The program

In an era of progress, the question of ethical boundaries regarding the enhancement of human body through genetic engineering and “hardware” implants is becoming increasingly relevant. What changes to human appearance will high-tech manipulations and the latest research bring, and can they improve the quality of life for our descendants? These are the questions to be addressed by experts in this section.

The museum is a place that preserves, processes, and creates meanings. It offers a space to engage with the past and to “visualize the future.” A museum is just the right place for having the unique experience of connecting with the heritage of entire civilizations and deciding what to take forward. Thus, the museum space becomes not only a “temple of ancestors” but also a “school of sons,” accessible to every visitor.

On the first day of the Museum Congress, invited foreign and Russian experts will discuss the prospects of classical, traditional museums and their role in designing the future. Prior to the session, 50 museum employees participated in a preliminary expert survey. The results revealed the most likely predictions for the future image of museums and key points for discussion, which will form the basis of the conversation.

Throughout world history, time would challenge everything humanity knows and has learned, over and over. This is how the medieval university appeared, fundamental science emerged, and humankind conquered the skies, began exploring space, the ocean, and the microscopic world.

Today, the explosive development of advanced technologies and digital knowledge creation tools has unleashed opportunities that the world seemingly has never encountered before. For example, AI’s analytical capabilities already exceed those of an average specialist. However, these same capabilities not only threaten the loss of cultural identity for entire peoples and nations but also radically transform the motivational system in knowledge and education.

The primary task of the education sector today is to develop and implement approaches to the formation, accumulation, and application of knowledge that enable humans to meet the challenges of the times and lay the foundation for the future development of domestic education.

Undoubtedly, growth of technological and digital capabilities maintains and even strengthens the teacher’s and mentor’s leading role. In the Russian education system, where the principle of “person-to-person teaching” prevails, personal example remains the best way of transmitting knowledge, skills, and values.

This session will be dedicated to an in-depth analysis of the concept and characteristics of a post-information society. Amidst the rapid technological development and changes in social structure, the important question we face is: what exactly does the transition from an information society to a post-information society entail? At present, our understanding of the nature and characteristics of the post-information society is limited, as well as of the factors determining this transition. During the discussions, panelists will explore various aspects, such as the impact of artificial intelligence, social transformations arising from global crises, and the concept of inclusive capitalism. Speakers will present their unique perspectives and ideas, examining how new technologies and social practices may shape the future of society. The focus will be on identifying key indicators and parameters that may help us understand the post-information phase, including the role of information, globalization, as well as new social forms and institutions. The main goal of the session is not only to clarify the meaning of the post-information society but also to develop practical recommendations to help governments and scientific communities address the challenges emerging in this new social order.

In the rapidly changing global political landscape, a multipolar world has become a reality. What will the new world order look like? What roles will Russia and the leading nations play in it? What will the new poles and centers of influence be? These and other questions will be central to the session “Future of Multipolar World,” which will feature participation from politicians, scholars, and public figures. During the discussion, representatives of the Russian and international expert communities will share their perspectives on the trends and challenges that have emerged in international relations today. The focus will also be on the role of international organizations, their importance, and the prospects for reforms in light of changing conditions. 

The creativity of science fiction writers is more than just imagination or fantasy, and even more than mere prediction. In many ways, what they do is design a future, as readers, especially children, become inspired by their ideas and strive to bring them to life. Like many science fiction writers from other countries, our remarkable authors – Alexander Belyaev, Ivan Efremov, Nikolai Nosov, the Strugatsky brothers, Kir Bulychev, and others – described what seemed like unbelievable things that eventually became reality. Smart homes, portable video communication devices, robotic vacuum cleaners, voice-controlled flat screen TVs, artificial intelligence – all of this used to be fiction, yet today we enjoy it in everyday life.

“Foresight of Worlds and Times” is an experimental symposium format aimed at mapping out worlds of science fiction at the turn of the 21st and 22nd centuries. Science fiction writers, scientists, engineers, inventors, designers, and representatives from the creative community will participate in the foresight event. Over three days of expert group sessions, participants will explore fictional worlds, design possible paths for their development, and create key events and heroes of future science fiction.

