More than 6,000 people from 101 countries participated in the International Symposium "Inventing the Future"
On November 6, the International Symposium "Inventing the Future" concluded in Moscow. It became the first event held at the National Centre RUSSIA, established by an order from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. More than 6,000 people from 101 countries took part in the Symposium's events.
Participants, including representatives of government and business, scientists and engineers, futurists and forecasters, public figures, and representatives of creative industries from BRICS, SCO, CIS countries, and other nations, participated in over 80 events aimed at designing the future. The Symposium served as a unique platform that allowed leading specialists in their fields to formulate approaches, analyze global changes favoring multi-vector development, anthropocentrism, and technological advancement. The key ideas and strategies developed during the sessions will form the foundation for the future work of the National Centre RUSSIA.
Vladimir Putin addressed the event’s participants with a welcoming speech. He noted that despite the current challenges we face today, it is essential to set goals that are ahead of time, outline new breakthrough directions, and strive to look beyond the horizon of tomorrow.
"I will emphasize the main point — we must determine our future solely by ourselves — based on a sovereign worldview, national culture, relentless creative pursuit, and firm commitment to undeniable moral and patriotic ideals and values. Only then will the boldest and most daring dreams inevitably come true. Our people have proven this time and again throughout our thousand-year history. We built a great power, opened the way to the stars for humanity, ensured the country's leadership in the peaceful use of atomic energy, and achieved monumental scientific and geographical discoveries. Both we and future generations must live up to the legacy of our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers," Vladimir Putin emphasized.
The First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation and the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the National Centre RUSSIA, Sergei Kiriyenko, highlighted the interdisciplinary significance of the event during the opening plenary discussion "Philosophy of the Future," which encouraged consolidated work among specialists from various fields.
"The unity of the people is determined not only by traditions but also by a vision of the future. By a dream, if you will. And we have, of course, dreamed and continue to dream of a sovereign and strong country, a just order in the world where people of every nationality have the opportunity to realize their talents, to be happy and successful, and to live in a safe world. Everyone gathered here at the International Symposium contributes immensely to this," Sergei Kiriyenko stated.
The First Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, in his speech at the Symposium emphasized the importance of developing international cooperation in the scientific and social spheres.
"Humanity needs to work together. This Symposium, which has brought together representatives from more than 100 countries, is an important step toward understanding this necessity. I believe you’ll agree that no single country can create the full range of tomorrow's technologies; it's simply impossible. We must cooperate, setting aside excessive protectionism, restrictions, and unfair competition. Russia hopes to become a key player in such cooperation for the sake of the future, and we have experience in effectively working on global scientific and social projects," Denis Manturov emphasized.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, noted in his speech that Russia's history itself contributes to productive work by experts from around the world.
"Our experience of statehood spanning a thousand years and the accomplishments of our country, which will be vividly presented at the National Centre RUSSIA, should serve as a powerful stimulus for the creative activity of our civil society. If such activity emerges — as it always does in fateful times — then, I assure you, diplomats will be your most reliable allies," Sergei Lavrov stated.
Discussions at the Symposium focused on four key areas: the future of humanity, the future of technology, the future of a multipolar world, and the future of civilizations.
"The 'Inventing the Future' Symposium became a vibrant platform for bold ideas and the uniting of talents for a better world. Here, scientists, writers, futurists, artists, and technologists from dozens of countries gathered to create a new vision of a fair, engaging, and harmonious future. I sincerely thank everyone who shares this dream with us, and I believe this is only the first step on the path to our shared achievements," said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
As part of the events in the "Future of Civilizations" track, experts discussed the development of a post-information society, Russian futurology, generational theory, and interactions with artificial intelligence. In the "Future of Multipolar World" track, representatives of the Russian and international expert communities examined trends and challenges emerging in international relations, the role of international organizations and their potential reforms, relationships between the citizen and the state of the future, and family bonds. Researchers also explored the future of currency and financial processes, architecture and food security, the exploration and development of the Arctic, the role of the Global South in innovative processes, and its relations with the Global North.
