"Ecology with a Woman's Face" at the XI Nevsky Environmental Congress

The first day of the XI Nevsky International Environmental Congress featured several important sessions.  
The open dialogue "Personnel Decide: How to Attract Youth to Ecology?", dedicated to building environmental workforce potential, brought together experts and young leaders from around the world. The session was moderated by Oleg Makarov, Advisor to the Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh).  

Among the speakers:  
• Lyubov Glebova – First Deputy Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation  
• Putri Zulkifli Hasan – Deputy Chair of the Twelfth Commission of the People's Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia  
• Raúl Alfredo Cortés Castillo – Chilean Student Federation, Member of the Secretariat for Ecology and Natural Resources  
• Natalya Kotova – Member of the Committee on Science, Education and Culture of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation  
• Parikh Madhish – Founder and President of the Elixir Foundation, Founding Director of the BRICS Youth Alliance  
• Natalya Ryazanova – Ph.D. in Geography, Head of the Laboratory, Department of International Complex Problems of Nature Management and Ecology, MGIMO University
• Elena Savenkova – Director of the Institute of Ecology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia  
• Anastasia Faterina – Public figure, Head of volunteer groups for the "Clean Arctic" project, Head of the media project "Said-Done"  
• Hung Chieu The – Deputy Chair of the Committee on Cultural and Social Affairs of the National Assembly of Vietnam
  
During the session, Tatyana Terentyeva spoke about Rosatom's environmental strategy until 2045 and the importance of working with youth:  
"Ecology is a key theme for Rosatom as a global technology leader. Our nuclear technologies are internationally recognized as green, and we consistently invest in sustainable development, including waste processing, wind energy, electric transport, and closed nuclear fuel cycle technologies – which only Russia possesses. But a sustainable future is impossible without youth engagement. We're opening nuclear and engineering classes, launching educational initiatives, developing volunteer movements, supporting young entrepreneurs, and implementing environmental standards in management systems. Youth are our main partners and drivers in forming new ecological thinking and a green future."  

Aleksandra Riabykh, Head of Rosatom Women's Community and co-chair of the "Ecosystem" movement, emphasized the importance of youth career guidance in ecology: "Ecology today isn't just a profession – it's a worldview. We're building a system that helps young people transition from school to profession through mentoring, student clubs, and corporate programs." Aleksandra Riabykh spoke about the "Young Naturalists," "Ecosystem," and "Eco-Knowledge Workshop" projects, as well as the creation of a Corporate University and Federal Institute of Public Inspectors.  

The first day of the Congress also featured the session "Women's Role in Achieving Environmental Well-being," organized by the Council of the Eurasian Women's Forum. The discussion was moderated by Galina Karelova, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure.  
Participants included women leaders, politicians, ecology experts, government representatives, scientists, and international organizations from Mozambique, Russia, Uganda, Iran, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia, UAE, and other countries.  

Margarida Adamugy Talapa, Chair of the Assembly of Mozambique, outlined national environmental policy priorities focused on women and girls. She presented updated ecology policies (2023) incorporating gender approaches and discussed women's initiatives in Gaza, Zambezi, and Nampula regions aimed at forest restoration, farmland preservation, and sustainable practices.  

"We're convinced climate neutrality is impossible without gender equality. Women aren't just participants – they're leaders making key decisions," the speaker noted.  

Continuing the theme, Tatyana Terentyeva presented results from the BRICS Women's Environmental Initiatives competition, which received over 800 submissions (60% international). "All entries demonstrate women's commitment to forming long-term systemic practices for a Green Future," she said, announcing the competition would become an annual platform for best practices exchange.  

As a "green" business with 80 years of success, Rosatom not only develops low-carbon technologies but also invests in human capital. "We believe a sustainable future requires equal opportunities for all," Tatyana Terentyeva stated. Women comprise 35% of Rosatom's scientific staff, 80% of social program coordinators, and 60% of volunteer initiatives – demonstrating women's leadership in ecological transformation.  

Aleksandra Riabykh highlighted over 20,000 activists (63% women) involved in environmental projects nationwide: "Ecology with a woman's face isn't just about volunteering – it's about science, technology and leadership. It's time to move from words to actions and develop international partnerships through real projects."  

Other speakers included:  
• Beatrice Atim Anywar, Uganda's State Minister for Environment  
• Sheena Ansari, Vice President of Iran's Environmental Protection Organization  
• Guzeliya Imaeva, Director General of NAFI Analytical Center (Russia)  
• Le Thu Ha, Deputy Head of Vietnam National Assembly Office  
• Dinara Kemelova, Representative of Kyrgyzstan's President  
• Yulia Kalistova, Environmental Prosecutor of Amur Basin  
• Anastasia Faterina, "Clean Arctic" Project Coordinator  
• Helina Teklu, International Expert from Ethiopia  
• Mina Hamad, UAE Representative

The session demonstrated women's crucial role in environmental well-being as leaders, politicians, activists, mothers, and educators. Participants unanimously emphasized the need for systemic measures, interstate dialogue, and institutional support for women's initiatives in sustainable development, climate solutions, and nature conservation.