The Eksmo-NMG Script Room brings together representatives of cutting-edge science, tech business, and media business in one space. Participants will be tasked with developing a creative synopsis of a science fiction work within the concept of Techno-Optimism and its visualization. The team’s work will involve creating a universe with primary and secondary characters and their living environment. The setting is Russia of the future.

The process will be filmed for the subsequent presentation of the script room’s work.  

Deliverables:

1. Synopsis with visualization.

2. Presentation at the Symposium – “The Making Of” video and a synopsis of the work with visualization (in pitching format).

First-level mission is to provide an impulse to revive the science fiction genre and set an ideological direction for its development.

Scaling:

A contest for writers as part of the science fiction award with SberBank (“Aelita”).

Artificial Intelligence is scheduled to participate in the expert team.

Technologies are evolving rapidly today. New methods of information distribution and content preparation are emerging. Audiences and actors of new media do not always manage to keep up with these new technologies. Scientists and new media representatives can work together to develop new tools and services, create balanced models to analyze content for its relevance, value, and demand among the audience. Scientists, IT specialists, and media technologists need to be brought together to collectively define the future of technologies, content production, analysis, and distribution. Furthermore, the media can develop demand for IT specialists to create the services and technologies they will need in the future.

Humanity has always been intrigued by the future: what lies beyond the horizon, what risks and opportunities await, and how can we predict it? Those who are interested in the future today – economists, politicians, demographers, sociologists, entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, and futurists – often use a different set of concepts: analyzing trends, forecasting effects, modeling scenarios and processes, and making futurist predictions.

Representatives from different countries, fields of activity, and schools of modern future studies will gather at “Studying the Future” session to introduce the results of their latest projects and discuss their prospects. Experts from Russia and the symposium’s participating countries will talk about the effects of multipolarity and other global megatrends, universal and unique challenges of the Global North and Global South, technological forecasting, and the future of technology. They will also address which future challenges can only be solved through the united efforts of different countries – or never solved at all. They will debate the fate of human-centricity in a tech-driven world and who and how will create the future, opening new frontiers in science and writing new pages in the history of a multipolar world.

The human brain is often referred to as the most complex object in the Universe. Its capabilities are yet to be explored. Experts will talk about what new discoveries and technologies in neuroscience research will affect our future, what the humans of tomorrow will be like and how radically their appearance and behavior will change.

Art is a creative force that allows humanity to shape the future here and now. How will art evolve in the future? What role will it play in people’s lives? These are the key questions that prominent scientists and cultural workers will answer in an interview format. The interviewer is Semyon Mikhailovsky, a member of the Presidential Council for Culture and Art and Rector of the St. Petersburg State Repin Academy of Fine Arts.

Dreams of the future have at all times been the engine of progress and development of mankind. They are the "compass" that guides the present and enables us to achieve a better future. For example, Tsiolkovsky's dreams of orbital stations and multistage rockets became a reality in the drawings of Sergei Korolev and Vladimir Chelomey.

The Russian Federation came up with an initiative to unite representatives of government and business, scientists and engineers, futurologists and forecasters, public figures and representatives of creative industries from different countries on the platform of the Russia National Centre for a dialogue on the future of the world, with the human being at the center.

The opening plenary discussion of the International Symposium “Inventing the Future" will set the tone for this dialogue, with the key themes being “The Future of Human”, “The Future of Technology”, “The Future of the Multipolar World” and “The Future of Civilizations”.

The first part of the session will focus on discussing the role of science as a powerful transformative force. Modern civilization is hardly conceivable without science. Scientific discoveries and developments of past years, from electricity to the Internet, shape the contours of contemporary life and increasingly impact humanity, prompting reflection on how the world will change in the future. Standing on the shoulders of giants, we explore new fields and seem poised to anticipate the next step in human development. What lies beyond the horizon? What vision of the future does today’s science create? What new discoveries and developments will transform our lives, and how will the work of scientists themselves evolve? The session participants – young Russian researchers, developers, and practitioners – will discuss these and other questions.

