More than 6,000 people from 101 countries participated in the International Symposium "Inventing the Future"
On November 6, the
International Symposium "Inventing the Future" concluded in Moscow.
It became the first event held at the National Centre RUSSIA, established by an
order from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. More than
6,000 people from 101 countries took part in the Symposium's events.
Participants,
including representatives of government and business, scientists and engineers,
futurists and forecasters, public figures, and representatives of creative
industries from BRICS, SCO, CIS countries, and other nations, participated in
over 80 events aimed at designing the future. The Symposium served as a unique
platform that allowed leading specialists in their fields to formulate
approaches, analyze global changes favoring multi-vector development,
anthropocentrism, and technological advancement. The key ideas and strategies
developed during the sessions will form the foundation for the future work of
the National Centre RUSSIA.
Vladimir Putin
addressed the event’s participants with a welcoming speech. He noted that
despite the current challenges we face today, it is essential to set goals that
are ahead of time, outline new breakthrough directions, and strive to look
beyond the horizon of tomorrow.
"I will
emphasize the main point — we must determine our future solely by ourselves —
based on a sovereign worldview, national culture, relentless creative pursuit,
and firm commitment to undeniable moral and patriotic ideals and values. Only
then will the boldest and most daring dreams inevitably come true. Our people
have proven this time and again throughout our thousand-year history. We built
a great power, opened the way to the stars for humanity, ensured the country's
leadership in the peaceful use of atomic energy, and achieved monumental
scientific and geographical discoveries. Both we and future generations must
live up to the legacy of our fathers, grandfathers, and
great-grandfathers," Vladimir Putin emphasized.
The First Deputy
Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation
and the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the National Centre RUSSIA,
Sergei Kiriyenko, highlighted the interdisciplinary significance of the event
during the opening plenary discussion "Philosophy of the Future,"
which encouraged consolidated work among specialists from various fields.
"The unity of
the people is determined not only by traditions but also by a vision of the
future. By a dream, if you will. And we have, of course, dreamed and continue
to dream of a sovereign and strong country, a just order in the world where
people of every nationality have the opportunity to realize their talents, to
be happy and successful, and to live in a safe world. Everyone gathered here at
the International Symposium contributes immensely to this," Sergei
Kiriyenko stated.
The First Deputy
Prime Minister of the Government of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, in
his speech at the Symposium emphasized the importance of developing
international cooperation in the scientific and social spheres.
"Humanity
needs to work together. This Symposium, which has brought together
representatives from more than 100 countries, is an important step toward
understanding this necessity. I believe you’ll agree that no single country can
create the full range of tomorrow's technologies; it's simply impossible. We
must cooperate, setting aside excessive protectionism, restrictions, and unfair
competition. Russia hopes to become a key player in such cooperation for the
sake of the future, and we have experience in effectively working on global
scientific and social projects," Denis Manturov emphasized.
The Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, noted in his speech
that Russia's history itself contributes to productive work by experts from
around the world.
"Our
experience of statehood spanning a thousand years and the accomplishments of
our country, which will be vividly presented at the National Centre RUSSIA,
should serve as a powerful stimulus for the creative activity of our civil
society. If such activity emerges — as it always does in fateful times — then,
I assure you, diplomats will be your most reliable allies," Sergei Lavrov
stated.
Discussions at the
Symposium focused on four key areas: the future of humanity, the future of
technology, the future of a multipolar world, and the future of civilizations.
"The
'Inventing the Future' Symposium became a vibrant platform for bold ideas and
the uniting of talents for a better world. Here, scientists, writers,
futurists, artists, and technologists from dozens of countries gathered to
create a new vision of a fair, engaging, and harmonious future. I sincerely
thank everyone who shares this dream with us, and I believe this is only the
first step on the path to our shared achievements," said Natalia
Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
As part of the
events in the "Future of Civilizations" track, experts discussed the
development of a post-information society, Russian futurology, generational
theory, and interactions with artificial intelligence. In the "Future of
Multipolar World" track, representatives of the Russian and international
expert communities examined trends and challenges emerging in international
relations, the role of international organizations and their potential reforms,
relationships between the citizen and the state of the future, and family
bonds. Researchers also explored the future of currency and financial
processes, architecture and food security, the exploration and development of
the Arctic, the role of the Global South in innovative processes, and its
relations with the Global North.
