Multipolarity, security, technology: highlights of Vladimir Putin's address at the Valdai Discussion Club at the National Centre RUSSIA
On 1 October 2026, the plenary discussion of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, dedicated to the theme "Responsibility for the Future: Limits of the Possible or Possibilities Without Limits?", was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, delivered a keynote address and took part in the event, answering questions from experts, politicians and public figures from different countries.
At the centre of the discussion, which lasted three and a half hours, were questions about how humanity can navigate a period of global transformation while preserving peace, security and human dignity.
"If we want to live — and everyone wants to live — then, as I once said in a public address, let us live in friendship and work together to find ways to do so. Building trust is, of course, a complex and fragile process: it is very difficult to establish and very easy to destroy," emphasised Vladimir Putin.
The head of state stressed that the world is at a decisive point: change is affecting every sphere, from artificial intelligence and demography to geopolitics and bioethics. The scale and pace of these changes are unprecedented, while the main task is to preserve global peace and security.
In his keynote address, the President of Russia focused on issues inseparably linked to the key challenges of establishing multipolarity and diversity in the 21st century: reform of the United Nations, the role of artificial intelligence and the dead-end model of "digital totalitarianism", the Eurasian partnership, and the historical foundation underlying the development of every nation.
"No society can exist without a historical foundation and respect for traditions. But the reverse is also true — without a future, the past loses its meaning. However great the achievements of our predecessors may have been, we must not turn into a museum of former greatness," emphasised the President of Russia.
The 23rd Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club brought together 120 participants from 40 countries. According to representatives of the expert community, the discussion demonstrated the Russian side's readiness for dialogue, with an emphasis on multipolarity as a global geopolitical trend.
"Discussions at Valdai are, as always, very lively. This is now one of the world's strongest expert communities. All three days were filled with new ideas, and it is symbolic that on the final day the dialogue with Vladimir Putin is taking place at the National Centre, which embodies Russia's achievements and its future," noted Andrei Bezrukov, Professor at MGIMO University of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and member of the Presidium of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy.
The level of the discussion, as well as the expertise and standing of the venue for international dialogue, was highly praised by Anton Bespalov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club, co-author of the Club's annual report, international relations expert and journalist:
"The level of the discussion was truly outstanding. The President wants to hear the people who have gathered to listen to him. Valdai has met here, at the National Centre RUSSIA, for the first time. The meeting was warm, and I think everyone enjoyed it. We were given an excellent tour of the National Centre. The conditions here are excellent and fully appropriate for a meeting of this level."
Andrei Sushentsov, Dean of the School of International Relations at MGIMO University of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and another co-author of the Club's final report, also noted that throughout the forum, views were presented by experts representing the majority of countries in the international community. According to the speaker, being part of the Valdai Discussion Club is a great honour because it functions as a well-coordinated team that creates a stimulating environment for discussion.
"The address by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, made clear that Russia's key objective is creation: building a new security architecture and political structure, and pursuing joint economic development with other countries. The head of state was confident, calm and focused, and had an excellent command of the subject. I think this sense of Russia's calm and confidence was clearly felt by all participants in the discussion," Andrei Sushentsov shared.
The 23rd Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club was held from 28 September to 1 October 2026. The forum's plenary session took place on the fourth and final day. For the first time, the Club's flagship event was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. The broadcast is available on the website and on the National Centre's social media accounts.