In the second part of the section, participants will discuss the vision of Russia’s future as envisioned by young scientists. Session participants will analyze the global challenges they are likely to face in their work, identify the key factors for building an effective scientific team, and discuss the skills and competencies essential for advancing in international science today. Scientific leadership is one of the national goals set by the President of Russia. During the session, scientists will discuss how Russia is reclaiming its leadership status in the scientific field on the international stage.

Russia’s resources as an advantage, enabling the development of alternative forms of generation while ensuring stable energy supply. A forecast of Russia’s leadership in alternative generation types. Solidifying global leadership in the field of peaceful nuclear energy.

Experts, leaders of federal authorities, and energy companies are looking beyond the horizon of 2050 to discuss the technological and organizational solutions that will meet Russia’s and humanity’s ever increasing needs for clean energy, as well as address environmental and demographic challenges.

This session will address the role of sports in the future world and the transformation of its forms in response to rapid technological progress and evolving competitive formats. Today, new sports are emerging at the intersection of physical activity and the virtual realm, with the potential to rival traditional competitive formats. This shift presents new challenges and opportunities to the industry, prompting a rethinking of conventional approaches to international competitions and athlete training. The integration of the physical and digital worlds unveils new horizons in inclusivity. Phygital technologies will inevitably create new potential by providing equal access to emerging sports disciplines and expanding participation in large-scale competitions. Additionally, future sports envision new formats within Russian sports that enable open international participation grounded in competitiveness and fair play.

Humanity has always sought to uncover the secret of longevity. Scientists have long puzzled over how to extend life while preserving its quality. Today, scientific and technological progress makes it possible to push the boundaries of longevity further. This, in turn, brings changes to internal policies of nations, alters human relationships, and increases the anthropogenic impact on the planet. Experts will discuss what constitutes happy longevity and how it will affect the lives of future generations.

Russian cosmism is a unique direction of Russia’s philosophical and scientific thought. Nikolai Fyodorov, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Vladimir Vernadsky, and Ivan Efremov envisioned the future and provided an optimistic perspective on it. Humanity is not merely a consumer; its calling is to organize the Earth, build the noosphere, and explore outer space. Russian cosmism not only aligns well with Russia’s cultural code but also embodies the ultimate representation of this code. Yuri Gagarin’s flight symbolizes the Russian dream and marks the first step toward a future space-faring humanity. This panel discussion is dedicated to Russian cosmists’ futurological ideas and their relevance for constructing a creative vision of the future, the development of Russian civilization, and humanity as a whole.

Why is it important to remember the past while creating the future? The discussion titled “The Experience of the Past in the Outlines of the Future” focuses on the practical potential of studying the history of Russian science. Experts will not only refer to ideas and events from the past but will also characterize its contributions to the present and the technological future of the country. We invite you to discuss “grand” projects that were ahead of their time, the Soviet experience of scientific and technological forecasting, the vast knowledge accumulated about the history of domestic science, and the relevant formats for presenting this knowledge to society and future researchers.

The roundtable was prepared as part of the Working with Experience and Designing the Future Initiative.

The discussion will be based on the thesis that early Soviet Constructivism was not only a key movement within Modernist architecture, greatly influencing new styles in art and design, but was also rooted in ancient aesthetic theories and driven by an emancipatory socio-political project. Participants will examine how the utopian ideals of the avant-garde and Soviet social utopia were expressed in the architectural solutions of the 1920s, such as the “Tatlin Tower” (V.E. Tatlin), the “Horizontal Skyscraper” (L. Lissitzky), communal housing projects (M.Ya. Ginzburg, I. Nikolaev), and the architectural school of rationalists (N.A. Ladovsky).

