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msk@baikal-lobridge.ru
+7 965 154 34 80

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GR&Lobbying

The first advanced GR-training in Russia, based on the concept “practitioners for practitioners”.
The teaching faculty comprises GR-experts of Russian and international companies from the real
economy

registration

175 000 rubles

60 academic hours

Practical training/workshops

6 days of full-time study

About training

about

01

Relevance of the program

Government Relations functions have finally become essential for the development and growth of both business and nonprofit organizations. It is virtually impossible and unjustifiable to implement major projects or social responsibility initiatives, or to undertake long-term investments, without strategically significant cooperation with government authorities. The role of managers responsible for interacting with public entities has been growing. Managers are increasingly facing higher demands regarding their professional skills. The future of the overwhelming majority of world markets is inexorably connected with state actions. Geopolitical adjustments, protectionism, import substitution, export promotion, technological ambitions, the state social initiatives development, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic — all this is rapidly changing the conjuncture and requires high-precision adjustment of business and the "third sector". Under these complex and sophisticated circumstances the trust of the State is positioned as the most precious capital of for-profit companies and NGOs. GR experts are in extremely high demand now, and their professional relevance has been expanding annually.

02

Goal of the program

Mastery and advancement of professional activities aimed at representing and promoting
interests with public authorities at regional, federal, supranational (ECE), and international
levels.

03

Target Audience

We invite business owners, top managers of private and state organizations, PR, IR, HR, and GR specialists, public employees, representatives of the media, the nonprofit sector, and the expert community. All interested individuals who wish to upgrade their skills and competencies are also welcome!

01

Relevance of the program

Government Relations functions have finally become essential for the development and growth of both business and nonprofit organizations. It is virtually impossible and unjustifiable to implement major projects or social responsibility initiatives, or to undertake long-term investments, without strategically significant cooperation with government authorities. The role of managers responsible for interacting with public entities has been growing. Managers are increasingly facing higher demands regarding their professional skills. The future of the overwhelming majority of world markets is inexorably connected with state actions. Geopolitical adjustments, protectionism, import substitution, export promotion, technological ambitions, the state social initiatives development, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic — all this is rapidly changing the conjuncture and requires high-precision adjustment of business and the "third sector". Under these complex and sophisticated circumstances the trust of the State is positioned as the most precious capital of for-profit companies and NGOs. GR experts are in extremely high demand now, and their professional relevance has been expanding annually.

02

Goal of the program

Mastery and advancement of professional activities aimed at representing and promoting
interests with public authorities at regional, federal, supranational (ECE), and international
levels.

03

Target Audience

We invite business owners, top managers of private and state organizations, PR, IR, HR, and GR specialists, public employees, representatives of the media, the nonprofit sector, and the expert community. All interested individuals who wish to upgrade their skills and competencies are also welcome!

Mr. Eduard Voytenko – PhD in Political Science, Master of Laws (LL.M.), CEO and Managing Director of the consulting firms Baikal Lobridge (Russia) and Edward's East Strategies (operating in the Persian Gulf, Central Asia, and the Caucasus). Founder of the Research Centre for Legal Expertise and Head of the Board of Trustees at the Lake Baikal Foundation for Environmental Applications and Research.

Associate Professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at the MGIMO Faculty of International Journalism. He is the head of the Master's programs "GR Management and Lobbying Technologies" at MGIMO and "Fundamentals of GR Activities: History, Theory, Methodology, Tools" at the Department of Constitutional and Municipal Law of the Lomonosov Moscow State University Faculty of Law. He also serves as scientific supervisor of the MGIMO Business School advanced training course "GR and Lobbying in Business and NGOs."

Professional lobbyist with over 15 years of experience. Member of a professional international lobbying association, the Society of European Affairs Professionals. Mr. Eduard Voytenko has implemented dozens of federal and regional governmental, social and political, and electoral GR and lobbying projects, as well as numerous international media and communications initiatives.

