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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
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
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.
09:00
11.05.2023
09:00–14:00
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
10:00
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast Today’s Challenges in Relation to Rulemaking: Improving Legislative Logic and Strategy
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast Partner Financing in Russia: What Do We Expect the Experiment to Achieve?
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast Protecting the Rights of Russians Abroad: Current Issues
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast Transforming Legal Functions to Improve Operational Efficiency
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast Special Administrative Region: New Corporate Management Tools and Opportunities for Russian Jurisdiction
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast Legal Support for Scientific and Technological Development in Russia
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast Creating Legislation for Non-Profit Organizations in the Realities of Modern Society
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.
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast UAVs in the Law: The Legal Regulation of Autonomous Vehicles
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.
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast International Commercial Arbitration: New Challenges
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast New Challenges to the Concept of Sovereign Immunities
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast International Experience in Out-of-Court Protection of Consumer Rights in the Financial Sector
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast A Request for Freedom of Speech. The Legal Nihilism of Western Countries Towards the Russian Media
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast When a Well-Known Trademark Defines a Product: Problems and Solutions
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast Legal Regulation for Artificial Intelligence
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?
11.05.2023
10:00–11:30
10:00–11:30
Broadcast The Institution of Parliamentary Control in Today’s Russia: New Challenges and Opportunities
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?
12:00
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Antimonopoly Regulation and Intellectual Property in the Context of Globalization
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?
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Digital Services for Non-Commercial Organizations
Мастер-класс
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.
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Reducing Risks for Entrepreneurs to Help Ensure Russia’s Economic Security in the Face of External and Internal Threats
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?
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast The Children of Donbas: Right to Safety
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?
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Sustainable Development Law: The Russian Standard
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.
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Mining: New Economic Challenges and Opportunities
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?
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Tools for International Cooperation on Criminal Law Amidst the Global Challenges
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?
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Algorithms of Power: Legal Aspects of Public Administration
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?
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Tax Monitoring as a Key Aspect of Tax Control
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?
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast The Universal Right to Sport: Contemporary Challenges in International Sports Events
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?
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Human Rights in the Digital Space: Biometrics, Digital Footprints, Problems of Legal Regulation
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?
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Corporate Governance in Russia: Transformation under Sanctions
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?
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast New Approaches to State Regulation of Education: From Quantity to Quality
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.
11.05.2023
12:15–13:45
12:15–13:45
Broadcast Reforming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging
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.
14:00
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast Legal Support for National Security in the Light of Current Threats
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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast The New Global Order: Legal Modelling and Forecasting
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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast Reducing Conflict in Tax Matters
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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast Withdrawal from the Council of Europe and Protecting Human Rights in the Russian Federation: One Year On
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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast Protecting the Intellectual Property Rights of Russian Authors and Producers in the New Reality
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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast Robotization: Robots to Replace or Serve Lawyers?
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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast Role of the Financial Ombudsman Service as a Tool to Protect Consumer Rights and Improve Legislation
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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast Protecting National Interests to Build and Develop Civil Society
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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast The Effective Management of Public Property as a Factor in the Development of the 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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast The Digital Ruble: Advantages and New Opportunities
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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
14:30–16:00
Broadcast The Digital Transformation of Rulemaking
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?
11.05.2023
14:30–16:00
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
16:00
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast A New International Human Rights Architecture
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?
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Scientific Results: The National Assessment System
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?
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Legal Protection for Russian Business Abroad
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?
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
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
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?
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast The Legal Services and Legal Representation Market
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?
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Reworking Intellectual Property: Is Legislation Hindering the Development of New Outcomes?
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.
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Public Trust in the Judicial System: An Objective Evaluation and Areas of Improvement
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?
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Economic Justice: Pathways to Improvement
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?
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
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?
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Professionalism in the Law – the Path to the Future
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?
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Legal Migration Policy: Current Challenges and Solutions
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.
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.
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Legal Outlines of Russian Identity
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.
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Register of Mandatory Requirements: A Basic Component of the Digital Ecosystem of Control
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.
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Lecture by Andrey Artizov: “Historical and Legal Roots of the Ukrainian Conflict”
Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E12
11.05.2023
16:45–18:15
16:45–18:15
Broadcast Lecture by Andrey Bezrukov: “The New Global Landscape and Challenges for Russia”
Congress Centre, Justice Quarter. Conference hall E11