Special attention will be paid to the themes of utopia and futurism in architecture, as well as the potential for adapting the experimental projects of Lissitzky, Ginzburg, Ladovsky, and Tatlin for our future. Participants will consider how avant-garde ideas from a century ago influenced the development of 20th and 21st-century architecture and their potential application in addressing contemporary social challenges. The discussion will also explore the role of ideology and utopia as driving forces in early 20th-century architecture, along with conceptual parallels between Italian and Soviet rationalism and the architecture of totalitarian regimes.

The generational theory, formulated in the early 1990s, represents an attempt to understand what drives people, along with their core values, perspectives, and beliefs. It explains how global processes impact the development of different age groups. Today, we stand on the threshold of a new generation. Those being born and raised now may provide us with insight into what our society will look like in decades to come.

Science fiction works serve as gateways to science for the younger generation, enhancing the prestige of scientific and engineering professions. Conversely, science provides a reliable foundation for the development of science fiction works. Today, authors are less likely to seek advice from scientists, and scientists are not taking their research to authors. Therefore, it is necessary to find the perfect formula for collaboration between academics and creative industry workers, so that more science fiction works are created and interest in science grows.

Vivid educational lectures offering a vision of the future through the eyes of entrepreneurs, energy experts, architects, space industry specialists, and economists. Several lectures are united by a single narrative:

• Professions of the Future;
• The Economy of the Future;
• Cities of the Future;
• Trends of the Future

How Artificial Intelligence Will Change the World: AI Forecasts of the Future. In theory, the future AI model can develop independently, creating new algorithms for itself. But will such a system resemble the human perception of the world? In this context, the question of increasing the value of human intellectual and creative output becomes especially relevant as the use of artificial intelligence continues to spread. After all, AI doesn’t replace geniuses; it is the other way around: AI enhances their worth.

Transportation serves not only as a means of daily movement for the population but also as a vital link between regions and countries. Undoubtedly, speed, reliability, safety, and accessibility will remain important priorities in the future. However, the question of what transportation will look like with the integration of new technologies and systemic solutions remains a key issue in strategic planning and development. In this session, we will discuss the potential of implementing innovative technological solutions in the field of transportation and how they will impact the organization of transport networks at both local and global levels We will explore the long-term prospects for developments in fuel, artificial intelligence, autonomous technologies, as well as trends in multimodality, seamlessness, and digitalization in transportation processes.

The creativity of science fiction writers is more than just imagination or fantasy, and even more than mere prediction. In many ways, what they do is design a future, as readers, especially children, become inspired by their ideas and strive to bring them to life. Like many science fiction writers from other countries, our remarkable authors – Alexander Belyaev, Ivan Efremov, Nikolai Nosov, the Strugatsky brothers, Kir Bulychev, and others – described what seemed like unbelievable things that eventually became reality. Smart homes, portable video communication devices, robotic vacuum cleaners, voice-controlled flat screen TVs, artificial intelligence – all of this used to be fiction, yet today we enjoy it in everyday life.

“Foresight of Worlds and Times” is an experimental symposium format aimed at mapping out worlds of science fiction at the turn of the 21st and 22nd centuries. Science fiction writers, scientists, engineers, inventors, designers, and representatives from the creative community will participate in the foresight event. Over three days of expert group sessions, participants will explore fictional worlds, design possible paths for their development, and create key events and heroes of future science fiction.

The “Foresight of Worlds and Times” program includes expert sessions with the scientific community, philosophers, and futurists; dialogues with science fiction writers; analytical presentations on the history of science fiction’s development in various countries of the world; and much more.

How can visual modeling language serve as a foundation for cross-sectoral and international collaboration in social, cultural, innovative, scientific, technical, and investment sectors? A panel discussion with leading expert methodologists will delve into the systematization of work with future scenarios and develop approaches for comprehensively engaging partners from diverse countries in a continuous dialogue on various visions of a multipolar world’s future.

