Every year, the Forum strengthens its status and attracts around 6,000 specialists and experts. The number of events in on the rise – in 2020, the extensive business programme has united over 100 business sessions, conferences and roundtables on eight main topics, covering the most relevant issues of increasing labour productivity, professional retraining, HR technologies and social employment.

The opening ceremony was held on 27 February. The head of the northern capital, Alexander Beglov, welcomed everyone to the Fourth St. Petersburg International Labour Forum.

The conditions of modern digitalisation are guiding the economy towards a change in business models, and society towards a shift in thinking. It is becoming clear that in the conditions of a new economic system, the main source of development is human capital. The Labour Forum is researching this in its economic, political, legal and social aspects.

The Governor of St. Petersburg read a message from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to participants and guests of the event: ‘My dear friends, I warmly welcome you to the opening of the Fourth Labour Forum, in which parliamentarians, authority figures, local authority figures, scientists, experts, leaders of enterprises and businessmen are all taking part. They represent an excellent opportunity for exchanging experiences in all professional relations. This year, the Forum is dedicated to key issues regarding the development of human capital. Against this backdrop, special attention should be paid to the problem of modernising the education system, regulating labour migration, introducing innovative technologies and ensuring employment. Especially among young people. It is important that we create the conditions in which everyone can have the chance to fully fulfil their creative and professional potential and to gain new abilities and skills. I am sure that the Forum will see constructive discussions, and that new initiatives to facilitate the socio-economic development of our country based on future cooperation. I wish you all success and all the best.’

In his farewell speech, Alexander Beglov welcomed attendees on behalf of the Government of St. Petersburg and wished everyone success, good luck and fruitful meetings.

According to the city’s leader, in St. Petersburg, the issues of labour regulation and developing human capital have for a long time been under discussion. An effective labour market infrastructure has been formed in the city. ‘We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, only 1.5% of the workforce. New jobs are constantly appearing. In nine months in 2019, 26,000 jobs were created. This year alone, almost 300 million rubles from the regional and federal budgets were spent under the national projects for requalifying citizens,’ noted Alexander Dmitryevich.

The governor added that a requalifying programme for unemployed mothers with pre-school-aged children, people over the age of 50, people with disabilities and young people is active in St. Petersburg. Employers are being encouraged to create jobs for people with disabilities. ‘For us, this is a key task, and I would like to say that we have almost reached the level set by the Russian Federation at 37%. I am sure that everyone taking part in the Forum will find interesting ideas and will exchange experiences and fresh ways of thinking. All of this will help us to create new far-sighted projects,’ the governor concluded.

The Fourth St. Petersburg International Labour Forum was held in the Expoforum convention and exhibition centre on 27 and 28 February.