The library of the National Centre RUSSIA received Its first books gifted by international guests

On the opening day of the International Symposium "Inventing the Future," the library of the National Centre RUSSIA was enriched with its first book editions, gifted by foreign guests. Unique copies were presented by participants from China and the United Arab Emirates.

The Executive Director of the Museum of the Future (UAE), Majed al-Mansoori, donated to the future library a book by the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, titled "My Vision: Challenges in the Race for Excellence."

"This book was gifted to me by my mother when I was in high school, and I spent countless nights diving into it. His Highness shares stories of his childhood, of growing up, and of his life, which is truly inspiring. It’s essential for us to think as globally as he does, and his thoughts and vision have helped to make an exciting project like the Museum of the Future a reality. I can say that I, too, am a student in His Highness’s school, and I am very proud of it. I hope that his words and ideas will inspire my Russian friends just as they inspired me," said Majed al-Mansoori.

Guests from China brought several book editions as gifts for the future library.

"These three books are part of the novel series 'The Three-Body Problem' by renowned Chinese science fiction writer Liu Cixin. I chose them because they were exclusively published by the magazine 'China’s World of Science Fiction,' which helped them become famous not only in China but around the world. I appreciate how the 'Inventing the Future' Symposium and the National Centre RUSSIA contribute significantly to the development of unique international connections and reflect the belief that humanity has a bright future and can achieve its goals," noted Liu Yijing, Deputy Director of the Editorial Department of "China’s World of Science Fiction" magazine.

Wang Nuonuo is a celebrated Chinese science fiction writer and recipient of the "Galaxy Award" — the highest award in Chinese science fiction. She addresses bold and timely themes in her works, including the impact of science, technology, and artificial intelligence on human life.

"The science fiction short stories anthology 'Nebula XIV: Our Dinosaur Island,' published by 'China’s World of Science Fiction,' explores the challenges humanity may face in the future — such as ecological disasters and environmental issues. Given the theme of the Symposium, I decided it would be perfect to show how humanity, through combined efforts, courageously and honorably meets common challenges and responds to them successfully," said Wang Nuonuo.

Jiang Xue is the Head of the Cultural Development Department at the Chengdu Museum of Science Fiction, which hosted the 81st World Science Fiction Convention last year, that is why she was especially interested in attending the "Inventing the Future" Symposium in Russia.

"Science fiction is a field that brings many people together. It’s international, and the unique love that many nations have for it helps us bring people together and grow closer, this is felt especially vividly at the Symposium," stated Jiang Xue.

Previously, foreign participants at the Symposium shared which books, read in their childhood and youth, had the most impact on their lives and professional journeys. For example, former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl mentioned being influenced by "The Prophet" by Lebanese poet and artist Gibran Kahlil Gibran, the President of the Robotics Association of Chile Rodrigo Andres Quevedo Silva fondly recalls Papelucho — the main character in a series of children’s books by Chilean author Marcela Paz, and the favorite childhood book of the Honorary Consul of Russia in Canada, John Stuart Durrant, was "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London.

The International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is being held from November 4 to 6. Participants include scientists, researchers, futurists, science fiction writers, and representatives from government bodies from 101 countries, including Russia, India, Italy, Iran, China, the UAE, Serbia, the USA, and France. The program features over 60 sessions across four tracks: "Future of Human," "Future of Technology," "Future of Multipolar World," and "Future of Civilizations." The program and event broadcasts are available at the website future.russia.ru.

The International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is the first event of the National Centre RUSSIA, which was established on July 1, 2024, by the order of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. The Centre aims to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens. The work of the Centre involves federal authorities, state companies, corporations, and regions.