The International Symposium "Inventing the Future": highlights of the second day
On November 5, the International Symposium "Inventing the Future" resumed in Moscow at the National Centre RUSSIA. The second day featured over 20 events focused on exploring the future of humanity, technology, a multipolar world, and civilizations. Participants discussed topics such as future content, living environments, culture and arts of the future, artificial intelligence, family and relationships of the future, and future skills.
The day began with a business breakfast, "The Formula for Collaboration Between Scientists and Content Producers," where authors and scientists sought a cooperation model to revitalize the popularity of science fiction. The theme of collaboration in content creation continued with a round table, "Science Fiction as a Driver of Development: Building New Fantastic Worlds and Universes (Including Video Games)," where scientists and creative industry representatives studied the legacy of Soviet and international science fiction to develop a strategy for creating content that shapes visions of the future, grounded in traditional values, respect, and principles of a multipolar world.
The science show "About Science Fiction: The Future is Near" brought together experts from diverse fields, entrepreneurs, energy specialists, and architects who shared their unique perspectives on the future in an engaging lecture format. They also discussed the skills essential for future generations and what we must do to realize our potential and push the boundaries of development.
"Russia holds 35% of the world’s natural resources. We are a large and resource-rich country. We need to protect and cultivate this wealth: vast territories must be inhabited and developed. That’s why young people must receive quality education, dream, and create innovations: anticipate what will happen in energy, space, and finance. And most importantly, it’s about values, which attract people from all over the world to Russia: it’s crucial to preserve them," emphasized Vladimir Pirozhkov, industrial designer, futurist, head of Sber Design Lab, and honorary member of the Russian Academy of Arts.
The Museum Congress "Museum: A Place for Shaping the Future" also continued on the second day of the Symposium. Leading museum professionals debated whether museums are needed in the future, what they should look like, and the role of museum spaces in shaping tomorrow’s reality. Attendees discussed the future existence of museums — whether they will remain part of real urban infrastructure or entirely transition into the digital world.
The session was attended by Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA. She noted that the Congress was one of the events that generated the most interest among Symposium guests.
"We monitor media publications and can see that your track has become one of the most substantial, fascinating, and relevant at the Symposium. This is, I emphasize, a sincere, genuine interest. Huge thanks to the Congress moderator, Yelizaveta Likhacheva, and to all her colleagues participating in the event," stated Natalia Virtuozova.
Family and relationships of the future emerged as one of the Symposium's key topics. Leading scientists, researchers, and visionaries explored the nature of the next generation in the session, "What Comes After Generation Alpha," and an open discussion titled "The Future of Family: Involvement, Responsibility, Traditions" gathered representatives from public, scientific, and spiritual communities to discuss how global developments will influence family dynamics.
According to experts, one of the most significant distinctions of new generations from previous ones is the unlimited access to information. Writer and science fiction author Sergei Lukyanenko remarked that the ease of acquiring knowledge could result in future generations being less inclined toward self-improvement.
In a design session format, participants of the children and youth section "A Dream Today, Reality Tomorrow" articulated their vision for the involvement of children and youth in scientific activities. Before the session began, participants were given a tour of the Symposium venue led by Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, who explained the roles of guides and invited teenagers to join their team.
"We want to make the National Centre RUSSIA a trendy and popular place for youth, filled with quality and meaningful events. Today's session showed that there is a demand for such activities, and young people are interested in science. We have already planned events for Science Day in February and a major forum dedicated to the innovative professions of the future. We will create conditions for the youth to realize themselves on our platform," said Anastasia Zvyagina.
Another topic that engaged youth was the interactive discussion "The Universe of Heroes as a Condition for the Development of a Multipolar World." Speakers from various fields highlighted the need for a domestic superhero figure that could resonate with the youth of their country and convey the right messages. As noted during the meeting, there are opportunities for this not only in Russia but also in many other countries. For example, the roots for creating successful mass culture characters can often be found in folk tales and epics.
The series of interviews, featuring prominent politicians, scientists, and cultural figures, also continued. Semyon Mikhailovsky, a member of the Council for Culture and Arts under the President of the Russian Federation and Rector of the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg State Academy of Fine Arts, talked with Leo Bokeria, Professor of Surgery, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, and President of the National Medical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Surgery named after A.N. Bakulev, and Yuri Bashmet, artistic director and chief conductor of the State Symphony Orchestra "New Russia," as well as conductor and soloist of the "Soloists of Moscow" ensemble.
Participants analyzed the interaction between humans and artificial intelligence during the debates titled "AI: Competitor or Ally?" Speakers, including futurists and researchers from various countries, presented arguments supporting their viewpoints, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of AI integration into all aspects of human life. The progress of AI was further explored in panel sessions titled "AI: What Will Happen Tomorrow?" and "AI in Science: Biology."
The discussion and case analysis titled "Cities of the Future: Creating Space for Life" provided international and Russian experts in urban studies and architecture, as well as representatives from government and business, a platform to discuss what constitutes a truly successful city in the coming decades and the measures required to create such a city.
"The city of the future is an inclusive city that meets the key needs of its residents while adhering to the principles of sustainable development," articulated a position that closely aligned with the consensus of the group by Ephraim Abel Kayembe, a member of the Malawian parliament.
The future of digital public services and the digitization of public administration were examined by participants in the panel discussion "Citizen and Government in the Digital Environment of the Future." The main topics included the goal-setting for the development of digital services, citizens' perceptions of global digitalization processes, and the formation of a vision for a digital future.
Experts attempted to predict the fate of banknotes and plastic bank cards during the panel discussion "Currency of the Future." Speakers discussed the potential introduction of international cryptocurrency, a return to the gold standard, and the future of BRICS currency.
The International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is being held from November 4 to 6. Participants include scientists, researchers, futurists, science fiction writers, and representatives from government bodies from 101 countries, including Russia, India, Italy, Iran, China, the UAE, Serbia, the USA, and France. The program features over 60 sessions. The program and event broadcasts are available at the website future.russia.ru.
The International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is the first event of the National Centre RUSSIA, which was established on July 1, 2024, by the order of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. The Centre aims to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens. The work of the Centre involves federal authorities, state companies, corporations, and regions.
