"Russia is at the centre of the world": Western expert urged to continue the Open Dialogue at the National Centre RUSSIA

Swiss analyst and journalist Lucy Morgan Edwards spoke at the presentation of the report "Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth," prepared based on the results of the first Open Dialogue at the National Centre RUSSIA.

In her speech, she emphasised the importance of the international discussion initiated by Russia and noted the significant role of the National Centre RUSSIA in developing public communications and shaping the economy of the future.

"Russia is a country with amazing culture, rich resources, and, of course, you are at the centre of the world. So I applaud you for taking on this leadership role, for being open to dialogue. And I applaud the National Centre RUSSIA for its initiative in launching the Open Dialogue for a broader, global audience, and, in particular, for youth. I believe that this amazing process needs to continue every year and opinions should be gathered from all countries," said Lucy Morgan Edwards.

The foreign expert also noted that the Open Dialogue is particularly necessary in current geopolitical conditions.

"In the West, communication channels are closing, I see this, but we need to talk to each other and continue the dialogue. Despite the fact that access to information and freedom of speech are the foundation of a democratic healthy society, censorship by Western governments is on the rise again, and we find ourselves in a dangerous position. But without different points of view and the ability to challenge certain dogmas and myths, there can be no progress in our understanding of science, nature and our world. So in this sense, I hope that the Open Dialogue will continue to provide an open and inclusive environment for discussing sometimes uncomfortable and divergent points of view," added Lucy Morgan Edwards.

The presentation of the report "Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth" based on the results of the Open Dialogue took place on June 16 at the National Centre RUSSIA. It was attended by representatives of the organisers and curators of the Open Dialogue and authors of essays about the future of the world, recognised as the best within the framework of the event.

The Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth," which became the basis for the report "Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth," took place from April 28 to 30 at the National Centre RUSSIA and brought together more than a hundred guests from 48 countries. Experts and authors of the best essays about the future of the world discussed key challenges of modernity and formed guidelines for economic development in conditions of multipolarity.

Within the framework of the Open Dialogue, 696 essays were collected, written by authors from 102 countries in 18 languages. The topic that attracted the greatest interest from authors was "Investments in Human Capital" (41%), followed by "Investments in Connectivity" (24%), "Investments in Technology" (22%) and "Investments in Environment" (13%).

The report "Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth" contains an analytical overview of global trends that were formed by experts and participants of the Open Dialogue. The document also includes materials and statements from essay authors.

Further discussion of the final report is planned at the eponymous session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 18. Experts and authors of the best essays will present the main theses of the report and tell about the key conclusions made based on the results of the Open Dialogue. The session will be moderated by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Executive Office of the President of the Russian Federation Maxim Oreshkin.

The session will be streamed on the Russia.ru website and on the social networks of the National Centre RUSSIA.