Mr. Armen Khachatryan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Programme Director at the Roscongress Foundation, and a distinguished member of the Public Council under the Secretariat of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, shared insights into the strategic vision and impact of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Excerpts:

Question: The overarching theme for SPIEF 2025 is ‘Shared Values in a Multipolar World.’ How did this year’s Forum specifically advance this crucial concept?

Our President, Mr. Vladimir Putin, eloquently articulated during SPIEF’s Plenary Session that the world is evolving along multiple trajectories. We are witnessing the emergence of new alliances, a shift in global polarities, and the formation of novel trade relationships. This undeniable trend towards a multipolar world necessitates guiding nations on how to lead effectively within a transforming global order. SPIEF provides an unparalleled platform for participating countries to establish direct contact with potential partners, both from Russia and other nations. It also offers a firsthand perspective on Russia’s leadership in this evolving landscape. Such a robust dialogue is instrumental in cultivating a more equitable and multipolar global framework.

Question: What is the core purpose of SPIEF, and how do you evaluate its success and overall impact?

The dedicated team responsible for SPIEF’s program boasts over a decade of experience, and we place paramount importance on the trust our participants invest in the Forum—it serves as a primary metric in our preparations. Fundamentally, SPIEF is a monumental undertaking, involving thousands of individuals, with the exhibition itself requiring over a month for construction. At its essence, it functions as a vital platform and a powerful instrument for fostering development and dialogue, ultimately designed to enhance efficiency and achieve tangible results.

The objectives vary significantly across different participant categories. For business leaders, success is measured by the contracts secured, the opportunities identified, and the invaluable, firsthand insights gleaned from the comprehensive business program. For media representatives, the focus is on acquiring exclusive content and crafting impactful narratives. Our core responsibility as organizers is to ensure that these diverse participant groups achieve their distinct goals. Year after year, we observe a consistent increase in attendance, with thousands of senior government officials and business leaders converging for the event. Their commitment of nearly a week at SPIEF is incredibly valuable to us. This sustained growth in participation unequivocally demonstrates that our efforts are well-aligned, affirming SPIEF’s position as a trusted global space for dialogue and collaboration. We remain steadfast in our commitment to continually enhance its efficiency, accessibility, and purposeful nature, thereby maximizing the opportunities it creates for all beneficiaries.

Question: How is the SPIEF program curated, and what factors significantly influence the selection of its key topics?

The Forum’s agenda is a dynamic process, initiated immediately following the conclusion of the previous edition. It is meticulously developed by taking into account current geopolitical and economic developments, as well as anticipating future trends—each carrying profound significance. While it is impossible to absorb all nuances simultaneously, especially with 30-40 concurrent events, we meticulously record every session for future reference. Our website serves as a comprehensive archive, hosting all sessions in both Russian and English for the benefit of participants and those who may have missed them.

We diligently evaluate participant feedback and identify topics that generated the most interest, allowing us to refine our focus for the subsequent year. We also acknowledge the rapid pace of global change; topics highly relevant last year may have diminished pertinence today, while new issues constantly emerge in an era of unprecedented transformation. Our approach involves close collaboration with both domestic and international experts and partners, from whom we solicit proposals. The sheer volume of these proposals, if printed, would weigh hundreds of kilograms.

We then meticulously process these submissions with our Russian experts, representatives from relevant industries, and government ministries. Our international experts also play a highly active role in shaping the agenda and program. This year, we achieved a record number of bilateral dialogues, focusing on specific regions within Russia or individual countries, directly reflecting the invaluable input provided by our foreign experts. Thousands of individuals contribute to the program’s development, and we profoundly appreciate each intellectual contribution that enriches our Forum. Each year, the program grows demonstrably in both its scope and its salience.