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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
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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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[ID] => 9199
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[post_date] => 2025-07-07 13:27:59
[post_date_gmt] => 2025-07-07 10:27:59
[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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02.11.2020
From 27th to 31st October 2020 the fifth advanced training program “GR and Lobbying in Business and Nonprofit Sector” has been successfully held under the auspices of the Russian lobbying company Baikal Communications Group in partnership with the MGIMO School of Business and International Proficiency. Read more…
07.09.2020
Baikal Communications Group is about to enhance the expertise positions with regard to the legal support of lobbying projects through the initiated Legislation and Legal Studies’ Practice. The division will be headed by Ms. Anastasia Parfenchikova, legal expert with the vast law-making experience. Read more…
04.09.2020
Ms. Ekaterina Moiseeva started her career at Baikal Communications Group in 2017 in the position of an analyst. On 1 July 2020, she headed the Practice, meant to provide clients with all the variety of analytical products, which are indispensable for constructive dialogue with public authorities. Read more…
14.08.2020
On August 6, 2020, CEO and Managing Director of Baikal Communications Group Mr. Eduard Voytenko joined the Society of European Affairs Professionals (SEAP). The organization unites on an individual basis the highly qualified specialists in the field of Government Relations that are engaged in the activity of corporations, trade associations, nonprofit sector, consultancies and other representative bodies. Read more…
04.08.2020
On 27th of June, 2020 Ms. Anastasia Tsvetkova, Director of International Communications and CSR Practice of Baikal Communications Group, gave an interview to Mr. Richard Levick, Chief Executive Officer of Levick Strategic Communications, and concurrently the host of the daily business podcast “In House Warrior” of the Corporate Counsel Business Journal. Read more…
21.07.2020
Vladislav Pantiukhin was appointed to the position of Global Strategy Director. Read more…
15.07.2020
On July 15, 2020 Baikal Communications Group and the Honorary Consulate of the Russian Federation in Porto, the Portuguese Republic (represented by the Honorary Consul Mr. Antonio Fernando Couto Dos Santos) concluded the Memorandum of Understanding on long-term cross-border cooperation. Read more…
09.06.2020
On June 9, 2020 Baikal Communications Group joined the international association – The Public Affairs Council, which brings together the sectoral specialists and experts from more than 700 corporations, non-profits, consulting agencies and universities all around the world. Read more…
08.06.2020
On June 5, 2020 Baikal Communications Group and Levick Strategic Communications announced the start of the global partnership, aimed at implementing the joint projects in the territory of two states – the Russian Federation and the United States of America. Read more…
12.05.2020
“In recent years, GR communications have been following the past practices being focused on national projects and achievement of KPIs set by the ruling establishment. Currently, as national projects have ceased to be mentioned at government sessions for many weeks, we can expect the tone of the dialogue to change significantly”, says Eduard Voytenko, Director General of Baikal Communications Group. Read more…
10.03.2020
Anastasia Tsvetkova, Director of the International Communications and CSR Practice at Baikal Communications Group, will launch an interdisciplinary module on water resources management at Ranepa. Read more…
25.02.2020
Director of the International Communications and CSR Practice at Baikal Communications Group Anastasia Tsvetkova read a course of lectures on GR and lobbyism at the English-language master’s programme of the Presidential academy, which will be repeated in 2020. Read more…
16.01.2020
The team Of Baikal Communications Group held another master class for the undergraduate students in the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Anti-Corruption Policy of National Research University Higher School of Economics (ILAP). The theme of the master class was “GR and lobbying as legal mechanisms for promoting the interests of business and non-profit organizations in public authorities”. Read more…
23.12.2019
On December 20, sixty law students of the Russian universities got a certificate on successful completion of the course “Law as an essential tool in lobbying activities”. The course was arranged by the Department of Constitutional Law of MGIMO and Baikal Communications Group and was hosted by the MGIMO Law Club. Read more…
16.12.2019
Director of International Communications and CSR practice of the Baikal Communications Group acted as an expert in the nomination «Environmental efficiency». Read more…
29.11.2019
The team Of Baikal Communications Group held another master class for the undergraduate students in the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Anti-Corruption Policy of National Research University Higher School of Economics (ILAP). The theme of the master class was “GR and lobbying as legal mechanisms for promoting the interests of business and non-profit organizations in public authorities”. Read more…
28.10.2019
From October 24th to October 27th, 2019, the fourth advanced training course “GR and lobbying in business and nonprofit sector” was held jointly by the MGIMO School of Business and International Proficiency and the lobbying firm Baikal Communications Group. Read more…
14.10.2019
On October 11, the first lesson was held as part of the special educational course “Law as the most important tool in lobbying” for students of legal specialties of Russian universities. The course is organized by the Department of Constitutional Law of MGIMO and the Baikal Communications Group on the basis of the MGIMO Law Club. Read more…
04.10.2019
Kirill Tuzov, Director of Political and Special Projects at Baikal Communications Group, spoke at the plenary meeting of the 4th All-Russian Forum of Regional Media, which was held from the 3rd to the 4th of October in Perm with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation. Read more…
08.09.2019
Anastasia Tsvetkova, Director for Development and International Cooperation is invited to the RANEPA to conduct a semester English-language course “Corporate Social Responsibility in a Global Context” for 4th year students enrolled in the program “Leadership and Management in the Global World”. Read more…