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[post_date] => 2025-09-03 13:06:20
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[post_content] => Baikal Communications Group announces that The 3rd Corporate Government Relations Forum has been moved to February 5, 2026. This decision was made in response to requests from participants and speakers and establishes the forum as an annual event in early February. This timing allows the forum to be naturally integrated into the start of the business season and to provide a highly relevant agenda for the professional community.
The 3rd Corporate Government Relations Forum is a closed discussion platform bringing together representatives of the corporate sector, government authorities, and experts. The event provides a unique space to discuss key issues and exchange effective practices for business-government interaction.
Key objectives of the forum:
- Development and strengthening of the GR function within companies;
- Consolidation of the professional community amid global changes;
- Exchange of tools and strategies for effective interaction with government.
Rescheduling the forum to early February ensures its integration into the beginning of the business season, when companies form their strategic agendas, and guarantees the relevance of content for GR professionals considering new regulatory trends.
Key topics for the 2026 Forum:
- Regulatory trends 2025–2026;
- GR and national priorities: the role of business in economic policy;
- CEOs’ perspectives on corporate GR;
- Foreign business in Russia: challenges and engagement scenarios;
- Development of the GR profession: talent, education, institutions;
- GR in the context of digitalization: transformation of tools and approaches.
The forum will conclude with an evening cocktail and networking session, offering participants an opportunity for informal discussions and strengthening professional connections.
Registration and participation inquiries: grandlobbying@b-c-g.ru
Baikal Communications Group organizes the forum, bringing together the professional community to discuss the current agenda and develop strategic solutions, ensuring the effectiveness and high value of each project.
[post_title] => The 3rd Corporate Government Relations Forum is rescheduled to February 5, 2026
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[post_date] => 2025-08-14 10:47:22
[post_date_gmt] => 2025-08-14 07:47:22
[post_content] =>
Baikal Communications Group has entered into a partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham) — a key business association that unites international companies and provides a solid foundation for constructive dialogue between the business community, political institutions, and the governments of the United States and Russia.
For us, partnership with AmCham means:
- integration into a global network of business leaders influencing the development of the economic environment;
- the opportunity to participate in shaping strategic solutions that ensure a sustainable future for international business;
- promoting the values of transparency, accountability, and long-term partnership on the international stage.
Baikal Communications Group will actively engage in AmCham initiatives, fostering mutual understanding and advancing business dialogue that opens new opportunities for companies in an ever-changing world.
[post_title] => Baikal Communications Group – Partner of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia
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[post_date] => 2025-07-11 13:54:15
[post_date_gmt] => 2025-07-11 10:54:15
[post_content] =>
Baikal Communications Group has launched its third expert study of the government relations (GR) industry. For the first time, the focus is on the perspectives of CEOs, presidents, and other top executives regarding business-government communications.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with a team of sociologists. The study has already received support from the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) and the Center for Eurasian Cooperation (CEC), which have invited their member companies to take the survey.
The primary goal of the study is to identify the key expectations of company leadership regarding the GR function, to document trends in the profession’s development, and to assess the degree of GR integration into corporate strategic management.
Baikal Communications Group previously conducted studies in 2021 and 2024, which marked the first attempts at a systematic analysis of GR and lobbying in Russia through collaboration with practicing professionals. Over 250 experts from the corporate sector, business associations, and consulting firms shared their views. These data formed the basis for describing working models, objectives, tools, and the specific characteristics of GR and lobbying in Russia.
The first study (2021) focused on the internal structure of the GR function and the profile of GR professionals. It recorded approaches to building GR teams, channels of interaction with the state, recruitment methods, and performance evaluation tools. The second study (2024) reflected the impact of geopolitical changes, the rise in regulatory risks, and the growing need for legal regulation of GR and lobbying. It also revealed the demand for specialized educational programs and outlined the specifics of business–government interaction via external consultants.
In 2025, Baikal Communications Group is turning its attention to how GR and lobbying are perceived by top executives. The survey examines:
- the structure and level of formalization of the GR function;
- the priorities company leadership assigns to GR departments;
- the extent of CEO involvement in GR activities;
- the role of external consultants in addressing GR and lobbying challenges;
- effectiveness criteria and approaches to strategic planning in GR;
- company plans for developing the function in the coming years, and much more.
Studying the views of top management is especially important: decisions made at the top level determine the priorities of government interaction, resource allocation, and the long-term strategy of GR activity. This study aims to contribute to the formation of GR standards, the development of dialogue between business and government, and the strengthening of the profession’s institutional framework in Russia.
