Participants in the Valdai Expert Dialogue will seek to identify areas and forms of cooperation that, even amid intense competition, respect national interests and strengthen sovereignty.
Programme of the Expert Dialogue of the Valdai Discussion Club
“New World – Rules for Survival: Limits of Power and Space for Cooperation”
Saint Petersburg, June 2, 2026
June 2, Tuesday
10:50 – 11:00 Opening (LIVE: Russian, English)
11:00 – 12:30 Session 1. National Resilience in the Midst of Global Turbulence: States Confronting Worldwide Stressors (LIVE: Russian, English)
The world is undergoing a period of profound transformation. The order of the previous era has come to an end, while the contours of a new one have yet to emerge even in conceptual form. The pace of change and the depth of its impact on societies are unprecedented in history; isolation is impossible, yet allowing developments to unfold unchecked is fraught with risk. How can states navigate this period of global transformation, shielding themselves from the most acute threats without missing opportunities for development? And what experiences and practices can they share with one another?
13:30 – 15:00 Session 2. Sovereignty in an Interconnected World: Between Protectionism and Openness (LIVE: Russian, English)
Sovereignty is the foundation of every state’s existence, yet the conditions under which it is exercised are constantly evolving. The sharp rise in international tensions, coupled with the continued economic and communicative interconnectedness of the world, has created an entirely new reality. This requires, if not a rethinking of the concept of “sovereignty” itself, then at least its adaptation to these changing circumstances. An imbalance in either direction — excessive openness or excessive isolation — poses risks to development. Yet balance itself cannot remain static; the relationship between the two is in a constant state of change.
15:30 – 17:00 Session 3. Global Redistribution: Competition for Human Capital and Advanced Technologies (LIVE: Russian, English)
The world has entered a sweeping struggle for redistribution — of resources, markets, intellectual capital, and even borders. The institutions that once defined the rules of conduct and constrained the actions of states are no longer functioning effectively. All international actors are seeking to gain the greatest possible advantage in order to secure strong positions in the emerging global order. How can the damage caused by intense competition be contained, and how can a fatal confrontation be avoided? And under such conditions, where does space for cooperation still remain?
