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.
