SPIEF, Russia Nr. 1 

Two weeks ago I attended SPIEF (http://www.forumspb.com/#) in St. Petersburg (SPG), Russia. It is one of the biggest conferences in Russia, very much modeled after the Davos meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Putin’s hometown is one of the most magnificent cities in the world (I think). For me, being there was like walking into a novel or endless novels of Russian history – having read classics like Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Dostoevsky’s Crime & Punishment, The Master & the Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, & Nicholas and Alexandra about the last Russian monarch, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, to name just a few. The weather and white nights were magical.

I was there, once again, with Jürgen Griesbeck, founder & CEO of streetfootballworld (sfw), who spoke on the panel “CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GLOBAL PHILANTHROPISTS.” After the panel, CNN did a piece on sfw: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/20/business/russia-football-world-cup/

For sfw, this is its “debut” in Russia. Although it is a region with huge potential for Social Change/Development Through Football (DtF), sfw currently does not have any network members in the region.  With the WC 2018 & Winter Olympics next year coming up in Sochi, sfw felt there was no better moment than now to explore opportunities & expand its networks in the region.

The country has all the ingredients for DtF to create impact: the potential for reach & critical mass, enormous popularity of the game, significant corporate resources, not to mention a few Oligarchs’ personal vested interest in FCs (incl. Chelsea & Arsenal).

We had the opportunity to meet some corporates that have a strong interest in what sfw is doing, and in forming potential partnerships to increase the visibility & scale of their Russian DtF programs, engage more non-Russian partners as well as create international exchange programs with other countries such as China and Brazil/Mexico.

One of our potential partners is MegaFon (http://english.corp.megafon.ru/), the second largest mobile operator in Russia. They have already done quite a lot in DtF, working with the Football for Children foundation based in Moscow. So far, they have mainly focused on organizing an annual football tournament for orphans across Russia. They started the program in 2005 and this year, the games had 200 participants from 8 regions. Teams have to compete at the local, regional and national levels to get to the final tournaments and players have to do well in school in order to be selected to the team.  Each team also has at least 4 girls (if I remember correctly). The winning team gets to visit London, meet football players from Arsenal and sit in the VIP box.

During this trip, I learned a lot about the Russian orphans situation – a forgotten group in a country where government provides almost no direct support to independent charities. Of course, this is not unique to Russia; many large emerging countries have similar issues. But I gained some valuable insights on challenges specific to Russia – for disadvantaged youths such as orphans, for independent charities that reply on private funding and for the country at large.  Despite all the “negative” press on the country, I was very moved and encouraged by the conversations we had and believe if anything, football can make a difference.

To be continued . . .

Moderator:
Michael Elliott, President, Chief Executive Officer, ONE

Panelists:
Oleg Deripaska, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Management Board, UC RUSAL; Founder, Volnoe Delo Foundation
Jürgen Griesbeck, Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Street Football World
Aleksei Kudrin, Dean of the Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences, St. Petersburg State University
Lenka Setkova, Director, Coutts Institute, Coutts
Ruben Vardanian, Co-Head, Sberbank CIB

There are 15 comments for this article
  1. BenitoObews at 10:00 pm

    На этом ресурсе вы найдете центр ментального здоровья, которая предлагает психологические услуги для людей, страдающих от тревоги и других психических расстройств. Мы предлагаем индивидуальный подход для восстановления психического здоровья. Наши специалисты готовы помочь вам преодолеть проблемы и вернуться к психологическому благополучию. Профессионализм наших психологов подтверждена множеством положительных отзывов. Запишитесь с нами уже сегодня, чтобы начать путь к лучшей жизни.
    http://jcsl.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=empathycenter.ru%2Fpreparations%2Fl%2Flamotridzhin%2F

  2. BenitoObews at 7:42 am

    На этом ресурсе вы найдете клинику ментального здоровья, которая обеспечивает поддержку для людей, страдающих от тревоги и других психических расстройств. Наша индивидуальный подход для восстановления ментального здоровья. Наши опытные психологи готовы помочь вам справиться с проблемы и вернуться к гармонии. Квалификация наших врачей подтверждена множеством положительных отзывов. Свяжитесь с нами уже сегодня, чтобы начать путь к восстановлению.
    http://leroyschecterfoundation.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=empathycenter.ru%2Fpreparations%2Ff%2Ffenibut%2F

  3. JasonRug at 8:17 am

    You can find a vast selection of certified healthcare solutions to suit your health requirements.
    Our online pharmacy ensures fast and secure order processing right to your door.
    Every item is sourced from trusted suppliers for guaranteed effectiveness and reliability.
    You can search through our selection and place your order with just a few clicks.
    Got any concerns? Pharmacy experts are here to help 24/7.
    Take care of yourself with reliable online pharmacy!
    https://www.apsense.com/article/841999-buy-priligy-online-safely-the-ultimate-2025-survival-guide.html

  4. Georgetok at 8:10 am

    Regardless of the widespread use of modern wearable tech, classic wristwatches continue to be iconic.
    A lot of enthusiasts value the artistry that goes into mechanical watches.
    Compared to digital alternatives, which lose relevance, mechanical watches hold their value through generations.
    https://theretrodev.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=938
    Prestigious watchmakers continue to release exclusive mechanical models, confirming that their desirability remains strong.
    To a lot of people, a traditional wristwatch is not just an accessory, but a symbol of timeless elegance.
    While smartwatches offer convenience, mechanical watches have soul that never goes out of style.

