Sustainable development
The concept of sustainable development was defined following the meeting of the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in 1987 and has become a guiding principle for long-term global development.
Sustainable development is a set of measures aimed at meeting current human needs while preserving the environment and resources, that is, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2015, the 17 “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) are the layout to achieve a better and more sustainable world for all by 2030.
The 17 SDGs are interlined and inseparable and seek to balance sustainable development across the economic, social and ecological dimensions. In 2015, 193 countries endorsed the following 17 Sustainable Development Goals to transform our world:
GOAL 1: No Poverty
GOAL 2: Zero Hunger
GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being
GOAL 4: Quality Education
GOAL 5: Gender Equality
GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality
GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
GOAL 13: Climate Action
GOAL 14: Life Below Water
GOAL 15: Life on Land
GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
Almazov Centre is oriented towards sustainable development and contributes to the 3 SDGs closely related to its activities:
Collaborations with local and global health institutions to improve health and wellbeing outcomes
Almazov Centre is a WHO Collaborating Centre for CVDs, eHealth and value-based medicine.
In 2019, Almazov Centre started cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 5 major areas: medical tourism, science, education, IT in medicine and congress activities.
Almazov Centre cooperates with the International Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Foundation (iCMLf) as part of the Emerging Regions Support and Partnership (ERSAP) Program as well as with the European LeukemiaNet.
Almazov Centre is a member of the European Neuroendocrine Association (ENEA).
Almazov Centre is a participant of the Healthcare National Project. It carries out organizational and methodological guidance to regional healthcare facilities, analytical activities, pilot projects on best practices in the regions; provides personnel, methodological and educational support on the fight against coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
Health and wellbeing related outreach programmes
Almazov Centre implements various programmes and projects aimed at improving and promoting health and wellbeing, including in the areas of hygiene, nutrition, family planning, sports, aging well and other health and wellbeing related aspects. There are regular trainings for patients in various topics: heart failure, obesity, pregnancy and much more. Students, together with doctors and medical staff, participate in volunteering.
To help children and adults with injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in order to promote a healthy lifestyle, Almazov Centre shares existing sports facilities with the general public (more).
The Centre provides students access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services including information and education services (more) as well as mental health support for students and staff.
There are a psychological support department and consultant psychologist for staff and students. The psychologist delivers consultations on conflict management. A helpline is also available (more).
Smoke-free policy
In accordance with Federal Law No. 15-FZ dated February 23, 2013 “On Protecting the Health of Citizens from the Effects of Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke and the Consequences of Tobacco Consumption”, Almazov Centre pursues an active policy aimed at promoting the health of the population, preventing and controlling cancer and cardiovascular disease. The Centre carries out an awareness-raising campaign on smoking risks for young people. Smoking is prohibited on the territory of Almazov Centre. The research and clinical laboratories of the Centre are carrying out research on the influence of tobacco smoke on the development of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease.
Lifelong learning measures
Almazov Centre provides access to educational resources for those not studying at the Centre. The information and educational resources published by the specialists of Almazov Centre are freely available to the public (more).
The Centre hosts events that are open to the general public: public lectures, community educational events available on YouTube channel as well as executive education (more) and vocational training programmes (more).
Educational outreach activities beyond campus
Almazov Centre undertakes educational outreach activities in other institutions, including student-run schemes.
In order to acquaint school students interested in biomedical specialties with modern trends and scientific areas related to medicine, Almazov Centre organized a meeting devoted to the Medicine of the Future with Evgeny Shlyakhto, Director General of Almazov Centre (more).
The Centre cooperates with target schools of St. Petersburg under mutual cooperation agreements to provide career guidance for students and their integration into medical projects (more).
Every year, the Medical Education Institute of Almazov Centre holds open days for prospective students interested in specialist degree, residency and PhD programmes.
Policy that ensures access to life learning activities
In accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation and Federal Law No. 273-FZ dated December 29, 2012 “On Education in the Russian Federation” equal access to educational activities is ensured at the national level for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability or gender.
Since its foundation, Almazov Centre has been providing equal access to educational activities for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability or gender.
The Centre has a Code of Ethics in place.
Governance measures
Almazov Centre has an Academic Board acting as a permanent governing body with elected representation, which includes representatives from students, young scientists, faculty and research staff (more).
Students’ union
Almazov Centre recognizes a students’ union – the Young Scientists and Specialists Council. It has been established to unite the efforts of young specialists working at Almazov Centre, to represent and protect their interests and present their opinion to the government bodies, the Centre’s administration, public and other institutions (more).
Engagement with external stakeholders
Almazov Centre has 46 MoUs with partners from more than 22 countries (more).
The Centre also engages with a number of social organizations (see the list here).
Almazov Centre is a member of the Scientific and Educational Medical Cluster that was established following the decision of the Scientific Council of the Russian Ministry of Health. The Cluster is an association based on voluntary principles and equality of all participants and organizations of any legal form and ownership, including state authorities, professional associations, non-governmental organizations, research and higher education institutions aiming at the Cluster goals and their achievement. See the list of members and partners here.
Regulations on bribery and corruption
Click here for regulations on the Centre’s principles and commitments on corruption and bribery.
Working with government
All specialists of Almazov Center are experts in their fields, members or chairs of professional societies, they provide expert advice to all levels of authorities.
Director General of Almazov Centre Evgeny Shlyakhto chairs 3 committees of the National Council for Professional Qualifications in Healthcare:
1) Committee for labor market monitoring and development of sectoral qualification framework
2) Committee on professional and public accreditation of educational programmes
3) Committee on the application of professional standards in vocational education and training (more)
Executives of the Centre take part in the Council of University Presidents of Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Region (more).
In 2020, Prof. Shlyakhto was appointed the head of the Interdepartmental Medical Working Group at the Interdepartmental Council on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in St. Petersburg targeting on the topical issues of medical care for patients, together with the St. Petersburg Health Committee (more).