An international forum focused on human development, as well as global ethical and philosophical issues, has opened in Moscow
The ‘Inventing the Future’ symposium was launched at the newly built ‘Russia’ National Center in Moscow on Monday. Attended by more than 3,000 representatives from over 100 countries, the event focuses on scenarios for humanity’s development, and global ethical and philosophical challenges.
The three-day forum, running from November 4 to 6, brings together scientists, philosophers, futurists, popular sci-fi writers, and representatives from business and creative industries. Delegations represent member states of BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and various regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Participants include representatives from India, Italy, Iran, China, the UAE, Serbia, the US and France, according to the organizers.
The symposium’s agenda features more than 60 events divided into several themes, including “Future of Humanity,”“Future of Technology,”“Future of a Multipolar World,” and “Future of Civilizations.”
In his greeting message to participants, President Vladimir Putin emphasized that “we must determine our future ourselves, based on a sovereign worldview, national culture, tireless creative exploration, and a firm commitment to indisputable moral and patriotic ideals and values.”
On opening day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the need for direct dialogue between nations and regions, which would contribute to forming a truly multipolar world and end the West’s neo-colonialist policies on the international stage.
“The role of regional and interregional interstate associations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America is strengthening. An important step toward multipolarity should be the establishment of direct contacts and horizontal links among them,” the minister stated, adding that “the West will come to its senses when it realizes that its colonial ways are harmful, including to the West itself.”
In addition to various panel discussions, the symposium features several major exhibitions. One showcases innovations and future plans, such as the Russian-Chinese project to establish a scientific station on the Moon, which aims to launch a nuclear power plant into outer space by 2035.
Another exhibition presents over 250 artworks employing diverse techniques – from painting to video art – created by talented young artists from Russia, China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran.
The ‘Russia’ National Center was established in July to preserve the legacy of the International Russia Expo held earlier this year and to demonstrate the nation’s achievements on a permanent basis.