What will cities of the future look like? Science fiction or new reality? International and Russian experts in urban planning and architecture, along with authorities and business leaders, will discuss how the appearance, tasks, and functions of cities will change in the future. It is already clear that the existing settlement system needs a reboot, and strategic projects must be adapted to the changing needs of residents. Among the promising directions and successful practices is the creation of new cities that could become centers of green technologies and renewable energy, universal inclusion, and the elimination of the income gap between the rich and the poor, as well as sources of national identity formation for residents. Case studies and predictive hypotheses.

The digital environment today is not just a dimension of our lives but a full-fledged sphere of existence, habitation, and individual and collective social actions. In this context, it is as important as personal communication circles, professional communities, interest groups, and the physical locus of life in general. One of our main “interlocutors” in the digital environment is the state, which we regularly turn to for public services: from obtaining certificates for children and addressing neighborhood improvement issues to voting in elections and real estate transactions.

It is crucial for corporations to focus on communication with young people as a potential talent pool. The dynamic development of social networks and messengers dictates the need for dialogue between specialized professionals and a strategic vision of engaging with youth in various formats.

The museum is an organized space, both internally and externally, that interacts with its environment and with people. Alongside the rest of the world, it is embarking on a new wave of modernization, adopting technologies and immersing itself in innovative processes. The museum now faces unprecedented opportunities, including extending beyond its own boundaries and venturing into the virtual realm.

According to a preliminary expert survey, the topic of technology in museum activities is among the most debated. Distinct groups of techno-conservatives and techno-optimists have emerged. Accordingly, the second day of the congress will be dedicated to envisioning the museum of the future and the role innovations will play within it. 

Many scientific achievements and groundbreaking discoveries begin with a child’s dream. That’s why it’s crucial to introduce the younger generation to the world of science early on, inspiring young scientists to pursue their vision for the future. Initiatives like the Movement of the First and the nationwide Volunteers of Science project play a vital role in fostering this engagement. The event will be held in the format of a design session. Experts will deliver presentations, introduce the participants to current issues in the development of science in Russia, outline a vision for the participation of children and youth in scientific activities, and provide guidance for project work. Next, 70 participants will be divided into teams. During the project session, they will present their proposals on how they see their participation in scientific activities, develop a cluster of initiatives in the field of scientific volunteering. The session will result in a vision of the future of social life, science and educational culture formulated through the eyes of children.

In an era of rapid technological development, artificial intelligence is gradually becoming an integral part of our daily lives. AI technologies are reaching new heights. Even at their current level of advancement, they are capable of significantly freeing up human resources. This will allow society to focus on more meaningful activities, while delegating routine mechanical tasks to artificial intelligence. The question of increasing the value of human intellectual and creative output becomes especially relevant as the use of artificial intelligence continues to spread. After all, AI doesn’t replace geniuses; it is the other way around: AI enhances their worth.

Russia is among the first countries to address the ethical issues surrounding AI development and use at a national level. The stance of Russia and its President is that artificial intelligence should contribute to improving the quality of life, not displace people from jobs, but rather open up new avenues for exploration and work.

Superheroes have firmly embedded themselves in popular culture worldwide. What matters most about these characters isn’t their country of origin but the values they embody. Today, supervillains in Western culture are as captivating as the heroes.

In countries where sci-fi writers, artists, and creators haven't developed their own hero universes, children and young people inevitably turn to content from abroad. This presents a challenge for the creative industries in other nations, including Russia. But the goal isn’t to imitate established leaders; the true challenge is to create a unique product — a distinct universe of heroes that becomes the most popular in its home country.

It is important for representatives of government, business, and the creative industries to jointly discuss the role of heroes in the development of a multipolar world and in shaping a future built on science. Additionally, the images of heroes should be discussed with young people from different countries, to align content creation with their demands and expectations. In preparation for the event, a survey will be conducted among youth from various countries on the topic: “The Contemporary Hero: Character, Image, Behavioral Factors,” along with a preliminary analysis of science fiction universes.

Will the ongoing transformations in the world affect the structure of the family and relationships within this fundamental unit of society? The discussion will focus on family values, traditions, and raising future generations in the digital age.

