The 2nd Open Dialogue “The Future of the World: A New Platform for Global Growth” took place in Russia. The large-scale three-day programme at the National Centre “Russia” brought together expert discussions, presentations by authors of the best essays from around the world, and informal communication with experts. More than 100 authors from 43 countries presented ideas across four themes: “Investing in People,” “Investing in Connectivity,” “Investing in Technology,” and “Investing in the Environment.” The participants were addressed by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. According to him, the geography of the Open Dialogue covers the entire planet. “Experts, business leaders, and researchers from 120 countries took part in the essay competition and creative works, including representatives from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, North and South America. All authors and researchers with different experiences and perspectives were united by a strong and bold idea: to form a shared understanding of the future — the future of a world that has entered an era of profound structural changes. It is evident that no country can develop in isolation — at the expense of other states or to their detriment. Furthermore, modern global challenges require a joint response and collective efforts. This means that the model of global development will be sustainable and fair only if it is based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, and takes into account the interests of all countries,” Vladimir Putin addressed the participants. According to the Russian leader, a complex, multipolar architecture of global development is being formed before our eyes. Within it, an increasingly important role is played by states that clearly understand and value the importance of national sovereignty in political, economic, cultural, and social spheres, and are capable of independently determining their development vector based on their own values, resources, priorities, identity, and sovereign worldview. Russian economist Maxim Oreshkin noted that the Open Dialogue brings together people from different countries, professional schools, generations, and cultures, each of whom has their own experience, their own perspective, and their own language for describing the future. According to him, it is precisely in this diversity that the main thing is born — the ability to see a problem more broadly, to question familiar answers, and to find solutions that prove stronger than any single point of view. “We meet at a time when the familiar map of the world — economic, political, and technological — is changing significantly: centres of growth are shifting, connections between countries and markets are being rebuilt, and competition between development models is intensifying. Technology is accelerating these changes, and along with this, the demand for solutions is growing — solutions that do not simply describe problems, but help move forward. That is why the Open Dialogue is especially important today — not as an exchange of general declarations, but as a conversation in which ideas are tested for novelty, realism, and the ability to work in different conditions. We need not only accurate assessments of what is happening, but also proposals on how to unlock human potential. This is the logic of our platform in the new conditions,” Russian economist Maxim Oreshkin welcomed the participants. From participants from Africa, around 100 submissions were received at the 2nd Open Dialogue. At the in-person stage of the Open Dialogue, their ideas were presented by lecturer and translator at Ain Shams University Malak AbdelFattah and Director of the Al-Hiwar Centre for Political and Media Studies Ahmed Taher from Egypt, intern at the International Investment Bank Yago Diakhite from Senegal, independent researcher Moses Mutinda from Kenya, student of Mohammed V University in Rabat Aya Arfaoui and Senior Lecturer at Hassan II University Sanaa Haouata from Morocco, Director of the Graduate School of Business at the University of Zambia Lubinda Haabazoka and lecturer in economics, finance, and business management at the University of Zambia Austin Mwange from Zambia, as well as postgraduate student at Addis Ababa University Solomon Gardie from Ethiopia. Malak AbdelFattah presented a platform for supporting small and medium-sized businesses. According to her, this idea is intended to eliminate the financing gap and address trust issues between companies and banks. The platform will make it possible to create digital company passports, use smart contracts, and simplify trade finance and logistics through blockchain technology. She noted that a phased implementation is planned: from a pilot launch in several countries to integration with national economic systems. In her view, a reduction in transaction costs of 20–50% and risks by 30–40% is expected. Austin Mwange spoke in favour of developing partnerships between Russia and African countries in the field of clean energy. He proposed creating an integrated system combining nuclear energy and renewable energy sources to address the problem of energy deficit: more than 600 million Africans experience a lack of electricity. He noted that the model envisions the formation of regional energy zones and corridors, grid modernization, and the creation of industrial clusters. According to the expert, this will increase the reliability of energy supply, reduce dependence on price and climate shocks, and support economic growth on the continent. Aya Arfaoui raised the issue of digital sovereignty of developing countries. She noted that international institutions do not give them sufficient influence in regulating the digital space, while decisions are increasingly made by algorithms. The expert emphasized that the solution lies in regional integration: the creation of a “growing core” of 10–15 countries with a memorandum on digital sovereignty and data protection. According to her, the unification of at least 30 countries will make it possible to shape the rules of the digital space on an equal basis. “Platforms are no longer merely tools for expressing opinion. On the contrary, they have turned into a strategic instrument for shaping international public opinion, supported by large-scale digital advertising campaigns,” said Aya Arfaoui. In his essay, Moses Mutinda emphasized that multipolar investments in infrastructure, digital networks, and alternative finance are the key to sustainable global growth. He notes the potential of African initiatives, including AfCFTA, for expanding trade and logistics, as well as the role of digital platforms and payment systems in increasing financial inclusion and stimulating innovation, especially for countries of the Global South. According to the author, such an approach contributes to economic development, intercultural dialogue, and the formation of new models of cooperation. “Targeted investments in interregional connectivity — in particular in inclusive infrastructure, digital networks, and alternative financial flows focused on the Global South — are capable of forming a more resilient and equitable platform for global growth,” noted Moses Mutinda. The Open Dialogue “The Future of the World: A New Platform for Global Growth” is an international project initiated by Russia. It is a platform where experts from around the world discuss the development of the global economy. The initiative is aimed at shaping a new global model of growth and brings together participants from different countries for open exchange of ideas and the development of solutions. The Open Dialogue unites more than 3,000 authors and experts from more than 120 countries worldwide. The writer is Chief Editor CAJ News, South Africa.