Mr. Eduard Voytenko

Academic Director of the Program

10%

off the GR-training's cost will be donated to the Lake Baikal Foundation for Environmental Applications and Research

Director for Government Affairs in Russia and the CIS, Olam Russia

Anton Eropkin

PhD in Economics; Head of Federal Government Relations, Government Relations Department, Gazprom Neft PJSC

Anton Zharinov

Head of the Entrepreneurship Advocacy Division, Department for Entrepreneurial Development,
Eurasian Economic Commission

Artem Yulegin

Managing Director, DOM.RF

Ivan Voloshin

Professor, HSE University; Director for Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Kraft Heinz Russia

Irina Arkhipova

Director, Corporate Affairs Department, ITMS Group

Kirill Kuznetsov

GR Director, Ekoniva Group

Lyubov Aksenova

Head of Government Regulation, Directorate for Government Relations, Polymetal Management Company JSC

Alexander Kudinkin

Director, Center for Legal Initiatives, Agency for Strategic Initiatives

Denis Abdrakhmanov

Deputy Director, Legal Department, Yandex Go

Dmitry Ashin

Head of GR, VimpelCom PJSC; Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation, 3rd Class

Dmitry Kononov

Director of Government and Regional Relations Department, Rosatom Mechanical Engineering LLC

Dmitry Krokhmalev

Director for Government Relations and Corporate Philanthropy, EVRAZ

Maria Dronova

Head of Foreign Economic Activity Support, BIOCAD

Evgenia Ovchinnikova

Vice President for Government Relations, RUSSOFT

Roman Kletskikh

Head of Division, Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation

Roman Timoshenko

Director for Government Relations in the Agro-Industrial Sector, EFKO Group

Yulia Khraimakova

Director for Government Relations, VkusVill

Anastasia Maletina

Chief Executive Officer, National Champions Association

Alexander Likhanov

Chief Executive Officer, Lake Baikal Foundation

Anastasia Tsvetkova

Executive Director, Self-Regulatory Organization “Union of Dietary Supplement Manufacturers”

Alexander Zhestkov

PhD in Political Science; Deputy Head, Rossotrudnichestvo

Dmitry Polikanov

Head of Legal Affairs, Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Alexander Moskovkin

experts

Teaching Faculty

Director for Corporate Affairs and Government Relations, Baltika Brewing Company LLC

Irina Fedorova

Teaching Faculty

experts

Director, Center for Legal Initiatives, Agency for Strategic Initiatives

Denis Abdrakhmanov

Deputy Director, Legal Department, Yandex Go

Dmitry Ashin

Professor, HSE University; Director for Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Kraft Heinz Russia

Irina Arkhipova

Managing Director, DOM.RF

Ivan Voloshin

Director for Government Relations and Corporate Philanthropy, EVRAZ

Maria Dronova

Director for Government Relations in the Agro-Industrial Sector, EFKO Group

Yulia Khraimakova

Director for Government Affairs in Russia and the CIS, Olam Russia

Anton Eropkin

PhD in Economics; Head of Federal Government Relations, Government Relations Department,
Gazprom Neft PJSC

Anton Zharinov

Head of the Entrepreneurship Advocacy Division, Department for Entrepreneurial Development,
Eurasian Economic Commission

Artem Yulegin

Vice President for Government Relations, RUSSOFT

Roman Kletskikh

Head of GR, VimpelCom PJSC; Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation, 3rd Class

Dmitry Kononov

Director of Government and Regional Relations Department, Rosatom Mechanical Engineering LLC

Dmitry Krokhmalev

Head of Government Regulation, Directorate for Government Relations, Polymetal Management
Company JSC

Alexander Kudinkin

Chief Executive Officer, National Champions Association

Alexander Likhanov

Director for Government Relations, VkusVill

Anastasia Maletina

Head of Legal Affairs, Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Alexander Moskovkin

PhD in Political Science; Deputy Head, Rossotrudnichestvo

Dmitry Polikanov

Head of Foreign Economic Activity Support, BIOCAD

Evgenia Ovchinnikova

Head of Division, Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation

Roman Timoshenko

Director for Corporate Affairs and Government Relations, Baltika Brewing Company LLC

Irina Fedorova

Director, Corporate Affairs Department, ITMS Group

Kirill Kuznetsov

GR Director, Ekoniva Group

Lyubov Aksenova

Chief Executive Officer, Lake Baikal Foundation

Anastasia Tsvetkova

Executive Director, Self-Regulatory Organization “Union of Dietary Supplement Manufacturers”

Alexander Zhestkov

Structure of the Program

program

1. GR and lobbying in Russia, including how the international agenda shapes advocacy strategies.

2. Building strong communication between business and government with a focus on key GR approaches to stakeholder engagement and the art of negotiation.

