be systematically revised?
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12.05.2023
13:30–15:00
Broadcast

Digital Tagging as an Effective Tool in the Protection of Consumer Rights

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Pavilion F, conference hall F21
In Russia, the government has created the Honest Sign labelling system, which aims to ensure the legal circulation of goods, protect consumer rights, and prevent actions that mislead them. The labelling system helps to not only ensure effective state control (oversight), but also public control with the Honest Sign mobile application, which is used by more than 10 million consumers today. Consumers can send information about violations they find directly to the Honest Sign system, and the control (oversight) body, as represented by the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, can see these ‘signals’ in the personal accounts of its employees and, using various forms of control (oversight), including without interacting with the controlled entities, take response measures envisaged by law to prevent the risk of harm to consumers. In addition, the control (oversight) bodies have the ability to remotely record other violations committed by parties involved in the circulation of goods (violation of established prices, the sale of goods with unregistered labelling codes, the improper status of participants, the circulation of goods with an expired shelf life, etc.), and to focus on working with unscrupulous market participants. What results have already been achieved with labelling? What risk-based approach tools are being used based on the functional capabilities of the labelling system? How is public control developing to protect consumer rights? How can conscientious businessmen help reduce the circulation of illegal products in order to protect consumer rights? How is the labelling system being used to improve business processes in the interests of consumers, including to preclude the technical possibility of products being sold that are illegally introduced into circulation or have an expired shelf life?
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14:00
12.05.2023
14:00–15:00
Broadcast

Book presentation: Crystal Growth. On the Russian Economic Miracle by Aleksandr Galushka

Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E11
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15:00
12.05.2023
15:30–17:30
Broadcast

Sovereignty in Law

Пленарное заседание

Congress Centre, Congress Hall
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10:00 13.05.2023
13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Lessons from Legacy Corporate Disputes for Business Owners

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall D2
Inheritance/corporate conflicts can emerge when a business owner dies having not specified how their property is to be distributed. The result is negative consequences in terms of both property, and reputation. What can be done to address the incorrect interpretation and application of a legal entity’s articles of association in relation to how status and rights are claimed from a deceased participant or shareholder? What is the legal status of the surviving spouse in relation to the company’s shares bequeathed by the deceased? What role does the notary play in allocating a marital share to the surviving spouse and distributing assets to recipients? How effective is trust management?
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

‘Friendly’ and ‘Unfriendly’ Jurisdictions: A New Taxonomy of Legal Systems

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall A
Agreements on the promotion and mutual protection of capital investments allow for an open offer for the creation of international investment arbitrations – something which Russia cannot avoid. In unfriendly states, steps have already been taken to establish international investment tribunals for cases involving “foreign investors vs the Russian Federation”. Mutual recognition and enforcement of judgements and arbitral decisions made in Russia and unfriendly states is becoming a matter of key importance. Clearly, there are set to be more cases of refusing to recognize and enforce decisions based on public policy doctrine. The Russian government has already taken a range of measures which have facilitated efforts to tackle offshoring and restore economic sovereignty. They have also helped boost import substitution and localization of the manufacturing sector. These measures have included restricting the payment of dividends to unfriendly states, restrictions on returning loans to unfriendly states, restrictions on the movement of capital, mandatory settlements in roubles and other currencies, and a ban on issuing depositary receipts abroad. In addition, the sanctions imposed by unfriendly countries have actually had the effect of tackling offshoring and restoring Russia’s economic sovereignty. What needs to be done to develop ways of protecting Russian assets which have been frozen abroad? How can investment arbitration be leveraged in this regard, including in relation to protecting Russian investors who purchased foreign securities through the National Settlement Depository against the authorities of Belgium and Luxembourg? What potential exists today for Russia to participate in international financial organizations?
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Approbation of Approaches to Systematizing Legislation in the Current Climate

Effective Law for an Effective State
Pavilion F, conference hall F3
Throughout the development of the Russian state, legal acts were systematized at every stage. Today, we have a historic opportunity to link the fields of law and digitalization of society. How can we achieve this effectively, given the current state of development in both law and digital technology?
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Interaction between Arbitration and Other Dispute Resolution Methods: The Potential to Develop Hybrid Procedures

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall B1
This roundtable will feature a discussion of the procedures for interaction between arbitration and mediation (arb-med-arb, med-arb, arb-med), their effectiveness, the mediator’s role as an arbitrator, the approval of a mediation agreement as an arbitral award, as well as the two-stage system of adjudication, which is being developed by Working Group II (Dispute Settlement) of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Russia–Asia: New Opportunities for the Development of Private International Law