  5. JulioPleam at 8:56 am

    Ordering drugs from e-pharmacies can be way more convenient than going to a physical pharmacy.
    No need to stand in queues or worry about closing times.
    Online pharmacies allow you to buy your medications without leaving your house.
    A lot of websites provide special deals unlike physical stores.
    https://noobsquadgaming.com/showthread.php?tid=40
    On top of that, it’s possible to browse different brands easily.
    Fast shipping makes it even more convenient.
    Have you tried purchasing drugs from the internet?

  6. casino-champions-slots.ru at 8:06 pm

    Фанаты слотов всегда могут найти рабочее зеркало игровой платформы Champion и наслаждаться любым игровым ассортиментом.
    В казино представлены самые топовые слоты, включая классические, и самые свежие автоматы от мировых брендов.
    Когда основной портал временно заблокирован, зеркало казино Чемпион поможет без проблем войти и делать ставки без перебоев.
    чемпион казино
    Все возможности полностью работают, начиная от создания аккаунта, депозиты и вывод выигрышей, и, конечно, бонусную систему.
    Пользуйтесь проверенную альтернативный адрес, и наслаждаться игрой без блокировок!

  7. PatrickHip at 11:54 pm

    This portal offers a large variety of video slots, suitable for different gaming styles.
    Here, you can discover classic slots, feature-rich games, and progressive jackpots with amazing animations and realistic audio.
    If you are a fan of minimal mechanics or prefer engaging stories, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
    http://artmoder.ru/krasivyie-portretyi-kitayanok/
    Each title are available 24/7, right in your browser, and perfectly tuned for both desktop and smartphone.
    In addition to games, the site features tips and tricks, special offers, and user ratings to guide your play.
    Sign up, start playing, and have fun with the world of digital reels!

  8. iMedix at 4:55 pm

    Travel health requires specific preparations and awareness. Understanding health risks associated with different destinations is crucial. Learning about recommended vaccinations and preventative measures is key. Familiarity with medical preparations needed for travel, like anti-malarials or motion sickness remedies, is vital. Knowing how to access healthcare abroad provides peace of mind. Reliable sources for travel health advisories are essential. The iMedix podcast offers practical health advice, potentially including travel tips. It serves as a health advice podcast for various life situations. Tune into the iMedix Health Podcast before your next trip. Welcome to iMedix, supporting healthy travels.

  9. iMedix Health Podcast at 9:06 pm

    Heart health is fundamental to longevity and quality of life. Understanding risk factors like diet, exercise, smoking, and genetics is crucial. Learning the signs of heart attack and stroke can be life-saving. Familiarity with medical preparations used for cardiovascular conditions is vital. Knowing about blood thinners, statins, or blood pressure meds requires clear info. Access to evidence-based information supports heart-healthy choices. The iMedix podcast prioritizes topics like cardiovascular health due to its importance. It stands as a top podcast for understandable medical explanations. Listen to the iMedix health podcast for heart health strategies. iMedix: Your Personal Health Advisor for a healthy heart.

  10. MichealThink at 11:14 am

    Our platform offers a wide range of medications for ordering online.
    Customers are able to quickly buy essential medicines without leaving home.
    Our inventory includes popular drugs and targeted therapies.
    The full range is sourced from trusted distributors.
    https://topshealthinfo.com/top-strategies-for-managing-hypertension/
    We ensure discreet service, with data protection and prompt delivery.
    Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, you’ll find affordable choices here.
    Begin shopping today and experience convenient access to medicine.

  11. casino at 4:27 pm

    This website, you can access lots of casino slots from famous studios.
    Users can enjoy traditional machines as well as modern video slots with high-quality visuals and bonus rounds.
    Even if you’re new or a seasoned gamer, there’s always a slot to match your mood.
    play casino
    The games are instantly accessible round the clock and compatible with PCs and mobile devices alike.
    No download is required, so you can start playing instantly.
    The interface is easy to use, making it quick to browse the collection.
    Join the fun, and discover the world of online slots!

  12. nordvpn coupons inspiresensation at 7:02 pm

    Hey there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog
    platform are you using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.

    I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Also visit my web-site; nordvpn coupons inspiresensation

  13. nordvpn coupons inspiresensation at 8:25 pm

    Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging
    to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness
    and visual appeal. I must say that you’ve done a great job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads super fast for me on Internet explorer.
    Superb Blog!

    Feel free to surf to my web blog – nordvpn coupons inspiresensation

  14. t.co at 11:04 pm

    Hey there this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors
    or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so
    I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Here is my site; nordvpn coupons inspiresensation (t.co)