The panel was attended by 11 speakers and over 200 participants of the banking forum. Mr. V. Vysokov, D. Sc. Economics, Professor, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Center-invest Bank, moderated the most representative round table discussion at the international forum.

During the discussion, Professor Vysokov has presented the concept of development of a meaningful, true, and comprehensive Sovereign ESG-banking which takes into account the risks and opportunities of sovereign development for the country and community and should replace the pro forma imitation of European standards and taxonomies.

“The best world's practices are not necessarily inherent in foreign countries. Sovereign EGS-banking is based on the already accumulated Russian experience in the interests of present and future generations at the local, national and global levels," specified Professor Vysokov.

The Center-invest Bank's hands-on experience in implementing sustainable banking principles and successful overcoming of crises and economic turbulence confirm the viability of the ESG-banking business model based on in-house practices and innovations such as the world's first ESG balance sheet and the ESG rating model for the SME customers.

The participants of the round table — the Bank of Russia and the Ministry of Economic Development — have confirmed their commitment to the ESG agenda and voiced the need to develop the Russian taxonomy associated with the national projects, the budget and social objectives of Russia. The representatives of the other banks agreed with the standpoint spelled out by the regulator and government authorities and shared their experience in implementing ESG-banking.