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Pavilion F, conference hall F1
The transformation of international relations in the context of the globally dominant policy of the US and EU has led Russia to change its development pathway. It has shifted its focus of international economic and legal cooperation to the nations of Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. In the current environment, it has become prudent to establish and improve a system of international institutions and organizations in order to secure international and regional security. These should include bodies to combat international terrorism and extremism (under the SCO, CSTO, and so on). Unfriendly countries (the US, EU, Canada, Japan, Australia, etc.) and international organizations are continuing to strengthen their sanctions policy against Russia and Belarus. As a result, it has become incumbent to shore up international legal support for economic, trade, and financial cooperation with member states of the CIS, EAEU, BRICS+, and APEC. International legal regulation and the protection of foreign investment from sanctions imposed by unfriendly countries are key issues in light of the development of Greater Eurasia. What needs to be done to improve the regional dispute resolution system in the relevant courts in order to effectively examine disputes and conflicts between legal entities? What steps should be followed to create a unified legal framework guaranteeing legal protection for legal entities and people in Russia, Belarus, and member states of the EAEU and CIS?
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Sanctions: A New Form of Colonization, or an Incentive to Build an Independent Economy?

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Pavilion F, conference hall F2
The topic of sanctions has been widely discussed in recent times, and not only among experts in international affairs, but the general public, too. However, discussions around economic sanctions are mainly reduced to assessing their economic impact on the country in question. And generally, discussions do not go further than examining the efficiency and acceptability of such an instrument of foreign policy. They rarely, for example, take into account the specific nature of sanctions as an instrument of foreign policy. Nor do they focus on the mechanisms for imposing them, or the consequences for individual nations and humanity as a whole. What does the experience (and consequences) of economic wars in relation to African nations, Russia, China, India, Turkey, Cuba, Iran, and Serbia tell us today? What are the grounds and legitimacy of waging economic wars against Russia? How should the legislation of independent states be improved when building independent economies and forging foreign trade ties? What should be done to create a global distribution of markets based on principles of mutual respect and recognition of other nations’ interests?
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Legal Lingo: Terminology and Syntax in Legal Documents

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall B4
Whether looking at interviews with professional lawyers, or examining vast quantities of legal documents through corpus analysis, it is becoming clear that he problem of legalese has become rampant in recent years. And indeed, the complexity and incomprehensibility of legal documents has increasingly come to the public’s attention. This phenomenon can in part be attributed to the fact that legal regulation has become more complex as the practice of applying certain stipulations expands. Another contributing factor is the attempt to reflect more and more nuances and details in legal texts. However, as a result, legal documents – which already had a reputation for being somewhat convoluted – have become impenetrable not only to members of the public, but often to professional lawyers themselves. Accuracy is key in law. That means that specific terms sometimes need to be employed. Many of these are borrowed from scientific and other professional fields, which can lead to difficulties in understanding legal stipulations. This is particularly the case today, with society continuing to evolve. The emergence of new forms of social relations and institutions (and changes to older ones) have also complicated matters. Legal stipulations which are vague or even incomprehensible only serve to make legal regulation less effective. What’s more, there is the risk of violating the constitutional principles of legal certainty and equality before the law and the court. All these negative factors are in evidence in Russian law today, and efforts need to be made both in terms of theory and practice (particularly the practice of rulemaking).
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Legal Regulation of the Creation and Distribution of Audiovisual Content in Russia

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall D4
Significant changes were made in 2022 to the rules on the market for the creation and distribution of audio-visual content in Russia. The departure of numerous foreign right holders (including majors) from the Russian market raised the question of a fundamental change in the functional model of the audio-visual content market. In the context of retaliatory sanctions, in addition to the mechanisms of parallel imports and import substitution, special rules need to be adopted for the use of the intellectual property of foreign right holders from unfriendly countries. The phrase ‘pirated content’ should be perceived in a slightly different context in the current conditions. The question of how society and the state should view ‘piracy’ and ‘pirated content’ in the current conditions, when the actions of unfriendly countries and the rights holders they control could also be qualified as a kind of ‘piracy’, a violation of the principles of legality and good faith, and the seizure of assets, needs to be understood from a legal point of view and in the context of the ability and the need to draft amendments to legislation or make adjustments to existing compliance practices. Measures need to be developed to support the industry due to the current lack of audio-visual content on the market. Could there be an easing of responsibility for Russian companies that produce and distribute audio-visual content for failure to comply with certain requirements given the rigid boundaries and unfriendly actions on the part of Western companies? What is the regulator’s view on the future of this sector? Does the market need mandatory licensing or other mechanisms to ensure access to audio-visual content?
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Trust Management: Demand in the Economy, and Pathways to Improving the Model

