Programme of the 13th Asian Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club
St.Petersburg

On December 13-14, St. Petersburg will host the 13th Asian Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club, titled “Russia and Asia in the Emerging International Order”. The Asian Valdai Club conference is a continuation of the discussion that began in October this year at the 19th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Club on the international community in the context of the transformation of the world order. Now the Asian states are faced with the task of formulating their role in the new international conditions, when the waning hegemony of the West is giving way to multipolarity.


Programme of the 13th Asian Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club

“Russia and Asia in the Emerging International Order”

Saint Petersburg, December 13–14, 2022


December 13, Tuesday

11:30–12:00 Opening of the conference (live)

12:00–13:30 Session 1. Dynamics of Asia’s Development Amidst Rebuilding the International Order (live)

Modern globalization has largely been a product of Asia’s rapid growth and relative international and political stability of this vast region. Even now, against the backdrop of the acute political and military conflict in Europe, Asia sets an example of the states’ ability to exercise restraint and cooperation. However, the general complexities of the current international order raise questions also for the Asian states. What is their role in today’s world? Can Asia be an example of cooperation without dividing lines? What does the growing propensity towards conflict in relations between Russia and the West, the United States and China mean for Asia itself?

14:30–16:00 Session 2. Future of Energy and Food Markets (live)

Energy and food security are the most important challenges that the world economy and the population of many countries are currently facing. Russia acts as a major supplier in these markets, it actively increases trade with the Asian countries, and seeks to increase food supplies to the poorest developing states. However, in the coming years both sectors will remain significantly unbalanced, which requires coordination of policies and interaction between suppliers and consumers, Russia and Asian states. What are the peculiarities of these issues in Asia? What joint solutions can Russia and its regional partners offer?

16:15–17:45 Session 3. Potential of Free Trade Agreements in Asia and Russias Participation

The system of economic interaction in Asia is largely built on different types of preferential and non-preferential trade agreements. So far Russia has been inactive in this field, although it participates in most regional economic forums –APEC, EAC, and others. Questions for the future are following: What should be Russia’s strategy regarding the participation in trade agreements and regimes in Asia? What are the main regional trends in terms of trade liberalization? Are new challenges to economic openness emerging now?


December 14, Wednesday

10:30–12:00 Session 4. International Connectivity: Changing Existing and Creating New Transportation, Logistics, and Financial Systems (live)

Sustainability of transport, logistics, and financial systems is an essential condition for maintaining the international connectivity. However, both these aspects are now facing challenges that pose growing threats of international instability: the conflict between the West and Russia and growing Sino-American tensions. The most important questions are following: How to maintain market connectivity in Asia and the one between Asia and other world regions? What are the promising ways to develop logistical and financial systems to support international trade? What does Russia want and what can it give to Asia in this regard?

13:30–15:00 Session 5. Asia’s Conflict Potential and Prospects for Reducing It

Traditionally, Russia perceives Asia as a tranquil area, free from harsh bloc confrontation or fundamental interstate conflicts. It is this perception that explains Russia’s economic “pivot to the East” and its desire to engage in the regional trade and production chains. How worried should we now be about international stability in Asia? What are the main factors of destabilization? What could be Russia's role in resolving existing conflicts and preventing new ones?