3. Principles, tools, and approaches for working with public authorities at the federal, regional, and EAEU levels.

4. Monitoring and analysing information that influences advocacy strategies and tactics.

5. GR strategy as an integral part of overall corporate strategy: structure and development specifics.

6. Using PR tools in GR to influence public opinion and engage key audiences in advocacy and lobbying projects.

7. Business associations, industry bodies, public institutions, state corporations, and development institutions as platforms for GR initiatives, including interaction mechanisms.

8 Expert relations: the role of think tanks and analytical organisations in GR and lobbying.

9. Managing GR communication risks, staying aligned with public interests, and maintaining ethical standards and professional codes of conduct.

10. Structuring and running a GR department in times of crisis, including its key functions, internal coordination, KPI systems, and risk and opportunity management, as well as the professional skills and core competencies of GR specialists.

11. Measuring the real impact and efficiency of a company’s GR function.

12. The role of corporate GR in IPO processes.

13. GR in M&A transactions, including interaction with regulatory bodies overseeing foreign investment in Russia.

14. Industry non-profits as an effective GR tool, illustrated by case studies from the specialised food sector.

15. Working with regulators and supervisory bodies to effectively protect and represent business interests.

16. The Agency for Strategic Initiatives as a platform for advancing large-scale business and NGO initiatives.

17. Regulatory impact assessment and other tools for engaging with the Eurasian Economic Commission as a supranational regulator.

18. Using the judicial system to address GR challenges: limits and opportunities.

Timeframes of the training
program 2026

timeframes

12-17

october
2026

5-10

april
2027

Trusted by

reviews

Albert Tomashpolsky

Head of the Department for Government Relations, Nestle Russia

To begin with, this was my first such thorough training course in a specialty that I have been doing for 11 years. The course proved to be rich and informative, with a wide range of industries and practical examples. I especially liked that my colleagues taught on the shop floor — they shared their experience openly and in a structured manner. For myself, I noted that we are moving in the right direction in the company, but it is important to develop consistency, strengthen the focus on strategic goals and improve communication with complex audiences. I would also recommend that the organizers consider creating a shortened version of the course

specifically for CEOs of companies.

Dmitry Markelov

Director of Government Relations and Corporate Governance, Headhunter LLC

A super-saturated intensity that allows you to fully immerse yourself in key aspects of interaction with government agencies relevant to companies in any industry. Very strong speakers with deep practical experience and the personal participation of Eduard Voitenko make this course truly unique for the Russian professional environment. It's also a great opportunity for networking and adding useful contacts to your phone book. I recommend it to both current GR specialists and those who are just starting their career.

Naida Karabekova

Head of Corporate Communications and Government Relations, ACADEMIA Company

The program "GR and lobbying in business and NGOs" has become a real discovery for me! From the very first lessons, I felt that I had entered a unique community of like-minded people, where knowledge and experience combine. The MGIMO program was not only unique, but also rich – each module opened up new horizons in the field of GR. I got the opportunity to learn relevant tools that are useful for both beginners at the start of their career and already experienced managers. I would like to note the professionalism of the practical lecturers: they not only shared the theory, but also talked about real cases, which made the training truly interactive and useful. An important point was the immersion in the professional environment of GR specialists from several regions of Russia and different business sectors. This is especially valuable because it allows you to share experiences, gain the support of colleagues and expand your horizons for a successful career. I would like to thank MGIMO teachers and colleagues for their new ideas and motivation to develop further in this interesting field!

Gennady Nechaev

Senior Expert (Counterparty Relations in the Republic of Turkey), Representative Office of Gazprom Export LLC in Turkey

I found the training format very effective, as the lectures were delivered not by theorists but by practicing professionals with many years of experience in the GR field. Throughout the course, we systematically developed a strategy for building relationships with government authorities — from the initial establishment of contacts to their long-term strengthening and effective use in the company’s interests.
Each invited expert highlighted different aspects of professional practice, shared practical tools, and drew attention to common challenges that professionals may encounter in their day-to-day work. The friendly and open atmosphere during the training encouraged lively discussion and deep understanding of the material.
A pleasant benefit of the program was the opportunity to connect with a group of highly
accomplished and engaging peers. After completing the course, we were welcomed into the alumni community, where a genuine professional ecosystem of mutual support has taken shape — a space where one can always seek expert advice or help in addressing work-related matters.
I can confidently say that this intensive week of training provided me not only with valuable knowledge and actionable insights, but also a strong professional network that is already contributing positively to my work.

