The Andrey Melnichenko Foundation is a private foundation with a mission to develop educational infrastructure projects in Russia’s regions, and enable science-based sustainable development. Its scope of work includes projects that take action for the sustainable development goals, with a focus on zero hunger, quality education and climate action.
Andrey Melnichenko, a major Russian industrialist and philanthropist, is a self-made man. Over the last 25 years he created multi-billion-dollar corporations based on the highest international standards of management, accounting, financial transparency, and employee safety.
Andrey Melnichenko is a self-made Russian industrialist and philanthropist
During the economic crisis that followed the breakup of the USSR, Andrey was a talented physics student in Moscow. While studying, Andrey and two fellow students got involved in untapped market segments which became the foundation of his business empire. It began with currency exchange offices which evolved into the internationally recognized MDM Bank, garnering awards from respected publications like The Banker and Euromoney.
At the start of the new millennium Andrey began to expand his business to the natural resources sector, specifically mineral fertilizers and coal – which he understood to be key elements of the renaissance of the Russian economy. These sectors were ignored by other investors, fraught with risk and not considered at all “strategic” by the government. This situation allowed the assets to be managed and grown without requiring the kind of political support and state interdependence characteristic of other market segments officially deemed critical.
Over the last 15 years companies created by Andrey invested more than $21 billion in developing facilities, infrastructure and human capital, helping to transform the Russian economy as well as playing a significant role in international food security and energy access
More than 92,000 people work in the companies Andrey founded. These assets not only play important roles in local economies, but also maintain the highest standards of CSR and environmental protection. Over th years the companies have invested about $500 million in charitable programs, which are regularly recognized for their social contribution at the “Leaders of Corporate Charity” competition in Russia.
Nearly US $ 500 million has been spent on social and charitable programs
The Andrey Melnichenko Foundation supports gifted & talented children in their STEM ambitions, including an intricate system of educational support for youth living in the regions where his companies are present. Andrey’s vision is that talented young people in Russia have the chance to become next-generation billionaires – as he himself was labeled by Forbes when he was only 32. In this way, Andrey is giving back to the country that made him who he is today.
The Andrey Melnichenko Foundation supports talented children in science and education
In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Andrey Melnichenko Foundation aims to pursue opportunities to solve societal challenges through innovation and collaboration. The unfolding global food crisis encouraged the Foundation to advance food security – especially projects that are related to facilitating agricultural production, crops market and fertilizer distribution.
The Foundation promotes projects that boost food security and add to the zero hunger sustainable development goal
Accelerating climate change is the most significant challenge for humanity. The Foundation cannot turn the blind eye to the terrifying effects climate change may inflict on the most vulnerable populations and aims to promote nature-based solutions within the global climate agenda.
Tackling global climate crisis via scientifically sound nature-based solutions is one of the Foundation’s principal goals
Director General
Deputy General Director
Deputy General Director
Finance and Admin Director
Science Division Director
Urban Development Director
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Creative Director
The unfolding food crisis poses a significant risk to the stability and sustainability of the global community. The effects of the COVID19 pandemic, sanctions and various protectionist economic measures are affecting global food markets, agricultural practices and fertilizer supply chains leaving the increasing number of people suffering from malnutrition, hunger, multiple health issues and – as a result – reduced productivity, hindering their ability to contribute to the economy. This, in turn, perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty and inequality.
The least developed countries are particularly vulnerable to this crisis. Their already fragile economies, limited infrastructure, and high dependence on agriculture make them disproportionately affected by climate change and resource constraints. Without urgent support, they are likely to bear the brunt of the increase in undernourished populations.
The aim of the Andrey Melnichenko Foundation is to make a feasible contribution to ending hunger as well as ensuring food security for all, especially in the most vulnerable communities in Africa and Asia.
The objectives of the Foundation’s projects in this area include:
AMF together with Thabo Mbeki foundation acted as one of commissioners of report «Major changes in the fertilizers market in 2022-2023 and their impact on global food security» that was presented during Cape Town Conversations, November 2023.
