From idea to implementation: the story of a finalist of the National Centre RUSSIA Open Dialogue

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The ideas put forward by essayists participating in the Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth" — the flagship project of the National Centre RUSSIA — have repeatedly produced tangible results and attracted the attention of world leaders. One such example is the story of Asma Bibi, a landscape architect and doctoral candidate at Tianjin University, who became a finalist of the II International Open Dialogue in the thematic track "Investments in Environment."

Asma Bibi's contest essay, which explored the relationship between climate and the psychological resilience of the global community, was recognised as one of the strongest submissions among more than 1,600 entries from 100 countries. Inspired by her experience at the Open Dialogue, a group of Pakistani students at Tianjin University, including Asma herself, wrote a letter pledging to develop joint projects aimed at promoting youth exchange and strengthening friendship between China and Pakistan. The letter became one of the topics discussed during the meeting between President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif. The Chinese leader admitted that the message had "sincerely moved" him and stressed that the future of friendly relations between the two countries rests on the shoulders of such proactive young people, as they are the ones carrying this torch of friendship into tomorrow.

Asma Bibi's project has already reached hundreds of thousands of people in Pakistan, with 70 percent of participants being women. Following her participation in the Open Dialogue, she is preparing to launch the China–Pakistan Youth Action initiative — a practical programme focused on climate issues and the exchange of experience among young people.

"The most pressing challenges know no borders. I have learned to see my profession as a tool for resilience and dignity," said Asma Bibi, explaining both the success of her own ideas and the significance of the key messages put forward by other participants and winners of the Open Dialogue at the National Centre RUSSIA.

The Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth" was launched by the National Centre RUSSIA in 2025 in partnership with the Centre for Cross-Industry Expertise "Third Rome", with the support of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation. By decision of President of Russia Vladimir Putin, the event has become an annual initiative.

This year, following interviews, 102 authors from 43 countries advanced to the in-person stage of the Open Dialogue. Held from 27 to 29 April, the extensive programme brought together expert discussions, presentations by the authors of the best essays from around the world, and informal exchanges with leading experts.