The study’s results will be published in leading business media outlets and presented at the annual Corporate GR Forum in December 2025.
To participate in the survey, please fill out the questionnaire. You may also opt for an in-person interview or provide an expert comment for the analytical report. For any questions, including interview participation, please contact us at msk@b-c-g.ru.
More information on the results of previous GR industry studies is available at the following link.
[post_title] => The Third GR Industry Study Has Been Launched
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[3] => WP_Post Object
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[post_date] => 2025-07-07 13:27:59
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[post_content] =>
Eduard Voytenko, CEO of Baikal Communications Group and PhD in Political Science, conducted a one-day master class on government relations (GR) and lobbying at Ural Federal University (UrFU) as part of an executive education
program focused on effective engagement with government institutions.
Baikal Communications Group continues to expand its involvement in educational initiatives. Similar events involving the company were previously held at universities in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The master class took place on June 27–29, 2025, and was organized in collaboration with the Institute of Economics and Management at UrFU and the Sverdlovsk Regional Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (SOPPP). The event was hosted at UrFU’s Novokoltsovsky Campus.
The
educational program brought together top executives from Russian companies operating in sectors such as food service, construction, packaging, mining, hospitality, robotics, wholesale and retail trade, information technology, and integrated land development, among others.
During the master class, Eduard Voytenko delivered a comprehensive presentation covering both the theoretical foundations of GR and lobbying and the practical aspects of engaging with public authorities.
The speaker provided a detailed explanation of key concepts used by professionals in the field, as well as internal and external GR and lobbying tools. Internal tools discussed included regulatory and socio-political monitoring, stakeholder mapping, regulatory risk analysis, legal expertise, and the development of GR strategies. As for external tools, emphasis was placed on interaction with executive and legislative authorities, the Presidential Administration, business associations, industry-specific unions, and expert communities. All theoretical points were supported with real-world case studies.
The program also included dedicated sessions on the roles and responsibilities of GR professionals, who today serve not only as business representatives but also as mediators between the corporate sector and the state. In conclusion, the speaker addressed key issues related to the legal regulation of GR and lobbying in Russia.
Baikal Communications Group remains committed to supporting the development of the professional GR community and advancing educational initiatives that contribute to the training of qualified experts in the field of government relations and lobbying.
[post_title] => Educational Event on Government Relations Held in Yekaterinburg
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[post_date] => 2025-04-30 18:19:44
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[post_content] => 28–29 April, 2025 the final round of the second GR & Lobbying Case Championship was held in person at MGIMO University. The event was organized by Baikal Communications Group in partnership with the MGIMO Law Club. This remains the first case competition in Government Relations (GR) and lobbying in Russia and the CIS.
The championship served as a unique platform for students from leading Russian universities who are interested in the interaction between business, non-profit organizations, and government authorities. Participants progressed from analyzing legislative initiatives to presenting full-scale advocacy strategies on behalf of a hypothetical client.
A total of 116 teams registered for the competition, with 224 participants at the starting stage. Students from 26 cities across Russia took part, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Pushkin, Kaliningrad, Kirov, Vladimir, Tula, Oryol, Pskov, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Saratov, Nalchik, Makhachkala, Cheboksary, Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Barnaul, Tyumen, Surgut, Kyzyl, Khabarovsk, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and others.
Participating universities included: MGIMO University, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE – Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod campuses), Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MSAL), Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA – Moscow, Altai, Vladimir, and regional campuses), Moscow City University (MCU), Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH), the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), National Research University MPEI, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, St. Petersburg State University (SPbU), St. Petersburg State University of Economics, ITMO University, Pushkin Leningrad State University, Tula State University, Pskov State University, Vyatka State University, Volgograd State University, Samara State University, Saratov State Law Academy, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kabardino-Balkarian State University, Dagestan State University, Orel State University, Chuvash State Pedagogical University, Dostoevsky Omsk State University, Tuvan State University, South Ural State University, Tyumen State University, Surgut State University, Ural State Law University, Sakhalin State University, Eastern European University, and Pacific National University.
Before the in-person stage, a qualifying round was held, in which teams analyzed the regulatory framework of a specific sector. Fifteen teams advanced to the semifinals.
In the semifinal round, participants acted as GR consultants and were tasked with:
- Assessing the risks embedded in a draft law identified in the qualifying round;
- Analyzing the socio-political context surrounding the initiative;
- Developing a stakeholder map;
- Preparing a risk mitigation plan that incorporated both analytical and communication tools of GR and lobbying.
Participants presented their findings to a jury panel acting as potential clients, tasked with selecting an optimal government engagement strategy.
