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Andrey Melnichenko is a distinguished philanthropist and global leader in climate advocacy, recognized for his commitment to supporting science, innovation, and environmental sustainability. With a keen focus on addressing pressing global challenges, Melnichenko leverages his wealth and influence to drive positive change and create lasting impact for future generations.
Delve into the interview for valuable insights into the latest event in Shenzhen, China, the International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad, as well as comprehensive discussions on climate change and its specific implications.
You are currently present in Shenzhen at the inauguration of the 58th International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad, an event that celebrates the talents of young chemists. What motivated you to provide significant support for this event through the foundation established by you?
Andrey Melnichenko: “One of the primary focuses of our foundation is to promote education among young people, particularly in the field of science. While we have primarily focused on this initiative in Russia in the past, the significance of this event lies in it being the first time the Olympiad is being held outside Russia and the CIS, here in China. Our aim is to identify young talents at the school level and provide them with support to foster their development, enabling them to become scientists and innovators who can potentially contribute positively to the world in the future.”
Could you elaborate on your personal motivation and its alignment with the focus on science, as your foundation actively promotes science education through this and other initiatives?
Andrey Melnichenko: “Indeed. During my youth, I participated in various competitions in Russia, ranging from mathematics to physics and other scientific subjects. I had a genuine passion for it. Education during that time was more traditional and demanding compared to today, requiring genuine dedication to learning to excel. I graduated from the boarding school of Moscow State University and pursued physics at Moscow State University. Science has always been my area of interest, and at this stage of my life, I aim to leave a legacy by supporting others in succeeding in the scientific field, hence my support for this Chemistry Olympiad.”
“At present, our foundation is exploring avenues to enhance transparency and accessibility for the younger generation, which is why we are supporting the Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad in China. We all aspire for our children to gain a broader perspective of the world.”
Undoubtedly, nurturing young talents is personally significant for you and equally crucial in terms of the achievements you’ve made. Could you discuss some of the challenges you believe we currently face in encouraging and developing platforms like the Chemistry Olympiad to make them more inclusive and globally accessible? Is there anything hindering this progress?
Andrey Melnichenko: “The world has become highly advanced, and while there may seem to be extensive cooperation between countries and individuals, I believe that was the case until recently. Presently, it appears that the world is moving towards division rather than increased collaboration, which is regrettable but seemingly the reality.”
“Innovation and progress are best achieved through collaborative efforts. It is essential for people to work together, and this is what we aim to support at the Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad. By fostering collaboration through science at a young age, we hope to instill in them the values of true collaboration. China serves as an excellent example for young people, demonstrating significant innovation and growth that others have taken notice of.”
Your foundation also seeks to address and raise awareness about the existential crisis faced by humanity due to global warming and climate change. From your perspective, how do you propose we overcome these challenges?
Andrey Melnichenko: “Climate change is a complex issue that requires thorough assessment of the current situation before devising strategies. Throughout history, humanity has faced various crises on Earth, and while we have always managed to find solutions, sometimes the outcomes have been unfavorable, necessitating a fresh start.“
“Today, countries like Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates, which previously experienced minimal rainfall, are now facing flooding, as are many other parts of the world. Natural disasters, including floods, have surged globally. The frequency of such events has overwhelmed our current news sources.”
“While the world has taken steps towards addressing climate change, such as signing the Paris Agreement, I believe it falls short in adequately addressing issues like carbon emissions. There should be a global carbon market to trade emissions, as the current regional markets and absence of markets in some areas result in resource allocation inefficiencies. This is one of the primary reasons why the implementation of the agreement has not been as successful as anticipated.”
What measures has the Melnichenko Foundation undertaken to address and support this global issue?
Andrey Melnichenko: “While our foundation strives to make a positive impact on the world, we do not conduct scientific research ourselves due to limitations in capacity, expertise, and knowledge. Instead, we support scientists who are already researching and addressing global phenomena through grants. The foundation is neither a scientific nor a technological organization; it is a non-profit entity. Our aim is to support projects and individuals that introduce innovative and disruptive ideas to the world, ultimately providing practical solutions to global challenges.”
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