OREANDA-NEWS. September 22, 2014. Norilsk Nickel’s Social Policy Department Director Svetlana Ivchenko delivered a presentation on the Company’s new social policies (Corporate Social Responsibility: dead weight or lifeline) at RBC conference.

In 2013-2014 Norilsk Nickel has undergone a major transition from targeted patronage to a more systemic framework involving active participation of local communities in projects implemented in the Company’s regions of operation.

A new social program - World of New Opportunities, was initiated in Norilsk Industrial Region and Murmansk Oblast in 2014, bringing together local residents, NGOs, government and municipal organizations. World of New Opportunities aims to support public initiatives and promote new opportunities for sustainable development of local communities. The program’s cost totals approximately RUB 200 million.

Svetlana Ivchenko said “we are happy to have made such a profound change both in terms of the way Company’s social block operates and in the overall attitude of people affected by our initiatives. Norilsk Nickel didn’t simply introduce new projects and policies in the Company’s regions of operation but was furthermore able to promote environmental consciousness in local communities. We hope that our initiatives will become self-sustaining long-term projects capable of independent development as an instrument for improving the lives of people living in Norilsk and Murmansk areas”.