In the final round, the selected teams conducted stakeholder negotiations with representatives of government bodies. Each team was required to:
- Formulate a well-reasoned company position;
- Adapt arguments to align with specific public officials;
- Propose alternative regulatory solutions that considered both business interests and government priorities.
The final stage offered a realistic simulation of GR practice: participants had to balance the interests of a hypothetical client with the need to find common ground in dialogue with the state.
Team presentations were evaluated by a distinguished jury panel, which included
Eduard Voytenko and
Valery Afanasyev, representing Baikal Communications Group.
Based on the results, the following teams received top honors for their analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and persuasive argumentation:
- 1st Place – “Shadow Advisors” (MSU).
- 2nd Place – “Crew” (MGIMO).
- 3rd Place – “Publicans” (HSE & MSAL).
The winning teams were awarded diplomas and offered internships at Baikal Communications Group.
The championship enabled students to apply GR and lobbying tools to a real-world case scenario and confirmed the growing interest in this field among future professionals.
Baikal Communications Group remains committed to its mission of developing the professional GR and lobbying community and supporting educational initiatives that help prepare the next generation of experts.
[post_title] => The Second GR&Lobbying Case Championship Concludes
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17.06.2016
Anastasia Tsvetkova, Director for Development and International Cooperation, will take a trip to China to attend the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2016 where she will work to bring communications spaces of Russia and world powers closer together. Read more…
24.05.2016
According to Eduard Voytenko, the upcoming Year of Ecology in Russia will not become another ceremonial event, as federal authorities are going to find out how deeply the FIG lobbyists have penetrated the All-Russia People’s Front, who preys on environmental agenda in the regions, and how political opposition exploits this topic for its point-scoring. Read more…
16.05.2016
The head of the company Eduard Voytenko contributed to the sections of the book on relations with public authorities, lobbying, and techniques for PR analysis and assessment. Read more…
11.05.2016
Kirill Tuzov was appointed Director for Political Communications and Special Projects. Read more…
10.05.2016
In a consortium with the French consulting company Sofreco, the College of Europe, and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Baikal Communications Group is going to develop the soft power strategy for the EU in Russia. Read more…
22.04.2016
Anastasia Tsvetkova, Director for Development and International Cooperation, and Kirill Tuzov, Director for Political Communications and Special Projects, were awarded certificates No 200 and No 202 respectively. Read more…
14.04.2016
Leaders of the key working areas joined the Russian Public Relations Association. Read more…
01.04.2016
In his column for GR-NEWS, CEO of Baikal Communications Group Eduard Voytenko shared his view on lobbying in Russia. Read more…
29.03.2016
For the first time, publishers decided to specifically address the case of an election campaign on the Internet using the region where systemic opposition gained the upper hand as an example. The head of the company Eduard Voytenko described the course of the gubernatorial election campaign in the Irkutsk region. Read more…
28.03.2016
Eduard Voytenko shared his view on the situation in a number of Russian regions within the framework of an expert study by Ura.Ru. Read more…
17.03.2016
In his column for Sostav.ru, CEO of Baikal Communications Group Eduard Voytenko described the new framework of political PR in Russia. Read more…
09.03.2016
On March 1, participants of the general meeting of members of the Association of Government Relations Specialists discussed the current state of affairs in the GR community, and members of the Council finally elected senior executives of the Association. Read more…
04.03.2016
The meeting was devoted to specific applications of GR tools in the current economic situation. Read more…
03.03.2016
Each year the summit brings together PR practitioners who share their experience and discuss successful PR cases. Read more…
25.02.2016
The company’s leader delivered a speech entitled “Particular Importance of Lake Baikal in Moulding Ecological Thought in Russia and Transforming Ecological Image of the Country”. Read more…
25.02.2016
In his column for Sostav.ru, CEO of Baikal Communications Group Eduard Voytenko writes about the compression of the corporate PR market and the focus of communications consulting on politics. Read more…
10.02.2016
For the second year in a row, during the semester Eduard Voytenko will read his author’s lectures “GR Technologies. Fundamentals of lobbying” at the PR Department of the School of International Journalism at MGIMO University. Read more…
02.02.2016
Anastasia Tsvetkova was appointed as Director for Development and International Cooperation. Read more…
28.11.2015
Mobile group of the company summed up the results of analytical sociological research aimed at studying the attitude of various social groups to the policy pursued by the state authorities and local administration of the Republic of Dagestan. Read more…
08.10.2015
Eduard Voytenko, CEO of Baikal Communications Group, looked into the best and innovative practices of socially responsible business. Read more…