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Pavilion F, conference hall F21
Is chapter 53 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (covering trust agreements) in need of reform? What is standard behaviour for trust managers, and what needs to be done in relation to investment obligations? What behaviour is considered appropriate during the investment process? What is the dualism between trust management of entrepreneurs’ property and that of private individuals? Should different rules apply in the Civil Code to trust management of entrepreneurs’ property and that of private individuals? Another area for consideration involves trust managers and court-appointed managers. Could regulation in relation to managing the property of a bankrupt debtor and trust management be reconciled? Specifically, this is in reference to enabling court-appointed managers to engage in trust management of property, and to applying similar requirements to trust managers as to court-appointed managers. Should Russian entities involved in property trust management adopt trust agreements which are closer to the Anglo-American model?
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Ensuring the Sovereignty of Legal Compliance in the New Environment: Challenges and Opportunities

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall B3
Russian companies have encountered a large number of new risks in recent years. These have manifested themselves particularly acutely in the form of sanctions, regulations put in place to counter sanctions, and numerous new developments and amendments that have appeared in Russian legislation over the past six months. Given the current period of political and economic turbulence, the already constantly changing fields of law and compliance are experiencing the impact of new challenges that require a rapid response. Compliance offers a key method for preventing legal risks, following as it does emerging risks and challenges. It then transforms in line with the requirements of the time and the needs of the corporate sector. Rapid adaptation to new developments in legal regulation pertaining to certain sectors (such as corporate law, tax law, etc.) is turning into an issue of paramount importance. Just as important, however, are fundamental changes to concepts of ethics and morality, and a departure from directly borrowing values from Western practices. How is compliance changing today? What best world practices can be applied taking into account the legal principles and mentality of the country's citizens?
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Non-Performance of a Contract or Fraud: The Problem of Qualification

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall D3
Legislation and law enforcement practice does not sufficiently distinguish between fraud and non fulfilment of obligations set out under a deal. As a result, when there is a B2B or B2G contract in place, cases under article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation are often initiated only when there is reason to believe there is a deliberate unwillingness to fulfil an obligation. However, non fulfilment of contractual obligations is a fairly frequent occurrence, and the violated rights of the creditor can be quite effectively protected under civil law. Ultimately, this is at odds with the purpose of criminal law and the principle of economy of criminal repression. Criminal prosecution is a final measure used to protect the interests of society, and should not lead to the excessive criminalization of economic players. What are essentially economic-related disputes can carry with them the tinge of criminality. This can lead to law-enforcement bodies making unjustified intrusions into the way companies operate. It also weakens guarantees in relation to protecting the rights of entrepreneurs, erodes trust, and impedes business activity. Ultimately, this can have a negative impact on the business climate and hinder economic growth in Russia. How does the real social danger of fraud weigh up against the negative consequences of the widespread initiation of criminal cases under article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (whereby contractual obligations are not fulfilled in the course of business activities or corporate conflicts)? Are legislative changes required?
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Eurasian Intellectual Property Regulation: Expanding the Jurisdiction

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall B2
Many companies today are expanding their operations into new territory, and Russia’s closest neighbours – the countries of Eurasia – are natural choices as places to do business. In this regard, it has become particularly crucial to have legal protection of intellectual property which covers the region. The process of Eurasian integration is inevitably raising questions regarding expanding the scope of supranational regulation. Eurasian instruments can be employed to reduce costs and harmonize legislation and law enforcement. This in turn can help avoid legal collisions and make decisions more predictable. Why is it worth expanding the competencies of Eurasian structures in relation to intellectual property? How should this be done? What integration mechanisms have already been successful, and how should they be improved? To what extent does the Eurasian contractual framework meet the needs of people and businesses, and what development pathways exist?
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

The School of Digital Law. Training, Development, and Retention of Digital Economy and Cybersecurity Legal Experts in Russia

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Congress Centre, conference hall D1
Training, development, and retention of digital lawyers – defenders against cybercrime. 2022 Results.
Digital defenders – who are they?
Best practices for training digital law experts. Regional experience.
Combating legal nihilism in the field of digital law, raising awareness among the public about the evolution of national law and new areas of legal regulation as the basis for the development of Russia's legal culture.
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13.05.2023
10:00–11:30
Broadcast

