Exclusive from the National Centre RUSSIA: Sergei Ivanov described the potential of the Open Dialogue as impressive

Open Dialogue expert of "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth," Sergei Ivanov, highlighted the unique format of the large-scale international project of the National Centre RUSSIA. The Executive Director and Member of the Board of Directors of the EFKO Group took part in the second day of the Open Dialogue on April 29. Sergei Ivanov emphasised the essay competition organised by the National Centre RUSSIA, which allowed international experts and authors to present their research and ideas to a wide audience.

"A huge number of submissions were received for the competition. They may still be raw and far from fully developed meanings. But if the ideas presented in the essays can be further developed, they have great potential. The Open Dialogue is the first platform I know that is attempting to think in this format. I’m impressed. I believe the space of the National Centre RUSSIA should be filled with such international events," said Sergei Ivanov.

According to the Russian expert, a key indicator was that the track "Investments in Human Capital" received the highest number of essay submissions — 41%. The rest of the submissions were distributed as follows:

24% — "Investments in Connectivity";

22% — "Investments in Technology";

13% — "Investments in the Environment".

A total of around 700 essays written in 18 languages were submitted to the competition, as reviewed by the expert council of the National Centre RUSSIA. Authors of the best essays on the future of the world from 42 countries were selected to participate in person. Altogether, participants of the Open Dialogue represented 48 countries (covering all continents of the Earth.)

"The essays we received show that there is a tremendous demand for the theme of the human being. And, so far, we are still struggling to fully grasp how to think about the human. Perhaps the answer the world is expecting from us lies precisely in the humanitarian ideas of essayists, our philosophers, science fiction writers, and cultural theorists," said Sergei Ivanov.

The expert joined the pitching council for the "Investments in the Environment" track, which covered topics such as ecology, environmental protection, the future of our planet, sustainable use of natural resources, and the fate of peoples across different continents.

"We are thinking about the planet — the agenda is clear — but what should we do? What steps should be taken first to make at least some progress? Some of the projects presented during the pitch session were interesting. For example, Africa — you can't leave Africa out of this conversation. This continent will develop without looking to anyone else. The topic of cities is a painful one. What is the city of the future, what should it be — a green city? The essay format is interesting because it gives a chance to express their thoughts to those who feel lost during public speeches," said Sergei Ivanov.

The international project Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth" is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 28 to 30 April 2025. It brings together international experts from leading think tanks, including 24 world-class experts, as well as representatives of development institutions, academia, government agencies, business associations, youth organizations, science community, and media.