Art is a creative force that allows humanity to shape the future here and now. How will art evolve in the future? What role will it play in people’s lives? These are the key questions that prominent scientists and cultural workers will answer in an interview format. The interviewer is Semyon Mikhailovsky, a member of the Presidential Council for Culture and Art and Rector of the St. Petersburg State Repin Academy of Fine Arts.

Humanity has constantly sought to rethink the role of money. From shells and furs, we have evolved all the way to plastic cards. In the modern world, money still serves the same functions, but due to global digitalization, the requirements to it are increasing. In this session, experts will talk about the changes awaiting the financial world and the impact of new technologies.

Soviet science fiction (like earlier Russian cosmism) is entirely unique, yet remains largely unexamined.

Its defining feature is a deep belief in the future and in humanity's ability to shape it. It consistently portrays the triumph of Good over Evil and expresses confidence that technological progress will be aligned with moral growth, advancing human ideals, and fostering justice and harmony in society. Contemporary Russian science fiction can build on this foundation, once again envisioning a happy civilization and, in doing so, bringing it closer to reality. Fiction often turns into reality, and the more constructive the ideas of science fiction writers are, the greater the chance that those ideas will inspire the creators of our world.

It is important for the joint efforts between governments, scientists, and creative industry representatives to study the experience of Soviet science fiction, as well as that of China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. Continuing this dialogue will help develop strategies for creating content that shapes the image of the future, grounded in traditional values, respect, and the principles of a multipolar world.

Discussion participants, faculty members from Russia’s leading architectural schools and institutes, will present diverse approaches to architectural education and share insights into what and how they teach future professionals. They will discuss existing challenges within architectural education and propose possible pathways for its development to nurture the creators and masters of the future.

The session offers a unique immersion into the world of future technologies, where an interactive script of a science fiction series, complete with both positive and negative plotlines, will be created at the intersection of science and fiction. Together with scientists and a renowned science fiction writer, participants will discuss potential scientific breakthroughs in the coming decades and how they may transform our everyday lives. From haptics to hybrid photonics, this session will serve as a dynamic bridge between imagination and real scientific forecasts, giving each participant the chance to reflect on the future of technology and contribute to the creative process of developing a new science fiction project.

The Russian language is a unique phenomenon. It unites people within the country, remains a language of international communication, the bond of the entire Russian world, a language of the United Nations, and the language of space. For any nation, the loss of its language is a loss of culture, identity, and developmental potential. The decline of the Russian language would be a loss for all humanity, for it was in Russian that people united the largest territory on Earth, defeated one of history’s greatest evils, and took their first steps beyond the planet. Preserving the language can become a unifying mission not only for philologists, educators, and writers but also for businesses and scientists in other fields. Language dissemination, along with cultural and technological influence, are inseparable. The more Russia discovers, invents, and produces, the more Russian words will enter the vocabulary of both domestic and international users of Russian products and technologies. The broader the Russian language's reach worldwide and the more comprehensively and positively it portrays the future, the more positively Russian goods and services will be perceived and adopted, enhancing and expanding international collaboration on a greater scale.

How people will communicate in the future is undoubtedly a relevant question, as language is one of the fundamental elements of communication and a driver of social relations. This panel discussion with leading experts will provide insights into the future of the Russian language and suggest pathways for its development. The panel will explore the possibilities of the Russian language in describing the technosphere and the future, both for Russia and the world in general.

Progress in the development of agricultural and food technologies follows several trends, from the production of organic food to the use of substitutes for traditional animal and plant-based proteins. A great example of this is Russia, currently experiencing a true agricultural boom—from modernizing thousands of existing complexes to establishing new enterprises and unique products. Modern agro-industrial complexes and food processing enterprises are a far cry from the Soviet-era collective and state farms familiar from old TV programs. Worldwide, agriculture and food processing have evolved into high-tech industries, driving rapid advancements across all sectors. What, then, does the food of the future look like? This is the question participants of the international round table will try to answer.