Alexander Ivanov

Head of Regional Policy, Regional Development Directorate, Department of Corporate Communications and Regional Development, PJSC Gazprom Neft

The training program “GR and Lobbying Activities in Business and Non-Profits” left very strong impression. It was not just a course, but an in-depth immersion into one of the most important areas of interaction between business and the state. The faculty deserves the highest recognition.
They shared not only theoretical knowledge, but also their personal experience of working with government institutions. As a result, the course was far from a dry set of theories – it became a practical tool for addressing real-life professional challenges.
The course addressed all essential aspects of government relations from developing strategies for engagement with public authorities to the ethical and legal dimensions of lobbying. It also focused on important topics such as the effects of legislative initiatives on business, the roles of lobbyists and nonprofit organizations in policymaking, and effective ways to engage with government institutions at all levels.
An important advantage of the program was the diversity of its participants. Attendees came from different spheres of business, which made it possible to share experiences, discuss industry-specific challenges, and gain varied perspectives on interacting with public authorities.
I highly recommend this program to anyone working in government relations, corporate communications, public relations, or anyone interested in the mechanisms of influencing public policy decisions.

Nikolay Rogashkov

Head of Strategic Projects, Expomobility (part of JSC Expobank group)

The program exceeded all my expectations. I especially appreciated the selection of speakers and the thoroughness of the material. I have never seen such a concentration of industry experts from completely different fields in one place, all sharing their most successful and interesting cases.
All the speakers were very open to interaction, and there was an opportunity to speak with them in a relaxed atmosphere and discuss any questions of interest.
What I particularly liked was the almost complete absence of theory, except for the necessary conceptual framework, only real situations, only useful personal experience. I also want to commend MGIMO for the excellent organization, everything went perfectly, and every day made me feel excited to learn, just like in my student days.

Maria Guzanova

Director for Strategic Partnerships, JSC “Pravo.ru”

The GR course was very useful: a professional environment, networking opportunities, and outstanding speakers. Although at first glance much of the material may seem familiar and straightforward, as the course progresses you realize that its true value lies in the subtle nuances – insights that can only be shared by seasoned practitioners in the field, who are invited as lecturers. I definitely recommend it.

Elena Lopatina

Strategic Partner for Engagement with Federal Authorities, JSC “Roche-Moscow”

What I like about the GR course at MGIMO is its strong practical focus and the use of real-life case studies. This is a unique opportunity to learn from industry professionals and to gain deeper insight into the specifics of GR and lobbying across various industrial fields. Another advantage is excellent networking opportunities.

Georgy Bagiryan

Director of the Union of Electronic Commerce, Member of the Public Council at the
Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia (FAS Russia)

Today, in the context of rapidly evolving socio-political landscape and a dynamic business environment, the field of GR has become especially in demand. GR is more than just a business function – it is a broad discipline focused on building effective communication with public authorities. This requires specialized professional training with a practical approach.
The course, led by Eduard Voytenko, exceeded all my expectations. Without a doubt, it was a timely investment in my professional growth. In a relatively short period, participants not only gain deep insights into various aspects and real-life GR cases but also significantly expand their network of business contacts. I definitely recommend it!

Vadim Suprun

Head of Government Relations and Internal Control Department, EOS Russia

When taking this course, be ready to engage with a large amount of practical, useful information, analyse a variety of real-life cases, and participate in dynamic discussions with colleagues. I especially want to emphasize the openness of the speakers and their willingness to answer audience questions.

Alina Osnach

Senior Specialist, Regional Communications Department, Public Relations Division, PJSC Lukoil

After completing the GR Training Course at MGIMO Business School under the guidance of E. Voytenko, I can highlight the key advantages:
1. A carefully selected group of speakers – seasoned professionals from leading corporations and state companies across wide range of industries.
2. Practical, relevant cases with detailed analysis and insightful commentary from the authors.
3. Well-structured course materials that can be actively applied in professional work.
4. The opportunity to meet and exchange contacts with specialists from various fields.
I confidently recommend this course to professionals who value their time and appreciate high-quality practical learning.