Participants in the "Future of Human" track sought to rethink the role and form of future education, science, sports, content, language, and communications. A significant area of focus in this track was a series of interviews conducted by Semyon Mikhailovsky, a member of the Council for Culture and Art under the President of the Russian Federation and Rector of the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts. His interviewees included Karin Kneissl, Head of the Geopolitical Observatory for Russia's Key Issues — G.O.R.K.I. Centre at St. Petersburg State University and Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs (2017–2019); Mikhail Kovalchuk, President of the Kurchatov Institute Research Centre; Leo Bokeria, President of the National Medical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Surgery named after A.N. Bakulev of the Ministry of Health of Russia; Yuri Bashmet, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the State Symphony Orchestra "New Russia"; and Nikolai Shumakov, President of the Union of Architects of Russia.
The work in the "Future of Technology" track was dedicated to discussions of cyberpunk and biopunk, changes in content structure, and the processes of its creation, consumption, and distribution. Scientists aimed to anticipate technological and organizational solutions that would meet Russia's and humanity’s growing needs for clean energy, discussing the transport of the future, the prospects of the quantum industry, and the future of digital international relations.
As part of the Symposium, the "Legacy for the Future" exposition opened at the National Centre RUSSIA. It features over 250 artworks in various techniques — from painting to video art — created by talented young artists from six countries: Russia, China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran. Semyon Mikhailovsky curated the exposition. On November 7, the exposition will open its doors to the public.
"We thoroughly reviewed many works and selected those truly deserving to be displayed at the National Centre RUSSIA. We are very inspired and genuinely appreciate these works. We support these young artists, incredibly talented and equipped with all the resources for success, and wish them all the best in life and in their creative journeys," noted Semyon Mikhailovsky.
An important event at the Symposium was the Museum Congress "Museum: A Place for Shaping the Future." Participants — leading experts in the field — tried to envision what museums of the future should be like and the role such expositions play in shaping tomorrow's reality. The congress moderator, art historian and Director of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Yelizaveta Likhacheva, remarked that the Symposium provided a dialogue platform that the global community had been lacking.
"The main achievement of this congress is that we had the opportunity to discuss issues that truly concern us. I believe it’s fantastic that such an informative platform has emerged, and that it exists beyond traditional museum communication channels," said Yelizaveta Likhacheva.
A unique event held within the Symposium was a scenario workshop titled "Overcoming Aging Boundaries within the Concept of Techno-Optimism." Specialists, scientists, and representatives of the tech and media business, with the help of artificial intelligence, created an entire universe featuring unique characters and living spaces, with events unfolding in a futuristic Russia.
Another experimental format, "Foresight of Worlds and Times," allowed representatives of creative and scientific professions to work on mapping out worlds of science fiction on the cusp of the XXI and XXII centuries. Expert groups explored fictional worlds, projected potential paths for their development, and created key events and characters for the sci-fi of the future.
In addition, excursions showcasing Moscow’s remarkable sites were organized for international participants of the "Inventing the Future" Symposium. Foreign guests enjoyed a river tour dedicated to the city's history and architecture. This water excursion allowed them to take in views of Moscow, learn about its evolution, and see what the future holds for it. Guests also explored Soviet constructivist architecture during a special bus tour around Moscow.
Throughout the three days of the Symposium, the library of the National Centre RUSSIA was enriched with book editions presented as gifts by foreign visitors. Unique samples were brought by participants from India, Iran, Italy, Canada, China, Malaysia, Moldova, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, and the United States.
As part of the "Message to the Future" project, guests could leave their wishes or visions for the future, sharing plans and dreams on special postcards. These could be sent to loved ones or even to themselves from the event venue to anywhere in the world, or kept as souvenirs.
The International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is the first event held by the National Centre RUSSIA, which was established on July 1, 2024, by the order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The Centre is intended to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens. Federal authorities, state companies, corporations, and regions participate in the work of the Centre.