Participants in
the "Future of Human" track sought to rethink the role and form of
future education, science, sports, content, language, and communications. A
significant area of focus in this track was a series of interviews conducted by
Semyon Mikhailovsky, a member of the Council for Culture and Art under the
President of the Russian Federation and Rector of the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg
Academy of Fine Arts. His interviewees included Karin Kneissl, Head of the
Geopolitical Observatory for Russia's Key Issues — G.O.R.K.I. Centre at St.
Petersburg State University and Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs
(2017–2019); Mikhail Kovalchuk, President of the Kurchatov Institute Research
Centre; Leo Bokeria, President of the National Medical Research Centre for
Cardiovascular Surgery named after A.N. Bakulev of the Ministry of Health of
Russia; Yuri Bashmet, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the State
Symphony Orchestra "New Russia"; and Nikolai Shumakov, President of
the Union of Architects of Russia.
The work in the
"Future of Technology" track was dedicated to discussions of
cyberpunk and biopunk, changes in content structure, and the processes of its
creation, consumption, and distribution. Scientists aimed to anticipate
technological and organizational solutions that would meet Russia's and
humanity’s growing needs for clean energy, discussing the transport of the
future, the prospects of the quantum industry, and the future of digital
international relations.
As part of the
Symposium, the "Legacy for the Future" exposition opened at the
National Centre RUSSIA. It features over 250 artworks in various techniques —
from painting to video art — created by talented young artists from six
countries: Russia, China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran. Semyon
Mikhailovsky curated the exposition. On November 7, the exposition will open
its doors to the public.
"We
thoroughly reviewed many works and selected those truly deserving to be
displayed at the National Centre RUSSIA. We are very inspired and genuinely
appreciate these works. We support these young artists, incredibly talented and
equipped with all the resources for success, and wish them all the best in life
and in their creative journeys," noted Semyon Mikhailovsky.
An important event
at the Symposium was the Museum Congress "Museum: A Place for Shaping the
Future." Participants — leading experts in the field — tried to envision
what museums of the future should be like and the role such expositions play in
shaping tomorrow's reality. The congress moderator, art historian and Director
of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Yelizaveta Likhacheva, remarked that
the Symposium provided a dialogue platform that the global community had been
lacking.
"The main
achievement of this congress is that we had the opportunity to discuss issues
that truly concern us. I believe it’s fantastic that such an informative
platform has emerged, and that it exists beyond traditional museum
communication channels," said Yelizaveta Likhacheva.
A unique event
held within the Symposium was a scenario workshop titled "Overcoming Aging
Boundaries within the Concept of Techno-Optimism." Specialists,
scientists, and representatives of the tech and media business, with the help
of artificial intelligence, created an entire universe featuring unique
characters and living spaces, with events unfolding in a futuristic Russia.
Another
experimental format, "Foresight of Worlds and Times," allowed
representatives of creative and scientific professions to work on mapping out
worlds of science fiction on the cusp of the XXI and XXII centuries. Expert
groups explored fictional worlds, projected potential paths for their
development, and created key events and characters for the sci-fi of the
future.
In addition,
excursions showcasing Moscow’s remarkable sites were organized for
international participants of the "Inventing the Future" Symposium.
Foreign guests enjoyed a river tour dedicated to the city's history and
architecture. This water excursion allowed them to take in views of Moscow,
learn about its evolution, and see what the future holds for it. Guests also
explored Soviet constructivist architecture during a special bus tour around
Moscow.
Throughout the
three days of the Symposium, the library of the National Centre RUSSIA was
enriched with book editions presented as gifts by foreign visitors. Unique
samples were brought by participants from India, Iran, Italy, Canada, China,
Malaysia, Moldova, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, and the United States.
As part of the
"Message to the Future" project, guests could leave their wishes or
visions for the future, sharing plans and dreams on special postcards. These
could be sent to loved ones or even to themselves from the event venue to
anywhere in the world, or kept as souvenirs.
The International
Symposium "Inventing the Future" is the first event held by the
National Centre RUSSIA, which was established on July 1, 2024, by the order of
the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The Centre is intended
to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and showcase the
achievements of the country and its citizens. Federal authorities, state
companies, corporations, and regions participate in the work of the Centre.
Hosted festive events dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Association of Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East of the Russian Federation, and the 95th anniversary of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra.
The international campaign "Victory Dictation" took place in Moscow on April 25 across 497 venues.
Essayist participating in the Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth" took a guided tour of the interactive exposition "Journey Across Russia".