Valdai Club

On June 25, 2019, the Valdai Discussion Club hosted an expert discussion on the eve of the G20 summit in Osaka, with the participation of Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

On June 21, 2019, the Valdai Discussion Club hosted an expert discussion dedicated to World Refugee Day.

On June 13, 2019, at 11:00, the Valdai Discussion Club hosted a seminar devoted to the SPIEF-2019 Plenary Session.

On June 6, in the framework of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a session was held, titled "Partnership and Knowledge-Sharing: New Sources to Drive Development?"

New economic reality requires that partnerships are established among companies, regions and countries. In the long run, the key to success is one’s readiness to exchange their experience and knowledge, including with their rivals. In an ever-changing environment, the business models built on partnership and cooperation are more sustainable than the traditional ones. How should companies, governments and international organizations adapt to this new reality? What would be their motivation to openly share expertize? Which instruments and formats of interaction could help consolidate and diffuse knowledge effectively? And what can help ensure sustainable development against the background of excessive, but often unstructured data?

On June 6, in the framework of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a session was held, titled "Challenges and Opportunities for Business in Russian–European Relations Today – and in the Future".

Business continues to function and achieve results despite the complicated political relations between Russia and the European Union. Economic cooperation between Russia and Europe has great potential given the geographic, historic, and cultural prerequisites. Rapid technological developments, the opening up of new markets, and business opportunities provide additional stimulus. European manufacturers maintain faith in the Russian market; they are expanding their investments in Russia, and searching for new collaborative solutions in partnership with Russian enterprises. Meanwhile Russian companies are actively strengthening their export capabilities. How can European and Russian companies best overcome the obstacles they face? What strategies have proven to be the most effective and how do companies view their future prospects? What practical areas of cooperation between Russia and the EU can compensate for the crises in relations between two partners united by a common continent, historic and cultural proximity, and tried-and-tested economic ties? Could cooperation in education and science, research and innovation, and new technologies act as a driver for positive change?

On June 6, in the framework of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a session was held, titled "Is the Media a Participant or an Observer in Global Conflicts?" It is difficult to imagine modern politics without the active participation of the media. Increasingly, the media not only performs an informational function but may also act as a participant in conflicts. Can we say that the media in the 21st century are merely observers of global affairs, covering international conflicts in an unbiased manner? What is the impact of media companies as information wars become increasingly important strategically and episodes have increased in frequency? If the media is indeed the fourth pillar of power, is the responsible use of the media essential to the world order? How might changes in the media impact global politics?

On June 6, in the framework of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a session was held, titled "Global energy sector: challenges and opportunities". Global energy markets are constantly transforming and the structure of energy demand is changing as well. According to experts, a slowdown in current and projected rates of global economic growth, increased energy efficiency and phasing petroleum products out of other types of energy resources may lead to a peak in oil consumption in the next 15–20 years. In addition, the role of natural gas as the cleanest fossil fuel and renewable energy sources will continue to grow in the future. All of this is already exacerbating competition on the markets and forcing industry players to enhance the appeal of their oil production projects by drumming up capital inflows and the development of new technologies as well as diversify their project portfolio. What should Russia’s strategy be on oil and gas markets in this regard? Where is the sweet spot between the option of maximizing investment in oil production and striving to increase the market share and the option of continuing intense cooperation with oil producing countries to limit production? Should we expect another long period of low oil price given the lack of cooperation using the model of the OPEC+ deal, on the one hand, and the increased investment in oil production in anticipation of the ‘peak oil’, on the other hand? What are the ambitions of gas market players? What opportunities do global energy markets offer for cooperation and joint promotion in the international arena?

On June 6, in the framework of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a session was held, titled "Russia-USA". Geopolitical turbulence, trade restrictions and economic sanctions continue to undermine trade and economic relations between the United States and Russia and hinder mutually beneficial investment cooperation. During this volatile period business has continued to evolve and has remained one of the few healthy areas of relations between the two countries. How are American investors evaluating the business climate and prospects for their business in Russia? What challenges have they faced and overcome when implementing projects in Russia? What is Russia’s role in the global value chain for the multinational today? What are the optimal models of relations in different sectors of the economy as seen by the companies today? Which are the most important sectors for the Russian companies to develop their business in the United States, which could contribute to the growth and stability of both economies?

On June 6, the Valdai Discussion Club held its fifth annual session within the framework of SPIEF-2019, titled “A New Europe: What Is Russia to Expect?”

The European Union has entered a period of fundamental change; the very model of European integration is changing. The established rules governing the relationship between the Europe and the USA are fading away. Recently, European Parliament elections were held, which also marked the beginning of a new era. The key question is: how significant are the changes? Are they fundamental in nature or are they merely a combination of 'cosmetic elements'? What will the European Union be? What is the future of Euro-bureaucracy? Entrance to the event is open to SPIEF participants and journalists accredited by the Forum.  

On May 27, the Valdai Discussion Club holted an expert discussion dedicated to the  2019 elections in the European Parliament.