Olga Baluyeva

Head of Regional Affairs and Organizational Activities, Directorate for Government
Relations and International Affairs, JSC Uralchem Holding Company

The course, led by Eduard Voitenko, offers a fresh approach to GR specialist training and combines three key elements:
1. A clear structure and fundamentals of GR management in today’s Russia, accompanied by excellent presentation materials that are proven useful in practice.
2. A strong teaching team of experienced practitioners from various fields who actively apply GR support in their work.
3. Powerful, sharp, and highly relevant cases reflecting the challenges GR professionals face in their daily practice.
The MGIMO diploma was a valuable complement to the knowledge and contacts I gained – connections that typically take years to develop in regular life. For me, the results of the four days of training were comparable in effectiveness to earning a degree in Public Administration.

Makar Goncharov

Former Director of Government Relations, Skyeng

The GR and Lobbying courses led by Eduard Voitenko gave me the essential knowledge needed for professional work and were extremely helpful when building the GR function at Skyeng. The course structure was very well organized, offering the perfect mix of theory and practice. The lecturers were top managers from leading companies who presented materials based on real-life practices from their own experience.
It’s important to highlight that all instructors engaged in active dialogue with participants during the lectures and were open to discussions. For me, it was a great networking opportunity, and the materials and guides provided at the end of the course are useful to me even today. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to advance in GR profession or simply learn more about it. After completing it, you will gain a clear and accurate understanding of this field.

Nikita Pichugin

Director of Government Relations and Public Organizations, JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation

The program helps me organize the work of my department according to the priorities set by management. Among the speakers, I would especially like to mention Irina Fedorova from Baltika (Carlsberg Group) and Maria Dronova (EvrazHolding LLC) – they inspired me with ideas that I can apply in my own work.
In addition, the program offers a great opportunity to meet interesting and talented professionals from various fields, connect with like-minded peers, and exchange experiences with colleagues.
We have already identified common topics that we plan to develop beyond the program itself.

Yuriy Golovatchik

Director of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations, Mondelēz Russia LLC

The course was very interesting! I particularly enjoyed the theoretical part presented by Eduard Voitenko at the beginning. The experiences shared by corporate colleagues were also very valuable. Interesting details emerged about how media work is organized – for instance, there was a particularly engaging speaker from Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Beyond its educational benefits, the training also provides a great opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas.

Tamara Stepanova

Consultant, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Time is one of the most valuable resources. The three-day GR course, filled with expert speakers and rich content, felt like a tightly wound spring that that keeps revealing insights long after it ends. The speakers understand you almost intuitively, and the cases are highly relevant. For international specialists and those aiming to become one, it is a perfect way to deepen knowledge or a great starting point for a career in this field.

Vitalia Tsarik

Senior Manager, Public Relations Department, PJSC Lukoil

One of the best courses I’ve taken in recent years: it offers a wealth of practical cases from leading companies, including insights into some of the more delicate aspects of corporate GR.
The program is very intensive, and the contacts are highly valuable – it’s absolutely worth the time and investment.

Artem Shchepinov

Senior Specialist, Public Relations Department, PJSC Lukoil

The course brought together lobbyists from Yandex, Baltika, Evraz, SUEK, and the tobacco industry – a remarkable group of experts! Practical cases, valuable professional contacts, and fresh ideas made it a true focal point for GR. Many thanks to Eduard Mikhailovich!

Igor Cherkassky

Head of Anti-Illegal Trade Department, Russia, British American Tobacco Plc.

I am thrilled with the course and everything I saw and heard. It gave me the opportunity to connect personally with professionals from a wide range of industries, and the knowledge and practical cases provided were a real goldmine for understanding today’s regulatory environment and how relationships are managed in this field.
Absolutely I give it a five-star rating!

Anna Baires

Specialist, International Projects Department, PJSC Rosneft

It was very interesting and valuable to exchange experience with colleagues, even from different fields. Everything I learned in the program will definitely be applied in practice.