For decades, Hollywood productions have dominated the global box office. However, the 21st century has seen a trend of increased investment in the development of cinema across various regions of the world.  National film industry development is crucial for each country as it helps preserve national culture and identity. Additionally, regional cinema plays a key role in fostering dialogue between different cultures, which is especially relevant in the context of globalization. The diversity of film production not only enriches the cultural landscape of the society but also promotes the filmmakers’ creative potential, providing them with opportunities to experiment and create new forms of art.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beginning to play an increasingly significant role in science. Over the next decade, nearly every aspect of this field could transform – from generating hypotheses and writing articles to scientific methods and experiment execution. Biology holds a special place in this evolution, as researchers now have powerful AI tools to analyze vast data sets and uncover patterns previously inaccessible. Machine learning, for instance, enables the processing of genomic sequences, molecular modeling, and the analysis of complex systems. The potential of AI is highlighted by the 2024 Nobel Prize awarded to the creators of the AlphaFold AI model, which predicts the 3D structure of proteins from known amino acid sequences. Participants in this discussion will explore what breakthroughs AI may bring to biology and what these advances could mean for humanity.

In this session, we will explore how space inspires humanity across various fields, from art to science and technology. The discussion will center on cinema, literature, innovation, and more. We will talk about how outer space becomes a source of ideas and motivates the creation of new works, technologies, and concepts.

The growing human impact on the environment, the escalation of climate issues, rapid technological progress, and evolving demands for knowledge and skills are reshaping social relations and the societal climate in Russia and worldwide. Addressing environmental and climate challenges is a shared mission for all nations, and a multipolar world order calls for treating the planet as a collective home, where individual environmental responsibility and social engagement shape the environmental agenda and policies for decades ahead.

A museum is a space where communication transcends time and boundaries. Even in an era of civilizational clashes, it remains a “meeting place.” Most importantly, the museum is defined by the people who bring it to life: its staff, visitors, and creators. They are the ones who preserve the unity of global culture, defending it against attempts at intentional fragmentation.

The third day of the Museum Congress will focus on the museum as a network of relationships between museum professionals, visitors, and artists. Additionally, the future of museum collaboration and cultural diplomacy will be a key topic of discussion.

The session will explore an intriguing topic: why should humanity explore outer space? What already exists in our lives thanks to the development of space technologies? Additionally, experts will outline the key directions for the development of global space exploration in the near future and discuss the challenges humanity faces, as well as the technologies we need to achieve our goals.

The creativity of science fiction writers is more than just imagination or fantasy, and even more than mere prediction. In many ways, what they do is design a future, as readers, especially children, become inspired by their ideas and strive to bring them to life. Like many science fiction writers from other countries, our remarkable authors – Alexander Belyaev, Ivan Efremov, Nikolai Nosov, the Strugatsky brothers, Kir Bulychev, and others – described what seemed like unbelievable things that eventually became reality. Smart homes, portable video communication devices, robotic vacuum cleaners, voice-controlled flat screen TVs, artificial intelligence – all of this used to be fiction, yet today we enjoy it in everyday life.

“Foresight of Worlds and Times” is an experimental symposium format aimed at mapping out worlds of science fiction at the turn of the 21st and 22nd centuries. Science fiction writers, scientists, engineers, inventors, designers, and representatives from the creative community will participate in the foresight event. Over three days of expert group sessions, participants will explore fictional worlds, design possible paths for their development, and create key events and heroes of future science fiction.

In recent years, the concept of a “rules-based order” has increasingly been raised at the political level and in doctrine as a new regulator of international relations, considered equal to international law. Today, there are no signs suggesting that international law will regain or acquire a universal nature in the foreseeable future. How will this affect relations between states, especially on key issues of conflict and peace? Session participants will discuss the future regulation of international relations in the short, medium, and long term.

The panel session will focus on key aspects of virtual space security and the future of the internet. Participants will examine potential threats in the context of accelerating digitalization, the role of AI and automation in data protection, and explore prospects for international collaboration in creating global security management frameworks. Special attention will be given to innovations in cyberattack prevention and risk management.

