How to build reserves for 200 years: Canadian economist Joseph Potvin inspired by the "Journey Across Russia" exposition
The Ural gemstones presented at the "Journey Across Russia" exposition by the National Centre RUSSIA inspired Canadian economist Joseph Potvin to explore the topic of mineral and land resources in greater depth. The international expert visited the exposition for the first time; however, he had previously been to the National Centre RUSSIA and had spoken as a guest at the Open Dialogue. On June 16, the economist will once again present his topic at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of a report presentation following the Open Dialogue "Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth."
According to Joseph Potvin, each federal district of the Russian Federation represented at the "Journey Across Russia" exposition gave him a new topic to study and discuss.
"After what I saw at the exposition, I want to ask questions. Everything I see there makes me want to discuss it and learn more. When we were in the Far Eastern Federal District section, we talked about oil tankers equipped with icebreaking devices. I immediately recalled my own work experience — I’m from Canada, so this was all very interesting to me," the economist shared.
At the press conference on June 16, the expert will speak about the importance of international cooperation and rethinking monetary systems.
"Different countries have different resources and reserves. Some use foreign currency as a reserve resource — it is also counted as part of national reserves. In others, it is gold reserves. I found it particularly interesting to learn at the exposition that Russia has a stock of gemstones in the Ural Federal District. My topic directly touches on the question of how to build sufficient reserves for the next 200 years," said Joseph Potvin.
The Open Dialogue took place at the National Centre RUSSIA at the end of April 2025 and served as a platform for discussions on the future of the global economy. Scholars, entrepreneurs, journalists, postgraduates, students, theorists and practitioners were invited to participate. Experts from a wide range of fields submitted 696 essays across four thematic areas: "Investments in Human Capital," "Investments in Environment," "Investments in Technology," and "Investments in Connectivity." The authors of the best works took part in the Open Dialogue in person. They will also be present at the report presentation on June 16.
The next step in the development of the Open Dialogue will be the session "Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth", which will take place on June 18 as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The session will be moderated by Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation. The session will continue the key themes of the forum at the National Centre RUSSIA and will bring together experts to discuss strategies for sustainable development and international economic cooperation.
The press conference on June 16 will be streamed on the website russia.ru and on the social media channels of the National Centre RUSSIA.