Irina Pecherina

Regional Manager for Government and Public Relations, Coca-Cola HBC Eurasia

Above all, the course is especially valuable for junior specialists in government and public relations. Experienced managers can find it useful for structuring their existing knowledge, connect with experts, and expand their professional network.
I would also like to highlight the excellent organization and the program’s rich content. I wish success to all participants and to anyone planning to become a student again!

Anastasia Ryazanova

GR Manager, Government Relations Department, PJSC NK RussNeft

I am very pleased with the course, its organization, and the rich program. I have been working intensively in GR and lobbying for 15 years, and the course gave me plenty of inspiration and ideas for further development. Many thanks!
The course “GR and Lobbying in Business and NGOs” is truly unique. It features a top-tier team of professionals from MGIMO and Baikal Communications Group. Lively discussions with lecturers, experience sharing with a large audience of like-minded professionals — the course structure is intensive and rich, thanks to excellent speakers and the carefully selected cases.
The cases I found most useful were presented by Vitalia Tsarik (Lukoil), Andrey Lyan (Cargill), and Nikita Pichugin (JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation).

Vitaliy Kim

Head of Project Department, DEInternational Kazakhstan

I am very grateful to the organizers for an intensive “GR Week” as part of the 7th “GR and Lobbying in Business and NGOs” course.
I want to mention the high professionalism of the lecturers, both in presenting the core material and in their readiness to discuss participants’ questions. Special thanks to Eduard Voitenko for covering a wide range of relevant topics this year, including ESG-related issues.
I will gladly recommend this course to my colleagues in Kazakhstan, both to those already working in GR and to those just beginning to explore this area.

Roman Kletskikh

GR Director, NAUMEN

I have been working in GR in the IT industry for over 25 years, and I found this course very useful, engaging, and even inspiring, as it is truly “practice for practitioners.” Additionally, the selection of speakers for the course was very high-quality. It was both interesting and useful to connect with like-minded professionals in GR from a variety of industries.
We have made friends with many of them, and I hope we will continue to enjoy collaborating and supporting each other on future projects.

Alexey Vysokov

Project Manager, Government Relations Department, Poliplastik Group LLC

The course was very intensive, full of useful information, fresh ideas, and memorable experiences. I especially appreciated the excellent selection of instructors, who shared real practical experience – truly priceless!
The organizers provided a very comfortable learning environment, and I’m extremely grateful for the knowledge gained and the engaging program.

Yulia Zhurina

Leader for Regional Government Relations, JSC Roche-Moscow

Participating in this course was extremely valuable and useful for my future work. The program helps to view the goals, objectives, and tools of GR communications from the perspective of experienced experts across various industries and NGOs. Using real-life practical cases, it explores solutions to complex challenges. It also clearly shows how essential and important GR is in any business sector – not only for supporting the interests of a particular company or industry, but also for creating value for the state and society by jointly contributing to stability
and the development of the systems of which we are part of.
I would like to sincerely thank Eduard Voitenko and all the organizers of this program for its depth, informativeness, and for the opportunity to communicate directly with experienced and successful professionals. The course is truly inspiring and supports ongoing professional development.

Yuriy Donnikov

Director of Legal and Compliance, Headhunter LLC

An excellent and unique course led by the team under the guidance of Eduard Voitenko, featuring inspiring and experienced speakers. The course is suitable for everyone – both for those just beginning to explore GR and for those who have been working in the field for years. The program is well-structured and allows participants to develop a GR program for the company they work or plan to join.
The program covers practical experience not only from multiple companies but also across a wide range of industries, from manufacturing, energy, and production to pharmaceuticals and IT/telecom. The detailed course materials are especially valuable, and the knowledge gained through this program is highly recognized in the job market.
Participants get a deep, immersive experience during the course, and the atmosphere at MGIMO, where the program is held, is especially pleasant. The certificate from MGIMO upon completion confirms the high level of education and skills acquired.

Zhomart Motyshev

Head of Government Relations, JFood Kazakhstan LLP

I would like to sincerely thank the organizing team, especially Eduard Voitenko, for their professional approach to organizing and conducting the training course, as well as for the high level of expertise demonstrated by the lecturers. The course was full of relevant and interesting cases and useful information, which allow participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve GR work within their companies.
The program also provides opportunities to establish new contacts and meet many interesting professionals from various sectors. I wish your team continued success.