The first part of the session focuses on the development of the future Arctic and the role of Rosatom State Corporation in advancing breakthrough technologies in nuclear energy, which are being applied in the Arctic region. Experts will discuss urban development in the extreme conditions of the North, the role of the nuclear icebreaker fleet in developing the Northern Sea Route, and the construction of small nuclear power plants capable of heating and lighting entire cities. Participants will also evaluate various international futuristic projects for Arctic development.

The second part of the session will explore potential paths and methods for international cooperation in the Arctic amid geopolitical turbulence. Leading experts from Russia and abroad will discuss prospects for collaboration in areas such as energy, sustainable use of natural resources, climate change, and more. Factors that both facilitate and hinder international cooperation in the Arctic will be examined, along with the current state and future development of regional multilateral institutions.

Art is a creative force that allows humanity to shape the future here and now. How will art evolve in the future? What role will it play in people’s lives? These are the key questions that prominent scientists and cultural workers will answer in an interview format. The interviewer is Semyon Mikhailovsky, a member of the Presidential Council for Culture and Art and Rector of the St. Petersburg State Repin Academy of Fine Arts.

The ESG agenda is now in the spotlight of the global community. Air pollution, ozone layer depletion, land desertification, and plastic drifting in the world’s oceans are just a few of the problems requiring international intervention. Addressing these issues is a challenge for all countries. In this context, technologies and innovations in the field of ecology are becoming especially relevant. These may include solutions related to renewable energy sources, modern waste recycling technologies, and even the use of artificial intelligence, for example, for climate monitoring.

Over the past 30 years, the world of technology has changed dramatically, and the pace of new developments has increased exponentially. We hear about new inventions and discoveries literally every day. It is hard to imagine the transformations of the next 30 years, and quantum computing is one of the reasons for this. Clearly, the level of its integration into everyday life will be immense. Quantum computers will lead to the creation of new materials and medicines, while quantum sensors will enable precise monitoring of environmental parameters. New industries based on quantum technologies may emerge, potentially leading to a new economic order. But what role will humans play in this transformation?

How have people envisioned the future since the time of the Tower of Babel? “Paper architecture” projects, cinema, music, and design. Renowned artists will discuss their views on the connection between the past and the future, delving into forgotten or unknown moments in history. Together, they will attempt to understand which pieces of knowledge from the past might be valuable for the future.

Countries of the Global South play a defining role in shaping a new, fair structure for international relations and sustainable development. Russia, alongside other global leaders, is establishing new frameworks for international cooperation, setting the stage for barrier-free and mutually beneficial development for the majority of countries worldwide. Meanwhile, the collective West resists these changes, attempting to curb the progress of these nations through economic sanctions and financial restrictions, influencing the future of the Global South, its role in innovation, and its relationships with the Global North. Speakers will share their countries’ visions for future cooperation. Representatives from BRICS nations and other countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America will participate in the discussion.

The processes of digital transformation today have a profound impact on various aspects of international relations and the global economy, as well as on the future of diplomatic service. The development of breakthrough digital technologies is becoming the key factor in shaping a multipolar world order, based on respect for the interests of all countries in the global community and the principles of sovereign equality and inclusivity. Russia is a major center of power in the global digital society and an intellectual leader in understanding the prospective trends of global digital transformation. These and many other issues will be discussed by Russian and international experts.

The results of the first International Symposium “Inventing the Future” will be summarized at the final plenary session.

Over three days, participants from more than 100 countries will be discussing how to conduct systematic work on designing the future and rekindling public interest in this process.

Scientists and businesspeople, engineers and writers, futurists and government officials, representatives of creative industries, and diplomats will be discussing the value orientations of the future multipolar world.

More than 60 sessions will be held on the sidelines of the forum in the most advanced and dynamic formats: design bureau, foresight, debates, science show, author interviews, strategic sessions, and plenary discussions.

During the final event, symposium moderators and speakers will present three theses on the future in the areas of Society, Science, Technology, Content, Culture, and Diplomacy.