Lecture by Aleksandr Bugaev: “A Comprehensive Strategy for Child Safety in the Russian Federation”

Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E12
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12:00
13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Legal Aspects of Joint Film Production in the New Realities

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall D1
In 2022, ‘unfriendly countries’ generated more than 60% of export proceeds from the licensing of Russian films. With the introduction of sanctions against Russia, Hollywood film companies leaving the Russian market, and a reduction in the number of cinemas in the country, financial planning in the film industry is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Given the withdrawal of foreign partners from projects, the refusal of private investors, including Russian ones, to finance films, and an increase in film production costs, Russia needs to cooperate with new markets in the film industry and transition from content distribution to the implementation of co-production film projects. What legal aspects of co-production are the most important today? What are some of the distinctive features of legal regulation in new markets for the Russian film industry? What challenges does the film business face when making films with international co-production? How can improvements to legislation concerning international activities facilitate the development of the film industry in the new realities?
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Space and the Economy of the Cosmos in the Context of Russia’s Sustainable Development

Effective Law for an Effective State
Pavilion F, conference hall F3
Today, space is more closely intertwined with political and economic factors than ever before. This can be seen from the number of issues related to space exploration that have not been resolved for more than half a century. That is in spite of efforts made by the global community to come to meaningful international agreements. Space-related activities are undergoing a period of commercialization. As a result, the number of actors in the field is growing at an uncontrolled rate. This is giving rise to the serious issue of space congestion, involving satellites of various purposes. Sometimes, unregistered mega constellations of satellites have been placed in low Earth orbit – a space that is a limited resource. This is because the necessary legal framework providing equal access to space for all interested parties is not in place. This solution could guarantee security in relation to space. For many countries, it has become crucial to preserve and strengthen state sovereignty by taking steps across a number of areas. These include determining new areas of policy in relation to international cooperation in the space sector, fostering public-private partnerships in the field, putting special regimes in place to promote space related activity, and finding new legal solutions for the use of space technology in the interests of socioeconomic development. What needs to be done to ensure that space does not become an arena of military confrontation? How can the regionalization and nationalization of space-related regulation be prevented? What specific and feasible steps need to be taken to improve international space law? What recommendations should be developed and submitted to legislative and government bodies to improve the national legal framework governing space-related activity and management approaches in the field?
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Legal Regulation for Online Journalism

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall B2
The legal regulation of new forms of journalism, such as online journalism and blogging, necessitates a discussion and clarification of key concepts. The implementation of government policies on telecommunications, communications, and media is underway, but challenges in digital security, personal data protection, the lack of rules governing civil online journalism (blogging), and the regulation of digital transformation in the internet and media spheres persist. Some issues remain outside the sphere of legal regulation, including the transition to digital broadcasting and the rise of online publications, regulation of social networks (including their concept, types, content monitoring, and blocking), regulation of user-generated content, the correlation between user agreements and editorial standards for both leading and new media (social networks), as well as the regulation of electronic messenger services (messengers), streaming platforms and services, news aggregators, and news agencies in Russia and other countries, mobile applications, interactive television (Internet television), the realization of the right to newsletter (subscription), the rights to computer games; new rules for Internet advertising agencies, “network informants” and insiders as sources of information (especially in the aspect of national interests); self-regulation and co-regulation of Internet journalism. How can we effectively coordinate the actions of lawyers and journalists to establish unified and clear rules for online journalism?
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Investments and Dispute Resolution within BRICS

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall D4
In recent years, BRICS countries have been expanding their trade and economic ties, as overall mutual investment increases. The unilateral economic measures that are being imposed by Western countries have only helped to strengthen this trend. At the same time, there is a growing need to unify legal regulation to ensure there are guarantees for the rights and interests of investors and states within BRICS. In addition, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) is currently discussing ways to reform the international system for resolving disputes between investors and states. This discussion is taking place primarily because states are dissatisfied with the ‘pro-investor’ approach of investment arbitration, including the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), and are looking for ways to reform this system to ensure the more equitable balance of interests of states and investors in dispute resolution. What opportunities are these to unify the legal regulation of BRICS countries in the protection of investors’ rights? Is it possible and advisable to establish an international BRICS arbitration centre for the impartial and independent resolution of commercial disputes? What is the role of government incentives for investment and development institutions in the BRICS countries?
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Supporting Cross-Border Settlements by Russian Companies: Barriers and Solutions

