OREANDA-NEWS. On December 03, 2007 Citi Russia launched a course of lectures in the Graduate School of Management (GSOM), St. Petersburg State University within the frames of global community activities in Russia and acts as an expert for St. Petersburg State University's School of Management in developing progressive learning tools combining innovative practice experience, advanced technologies and new learning methods, reported the press-centre of Citibank.

The new program is aimed at strengthening financial education and education of future generations. During the academic year representatives of Citi Russia as well as top-managers and experts from Citi international offices will conduct lectures and share their international experience. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded special Citi certificates.

Valery Katkalo, Dean of the Graduate School of Management, said: "Partnership with such leader of global business as Citi is one of our priorities for establishing and further development of GSOM - a world-class Russian business school. Our successful co-operation with Citi has a very long history and now within the frames of "CitiAcademy of Finance and Management" we make another sound step towards integration of advanced concepts and technologies of business conduct into our Education system."

Ruslan Belyaev, Director, Citi Branch Head in St. Petersburg, praises Citi's cooperation with GSOM: "We are honored to cooperate with one of the most prestigious and respected universities in Russia and believe, that our experts will meet the interest of the students of Russian leading business school. Citi provides support to university communities all over the world and is aimed at long-term investment to social environment in Russia. Since 2001 Citi Foundation has granted more than USD 2,5 mln for projects in Russia aimed at financial education, education of future generations and entrepreneurship".

Advisory Board of Graduate School of Management together with representatives of top authorities and business includes Citi representative, Michael Klein, Chairman and Managing Director, Citi Markets and Banking, Citigroup Inc.

First lecture of "CitiAcademy of Finance and Management" took place in GSOM on November 29 at 18:30, Volkhovsky, 3, Room 309, Gala hall.

Financial practice advisor in London, Donald Lawrence held the lecture "Citi footprint in emerging markets", and spoke about development trends in banking business and competition in banking sector.

The following topics are announced for future lectures:
Workforce Diversity, Theory and Practice - December 19, 2007, speakers are Ivan Scalfarotto, Division Head Human Resources, Citi Russia and CIS, and Anna Kalinicheva, Vice President Human Resources, Citi Russia
Corporate Branch Management and Client Relationship Development
International banking activities in Russia (transition economies)
New banking products in international financial markets
International banks operations in Forex market.