Alexander Logvinenko

Lead Specialist, Performance Management Department, EVRAZ LLC

Many thanks to Eduard Voytenko and the whole team for organizing such a comprehensive and well-structured course. Absolutely impressive! Based on positive feedback from previous speakers, the high standard of quality has been consistently high for a long time.
I really enjoyed the course: 1) the variety of expert speakers, who not only present material in an engaging and well-structured way but also willingly answer any questions and provide interesting cases 2) the course materials always accessible for review and clarification 3) networking and communicating with colleagues in the field, which enriches, develops, and even makes you feel like a student again. Only positive emotions — keep up the great work!

Marat Akhmatov

Deputy Chairman, Union "Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of
Tatarstan"

The course has a broad, global perspective, aimed at cultivating a culture of engagement with government authorities. Undoubtedly, the practical insights shared by professionals, applied in the real economic sector, will be useful for future tasks within the development of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry system.

Alexey Kartashov

Deputy General Director for Government Relations, IIHR LLC (ChemRar Group)

A huge thanks to the entire project team! The courses were extremely well organized from both a scientific and methodological perspective. The lecturers carried out a lot of preparatory work, engaging all participants in an active learning process and creating a comfortable working atmosphere. The courses in this program are unique and very practice-oriented, which motivates to apply everything newly learned. I hope our community will continue to grow and develop.
We are always with you!

Natalia Larionova

General Director, Modern Research Technologies LLC / Head of the Branch, KONAR JSC, Moscow

My impressions of the course are very positive.
The course was created by professionals for professionals. The program is extensive, covering a wide range of business areas and topics. The speakers are true experts who openly share their experience, knowledge, and even “behind-the-scenes” insights. They always answer all questions, including the most challenging ones.
Beyond the speakers, the course serves as an excellent platform for participants themselves to exchange experience, both during lectures and breaks. The attendees are equally professional and competent in various fields.
The course also offers a great opportunity for participants to gain new or additional knowledge in the field of government relations, as well as to learn about GR and lobbying from scratch – from basic concepts to practical real-life case studies.

Sergey Kokhichko

Head of EDUTOK, TikTok

After completing the course, I can say without a doubt that I made the right choice. Thanks to the BCG and MGIMO teams, this program perfectly combines a rich and engaging mix of theory and practice in GR and lobbying. The live interaction and feedback between participants and speakers allowed the material to be perceived not as an encyclopedic format, but through real-life cases and practical mechanisms. After lectures, the speakers were open to additional questions and actively discussed the topics raised by the audience. Within our group, there wasalso active discussion, as the experience of colleagues from different business sectors and regions were incredibly diverse. Overall, I am very grateful to the course organizers for not only bringing everyone together but also for sustaining this program through 12 cohorts!

Ildar Sufiyarov

Deputy Director for Government Relations, Technaksis LLC

Powerful, interesting, and extremely productive – that’s how I would describe the week-long GR course by MGIMO and BCG. I consider the format, where speakers are not academics but real practitioners, both successful and effective. I especially want to mention Anastasia Parfenchikova’s lecture on legislative work, which provided an inside look into highly confidential processes.
After completing the course, we became part of a large network of alumni. Our work and networking are just getting started!

Elena Fasakhova

Assistant to a State Duma Deputy, Head of a Human Rights Organization

Although I have worked in politics for many years and know many aspects of business interaction with government authorities, I learned a lot of new things during this course.
I’m grateful to the program director, Eduard Voytenko, and the organizers for bringing together lecturers who are experts in GR from various industries (some with government experience) as well as journalists, all on a single educational platform.
Each speaker shared their personal experience in GR, considering the specifics of their industry.
The knowledge I gained will undoubtedly be useful not only in my professional work but also in everyday life, helping me communicate more effectively.

Anastasia Lavrova

Category 1 Specialist, Federal Government Relations Department, Gazprom International Limited

The “GR and Lobbying in Business and NGOs” course was very comprehensive and informative. What makes it truly unique, in my opinion, is its broad industry coverage, which helps understand the specifics of working with government authorities in each sector and take the most useful tools for your own practice. Another significant advantage is the practical focus of the speakers, who are active GR professionals in their own businesses. Many thanks to the lecturers and organizers for such a highly valuable course!