Business and Investment in the Face of Sanctions
Congress Centre, conference hall A
The principle of freedom to conduct essential financial operations (payments and bank transfers) has been virtually destroyed. Across the globe, businesses are coming up against unjustified and unilateral restrictions (both by individual countries, and financial institutions) which are impacting their ability to make transnational settlements. In this regard, there have been renewed and louder calls to make greater use of national currencies belonging to countries which have not imposed sanctions on Russian companies. There have also been increased proposals to apply new mechanisms, tools, and technologies, including digital rights and currencies. What practical solutions are businesses employing in the current environment, and how effective are they? What organizational and legal measures need to be taken to systemically solve issues relating to transnational settlements? What tools, mechanisms, and technologies need to be implemented as a priority, and what needs to be done from an organizational and legal viewpoint to these ends?
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Tax Benefits and Legal Certainty in Tax Law: The Problem of Enforcement and Ways to Ensure a Balance Between Private and Public Interests

Effective Law for an Effective State
Pavilion F, conference hall F1
According to the business community, the instability of duty and tax law and its application has a negative impact on the business climate in Russia. And on the backdrop of the current economic instability experienced by entrepreneurs seeking to do business in Russia, the need for legal certainty in tax law is only growing. For example, what criteria should businesses follow in order to classify property as movable property for taxation purposes; what business structure would be considered by the tax authorities as a scheme to "split up" a business, etc. Tax exemptions also play an important role in stimulating economic growth in Russia, and bona fide businesses that continue to invest in the Russian economy and retain jobs need additional measures of support from the state. With the reduction in government revenues, business can be supported in part by cutting regulation and reigning in law enforcement efforts, which create an unreasonable tax burden on business. How can we increase the efficiency of tax benefits and ensure legal certainty in tax law?
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

The Role of Anti-Corruption Expertise in State Rulemaking

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall B4
Anti-corruption expertise serves as a tool to improve the quality of legislation and openness with regard to civil society institutions. Its goal is to study, analyse and assess any possible negative consequences of regulatory decisions made by state bodies across a number of areas of public life. At the same time, a number of key questions remain. How can the institutional effectiveness of anti-corruption expertise be improved? What impact does expertise have on state rulemaking practices? How successful are information openness efforts with regard to anti-corruption? What are the prospects for this institution in the context of today’s information technologies?
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

A Children’s Code: Legal Fantasy or Genuine Necessity?

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall D2
Supporting families and fostering child development is a priority in Russia’s state policy. It is also an aim enshrined in the country’s constitution. We are currently in the midst of Russia’s Decade of Childhood, which is running from 2018 to 2027. The main goal of this initiative is to put in place a single concept underpinning the development of child protection policy in the country. There are a great many multi faceted issues surrounding the topic of protecting children’s rights. Healthcare is a particularly important area in this regard. An integrated approach needs to be taken to put child-protection guarantees in place. It should consolidate accomplishments from various spheres of life, and in doing so, harmoniously combine normativity, humanism and requirements stemming from a sociological understanding of law. Today, there is a real need to draft a Childhood Code. Are legislative changes needed in relation to the protection of children’s rights, with an emphasis on Russian identity? What can be done to protect national interests and ensure the fulfilment of national development objectives in line with traditional values?
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Big Data and the Law

Digitalization: The Law of the Future or the Future of the Law?
Pavilion F, conference hall F2
The processing of big data is a field which is developing apace in Russia. The amount of data being processed is constantly growing – a fact not lost on the private or public sector. However, a legal regime governing big data has yet to fully take shape. This creates certain difficulties, and leaves the potential for rights to be violated. How should a legal regime for big data look? What is the most effective approach to protecting personal data? What are the prospects for using big data in public administration and business, and what legal instruments can be employed to facilitate this?
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Public Meeting of the Council for the Improvement of Arbitration on Efforts to Develop Domestic Arbitration

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E11
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Criminal Liability of Legal Entities: Problems and Prospects

