An essayist of the Open Dialogue from France made a surprise by performing the Russian national anthem and highlighted an important lesson for all countries from the National Centre RUSSIA

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More than a hundred guests from 48 countries took part in the three-day Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth," which concluded on 30 April at the National Centre RUSSIA. During the final presentation session, an expert from France, Chair of the African Advisory Council François Ndengwe, who was recognized as one of the most outstanding essay authors on the future of the world, delivered his speech.

He praised the high level and transparency of the Open Dialogue and expressed his readiness for further cooperation. As a sign of special appreciation and respect to the host country, he performed a fragment of the Russian national anthem.

"I could never have imagined that I would come to Russia. I submitted my essay just like everyone else. It was an open and fair selection process. And here I am. And frankly, it does not surprise me that it is Russia that acts as a pioneer in dialogue and is the first to offer wonderful initiatives that benefit all humanity. Open Dialogue — each of these two words carries equal weight, and this format is both timely and in demand, because we are on the threshold of a new multipolar world, which is exactly what calls for open dialogue," emphasized François Ndengwe.

A participant of the Open Dialogue was born in Africa. He began his speech at the final session of the event by performing a fragment of the Russian national anthem, emphasising the special connection between the country and the African continent.

"Perhaps Russians don’t even realise how deeply we, Africans, love Russia," confessed François Ndengwe.

He also noted that nations and countries have much to learn from the organiser of the Open Dialogue — the National Centre RUSSIA.

"The National Centre RUSSIA is only one year old, yet it is already so impressive. Russia is home to many peoples, many different ethnic groups, and it is remarkable that all of them are represented here in their full cultural and religious diversity. All the peoples in Russia are united by the spirit of patriotism, unity, and sovereignty. This is an important lesson for Africa, because our continent is also home to many different peoples, but we do not always manage to unite and reach understanding. Russia serves as an example of such consensus and unity. It doesn’t matter whether you are in Siberia or in another region — you still feel part of one great Russian people, and that is truly wonderful," said François Ndengwe.

The essayist added that even the symbol of the National Centre RUSSIA reflects the importance of dialogue and in a special way connects Russia and Africa.

"The symbol of the National Centre RUSSIA surprised me. I even asked, 'Do lions actually live in Russia?' But the guide explained that the lion was chosen through a vote by representatives of different ethnic groups in Russia — it was a symbol that would suit and unite everyone. That is also a great lesson — a symbol chosen collectively, uniting all the peoples of the country. And let me add: I myself am from Cameroon. As you may know, we have a football team called 'The Indomitable Lions.' So we already have something in common with Russia — at the very least, the lion," concluded François Ndengwe.

At the Open Dialogue, François Ndengwe presented an essay as part of the thematic track "Investments in the Environment." He proposed a concept of climate and energy solutions for the African continent.

The Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth" took place from April 28 to 30 at the National Centre RUSSIA. Experts and authors of the best essays on the future of the world discussed key contemporary challenges and formulated development guidelines in a multipolar world.

A total of 696 essays were submitted for the Open Dialogue by authors from 102 countries in 18 languages, including Pashto, Malagasy, Serbian, Greek, and others. The most popular topic among the authors was "Investments in Human Capital" (41%), followed by "Investments in Connectivity" (24%), "Investments in Technology" (22%), and "Investments in the Environment" (13%). Each of these topics was the focus of an expert pitch session, and the best essay authors, selected by world-class experts, were given the opportunity to speak at the panel pitching event and the final session of the Open Dialogues.