GR CLUB AT FINANCIAL UNIVERSITY UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION LAUNCHES "GR ACADEMY"MASTERCLASS SERIES
On April 1, 2015, the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation hosted the long-awaited opening of the "GR Academy" master class series, organized by the university’s GR Club. The first speaker was Oleg Germanovich Rumyantsev, a recognized expert in constitutional and state law, President of the Non-Profit Partnership "National League of Government Relations Specialists" (GR League) and Managing Partner of "Rumyantsev and Partners Consulting Agency."
The event drew exceptional interest from the audience. The Financial University welcomed numerous guests (around 120 people), including not only students from leading Moscow universities (MSU, MGIMO, HSE) but also business representatives.
Konstantin Vasilyevich Simonov, Director of the National Energy Security Fund, First Vice-Rector for External Communications, and Head of the "Applied Political Science" Department at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, delivered the opening remarks.
At the beginning of his speech, Oleg Rumyantsev shared news about the release of his new book, "The Constitution of '93: The History of a Phenomenon," and presented one copy to Alexander Borisovich Shatilov, Dean of the Faculty of Sociology and Political Science, and another to Konstantin Vasilyevich Simonov. He also promised to gift an additional copy to one of the attendees in exchange for the most interesting question.
Oleg Germanovich Rumyantsev began his masterclass on "GR and State Law" with the thesis: "The relationship between society and state power is the foundation of the Constitution." He emphasized that all activities must always be regulated by law. Therefore, in the speaker’s opinion, the absence of legislation aimed at forming a civilized market for interaction between society and government in Russia means there is no guarantee that lobbying in the country will operate within a legal framework. Of course, drafting such a law presents certain challenges, but it is necessary to initiate the process—starting with introducing the concept of an "interest representative."
As O.G. Rumyantsev noted, the GR League is already deeply engaged in this issue. Leading experts have begun developing a professional standard for government relations specialists in collaboration with the Committee on Quality and Business Services Development of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). They are also working on a draft law on GR activities, initiated by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development.
At the same time, he highlighted the importance of training young professionals, as the future of GR in Russia depends on them. Organizing and conducting seminars, roundtables, conferences, forums, and other events to facilitate professional knowledge-sharing and problem-solving within youth GR clubs is one of the top priorities, according to O.G. Rumyantsev.
The speaker then fielded several interesting questions. While answering them, O.G. Rumyantsev discussed, among other topics, the Anti-Piracy Law and the role of GR in its development. This example served as an excellent case study for the audience, demonstrating how GR can contribute to building a rule-of-law state.
GR strategically connects government and corporate interests through expert mediation." O.G. Rumyantsev encouraged attendees to master this strategic discipline.
The GR Club at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation cordially invites you to attend upcoming sessions of our "GR Academy" masterclass series to further develop your expertise in this field. GR CLUB AT FINANCIAL UNIVERSITY UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION LAUNCHES "GR ACADEMY" MASTERCLASS SERIES. On April 1, 2015, the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation hosted the long-awaited launch of its "GR Academy" masterclass series, organized by the university's GR Club. The inaugural speaker was Oleg G. Rumyantsev, a prominent government relations specialist and recognized expert in constitutional and state law, serving as President of the Non-Profit Partnership "National League of Business-Government Relations Specialists" (GR League) and Managing Partner of "Rumyantsev and Partners Consulting Agency."
The event attracted remarkable interest, with approximately 120 guests in attendance. Participants included not only students from Moscow's leading universities - Lomonosov Moscow State University, MGIMO University, and the Higher School of Economics - but also representatives from the business community. Konstantin V. Simonov, Director of the National Energy Security Fund, First Vice-Rector for External Communications, and Head of the Applied Political Science Department at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, delivered the welcoming address.
At the beginning of his presentation, Oleg Germanovich announced the publication of his new book "The Constitution of 1993: The History of a Phenomenon," presenting copies to Alexander B. Shatilov, Dean of the Sociology and Political Science Faculty, and to Konstantin V. Simonov. He also promised to award an additional copy to whichever attendee posed the most insightful question during the session.
Oleg G. Rumyantsev started his masterclass on "GR and State Law" with a foundational thesis: "The relationship between society and state authority constitutes the very essence of Constitutional law." He emphasized that all activities must operate within legal frameworks, noting that Russia's current lack of legislation governing civilized interaction between society and government creates no guarantee that lobbying activities will remain within legal boundaries. While acknowledging the complexities of drafting such legislation, Rumyantsev stressed the necessity of initiating this process, beginning with establishing the legal concept of an "interest representative."
As O.G. Rumyantsev noted, the GR League is already deeply engaged in this issue. Leading experts have begun developing a professional standard for government relations specialists in collaboration with the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (MCCI) Committee on Business Services Quality and Development. Additionally, they are working on draft legislation for GR activities, an initiative spearheaded by Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development.
At the same time, we must not overlook the training of young professionals—after all, the future of GR in Russia lies in their hands. According to O.G. Rumyantsev, organizing and hosting seminars, roundtables, conferences, forums, and other events to facilitate professional knowledge-sharing and problem-solving among youth GR clubs remains a top priority.
The speaker then fielded several thought-provoking questions. In his responses, O.G. Rumyantsev specifically addressed the Anti-Piracy Law and the role of GR in its development. This case study effectively demonstrated to the audience how GR contributes to building a rule-of-law state.
"GR serves as the vital link between government and corporate interests – the art of aligning these priorities," Rumyantsev explained. He concluded by encouraging attendees to master this essential discipline.
The Financial University’s GR Club invites you to attend upcoming sessions of our "GR Academy" series to further expand your expertise in this field!