| Mr. Wolfensohn was a keynote speaker at the first international conference on "Corporate Governance and Economic Growth in Russia", held in Moscow on June 3, 2004. Organized by the National Corporate Governance Council with participation of the World Bank Group and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Conference addressed issues related to improvement of the corporate governance environment in Russia and progress made during the last five years. The Conference agenda included speeches by Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Michael Fradkov, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Zhukov, and Aide to the President of the Russian Federation Igor Shuvalov, who greeted the Conference participants on behalf of President Putin, as well as speeches bySecretary General ofthe Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Donald Johnston, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Jean Lemierre, Chairman of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board William J. McDonough, Chairman of the National Council on Corporate Governance and President of Interros Company Vladimir Potanin. The conference brought together some 500 representatives of US and European investors, government officials, private companies, NGOs, media and academia, and encouraged them to focus on the importance of good corporate governance for the future of Russia’s economic growth, as well as for the future of the global economy. During the Corporate Governance Conference, Mr. Wolfensohn attended part of the session with some 30 young professionals and students as a continuation of his commitment to meet with youth around the world, and as one of the first follow up discussions with youth participants in Shanghai. The discussion focused on the importance of corporate governance, transparency, accountability in Russia and the necessity for young people to be prepared to engage with public issues and offer their voice and ideas to decision makers. In the afternoon, at the World Bank's invitation some of the young participants from this session also attended a videoconference that marked the opening of the Distance Learning Center of the Global Development Learning Network at the World Bank Office in Moscow. Also on June 3rd, Mr. Wolfensohn held a separate meeting with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Mr. Fradkov and Mr. Wolfensohn used this opportunity to examine Russia’s evolving role as an international player in development affairs, as well as a major shareholder of the World Bank. At a meeting with the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Zhukov, Mr. Wolfensohn discussed Russia’s foremost goal of combating poverty, as well as program of Bank collaboration with the Russian Federation. On June 2nd, Mr. Wolfensohn met for dinner with the Russian Minister of Finance and Governor of the Bank Alexei Kudrin, and Minister of Economic Development and Trade German Gref. They reviewed how could the World Bank Group best assist Russia in its ambitious goal to double GDP by 2010 and to significantly improve social conditions in the country. Mr. Wolfensohn also spent time with the Moscow office staff discussing recent in-country economic developments and issues, and over an informal get together presented 10 years service awards to 13 members of the Russia Country team. Related Links: Press Review, June 04, 2004 - World Bank Chief Urges Russia To Diversify If It Wants Growth Press Review, June 03, 2004 - Wolfensohn Recommends to Russia to Better Use Its Human Potential; Obesity Rising Among Poor In Developing World-Study; and Briefly Noted… | 
Mr. Wolfensohn delivering his speech at the Conference.
Mr. Wolfensohn with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr. Fradkov at the Conference.
Meeting Youth at the Corporate Governance
Mr. Wolfensohn meeting with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr. Fradkov.
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