Effective Law for an Effective State
Congress Centre, conference hall D3
Modern crime involves using legal entities for illegal activities related to tax, corruption, environmental, and other crimes. And while current Russian legislation only envisages criminal liability for individuals, a long-standing discussion continues about the possibility of imposing liability for corporate crimes. In recent years, several bills have been prepared, but so far legislators have limited them to administrative penalties for legal entities that participate in illegal activities. Meanwhile, companies are held criminally liable in many countries, and also in accordance with international legal acts that aim to combat certain types of crimes. Does this institution need to be incorporated into Russian legislation, and what consequences would these changes have for criminal law and proceedings? What risks would the introduction of criminal liability for legal entities cause for business? How can holding companies criminally liable contribute to protecting the rights of conscientious business entities and the interests of the public and the government?
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13.05.2023
12:15–13:45
Broadcast

Legal Education in School and College

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall B3
The system of Russian education is being thoroughly restructured and oriented towards attaining Russian leadership in the scientific, technological, and socio-humanitarian fields. It is also aimed at establishing the rule of law and ensuring Russia's social and cultural identity on the basis of traditional spiritual and moral values. These changes, which will have an impact on school education and secondary vocational education, require the development of new training, new methods and new methodological foundations for providing legal instruction. Legal literacy, as a crucial element of functional literacy, requires serious work and a "reset" of the legal education system.
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14:00
13.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Besogon and Law

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall D1
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13.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Forensics for Future Justice

Justice and Dispute Resolution: New Realities and Horizons
Congress Centre, conference hall A
Forensics is the science of detecting, investigating and preventing crimes, and is an integral part of jurisprudence. It is of particular importance in the administration of justice and establishing a person’s guilt or innocence. It is also central to guaranteeing the legality, validity, and fairness of court rulings and other decisions. Today, forensics is developing in the context of IT penetration and digitalization. Equipment, tools, techniques and methods for detecting, investigating and preventing crimes are gradually being transformed and adapted to meet the needs of justice. But just how ready are they for the digital age? Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to quickly and effectively apply the latest accomplishments in physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and other areas in response. It is similarly vital to employ fundamental research conducted domestically, and develop legal mechanisms to use it as evidence. What is the state of forensic science and practice in Russia today? Is it necessary to rethink the objectives and principles of modern forensics, and to enact a reset in the field in order to better address key tasks relating to security and the performance of the justice system? What legal and organizational difficulties are encountered in the administration of justice today? What can be done to facilitate the application of Russian developments in the field of forensics?
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13.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

Legal Mechanisms for Integration in the Post-Soviet Space

Sovereign Law in a Changing World
Congress Centre, conference hall B1
Today is an incredibly dynamic and effective time for the strengthening of integration in the post-Soviet space. The longest-running post-Soviet integration platform – the Commonwealth of Independent States – received a major boost in the humanitarian sphere in 2022. One major development, for example, was the launch of the Commission on Human Rights. The Union State of Russia and Belarus is working closely across numerous areas, particularly in security. The Eurasian Economic Union is working to unlock its economic potential, both through its 2025 strategy, and the painstaking work done each day by its five member states and permanent bodies of the EAEU, including the Commission and Court. This session will consider which model – an intergovernmental or supranational one – would be best in the post-Soviet space. In which areas is integration possible, or even vital? What significance should be given to international law in the context of integration? What steps could be taken to improve the work of the EAEU Commission and Court? What are the main problems that legal entities and people face in the context of ongoing integration in the post-Soviet space?
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13.05.2023
14:30–16:00
Broadcast

People in the Social Jurisprudence Ecosystem. The Humanitarian Role of Law

Law and Society
Congress Centre, conference hall D2
One of the priorities for the development of the Russian state today is to create the conditions for sustainable population growth. The concentration of efforts and resources on social issues, alongside the understanding that sustainable development aimed at growing the population is of indisputable value, suggests that the key element of social jurisprudence is the individual. This makes the formation of a new legal doctrine of the social state particularly relevant. The doctrine should reflect a new understanding of the limits of the government’s paternalism over the individual and should create a new legal order of mutual trust and responsibility between the individual and the state. A prerequisite for the development of a modern social state is the existence of socially oriented legislation and socially oriented law enforcement. It is important to develop the legal regulation of state socio-economic policy and to update the legal provision of social functions of the state, including through private legal instruments. The convergence between private law and public law is of particular relevance for the social needs of the individual. What should be the legal framework for balancing private and public interests in a modern social state? Are changes needed in Russia’s current social policy, social legislation, and mechanisms for the protection of human rights? How can private and public law converge and interact to ensure and protect human social rights and needs? What is needed to make legislation and law enforcement socially responsive and protect the “weak” side? Does law currently remain an art of good and justice? How does the law affect the life of modern society? What legal legacy will the current generation leave to the next generation?
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