The future lies in domestic markets and smart cities: global development trends outlined at the Open Dialogue

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"Smart eco-cities" with robotic assistants, fair BRICS+ data corridors, the tokenisation of human skills, and a shift towards a domestic market economy — these and other ideas were discussed by experts and young researchers during the first day of the II Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth" at the National Centre RUSSIA.

The event brought together participants from all continents to discuss key global development trends. This year, 1,638 essays were submitted from 98 countries, with 102 authors from 43 countries advancing to the in-person stage. On the first day, idea pitching sessions were held across four vectors: "Investment in people", "Investment in connectivity", "Investment in technology", and "Investment in the environment".

Participants of the II Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth" were welcomed by Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation and Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee of the National Centre RUSSIA.

"We are meeting at a time when the familiar map of the world — economic, political and technological — is undergoing significant change: centres of growth are shifting, connections between countries and markets are being reconfigured, and competition between development models is intensifying. Technology is accelerating these changes, and with it grows the demand for solutions that not only describe problems but help move forward. We need not abstract declarations, but proposals on how to develop human potential. It is important to understand where an idea has real strength, what makes it new, how well it is elaborated, whether it can be applied in practice, and what partnerships are required for its implementation. For authors of the essays, this format is an opportunity to test their ideas in a strong professional environment and take the first step from an original idea to a practical solution," said Maxim Oreshkin.

Participants presented dozens of bold initiatives. Patrizia Boi (Italy) proposed the concept of a bio-ecological "smart city" with autonomous energy systems and minimal waste, where part of everyday and social care is performed by humanoid robots. Zuo Chuanchang (China) introduced ideas for transitioning to a "domestic market economy" model, where internal consumption becomes the key driver of growth, while Patrick Collins (Japan) argued for the creation of strategic raw materials reserve departments to strengthen the resilience of national currencies.

In their essays, participants also explored the role of technology and human capital. Malak AbdelFattah, a lecturer at Ain Shams University (Egypt), noted that she actively uses artificial intelligence, but strictly as a supporting tool.

"For example, AI helps me create presentations for students based on the text I upload, and provides both oral and written translations. This saves time and allows me to focus on key ideas. As a result, my work becomes more efficient: I concentrate more on analysis and content, while routine tasks are handled by tools," the expert explained.

Following the pitching sessions, the jury selected the strongest authors in each track. In the "Investment in technology" vector, Mahmood Anwar (Pakistan), Ruslan Gafarov (Azerbaijan), Aya Arfaoui (Morocco), and Sergei Kondratyev (Russia) were recognised. In the "Investment in the environment" track, the top participants were Tatyana Pecherkina (Russia), Milena Milic (Russia), Soumya Bhowmiсk (India), and Darya Zorko (Belarus). In the "Investment in people" vector, the jury highlighted the projects of Jelena Milicevic Prorokovic (Serbia), Dr. Leonard Landois (Germany), Lubinda Haabazoka (Zambia), and Xu Weilan (China). In the "Investment in connectivity" vector, the leading participants included Ivan Shumilov (Russia), Francisco Tuñez (Argentina), Andres Giussepe (Venezuela), and Solomon Gardie (Ethiopia).

On 28 April, the official opening of the Open Dialogue will take place. Maxim Oreshkin will also present a report on global megatrends that will shape the world economy in the near future. The finalists of the first day will then present their concepts during panel discussions, where their ideas will receive expert evaluation and public discussion.

Following the conclusion of the Open Dialogue, the best selected initiatives will be included in a new analytical report which will then be presented by the National Centre RUSSIA at major international platforms.