Nearly 700 papers offering ideas on worldwide economic development have been received

All submissions have been received for an international essay contest on global economic development which is being held as part of the upcoming Open Dialogue 'The Future of the World: New Platform for Global Growth'. The forum aims to envision how major global shifts will shape the way people live for decades to come.

The event, scheduled for April 28-30 at the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow, will bring together experts, leading economists, and representatives from various sectors worldwide to discuss current economic challenges and shape strategies for future growth.

The contest has generated "tremendous interest," and the geographical diversity of participants is "impressive," center director Natalia Virtuozova said in a statement on Monday.

A total of 695 papers were received from 101 countries. According to Virtuozova, participants from Russia, Mexico, India, China, Oman, and Italy were among the most active. Submissions also came from Egypt, Vietnam, Trkiye, Colombia, Canada, France, and Transnistria.

The ideas were delivered in the form of a five-page essay or a 10-minute presentation in the authors' native tongues. The number of applications and the interest in the event prompted an extension of the submission deadline from March 9 to March 15.

The essays focus on four key topics: 'Investments in Human Capital', 'Investments in Technology', 'Investments in the Environment', and 'Investments in Communication'.

The 'Human Capital' section covers issues such as the effective pursuit of demographic policy amid aging populations; migration and economic development; the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market; strategies to reduce youth unemployment; the use of new technologies in learning and education; strategies for enhancing the well-being of the population; and the prospects and effects of promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The 'Technology' section focuses on technologies being used in order to ensure food security; breakthrough technologies in industry; AI as a key end-to-end technology; the optimization of healthcare using advanced technology; the prevention and minimization of the consequences of natural disasters; water resource management in the context of climate change; technology for providing accessible and sustainable energy and the development of smart cities.

The 'Environment' section includes green infrastructure or creating sustainable and environmentally friendly urban spaces; transport accessibility for everyone; creating a comfortable environment subject to climate change; corporate social responsibility; managing natural hazards; barrier-free and inclusive environments; conscious consumption as the basis for conscious supply; and sustainable tourism as a way to enhance the quality of the urban environment.

The 'Communication' section covers issues such as the future of trade; new logistics routes in the Global South and East; worldwide challenges and the responses of the insurance industry; improving financial flows; digital currencies as a tool for improving the international financial network; data mobility as part of global communication; and E-commerce and logistics platforms.

"Most of the essays focus on investment in people. The authors are concerned about access to education and the preservation of national identity. Regarding investment in technology, the central topic, of course, is artificial intelligence. For investment in communication, authors mainly discuss participation in international trade, while those from smaller countries emphasize access to reliable information. As for investment in the environment, the authors are primarily concerned about the future of cities-what future cities will look like and, most importantly, how people will live, work, and feel in them," Natalia Virtuozova has said.

Now with all submissions received, the organizers have started preparing a schedule for discussions based on the topics covered in the papers.

The selection process has also begun. The winners will be invited to Moscow to take part in the Open Dialogue event in April, where they will join case sessions and expert discussions on the future of the global economy, along with representatives from leading think tanks, development institutions, universities, government agencies, business associations, youth organizations, and the media.

The best essays will be published in English and the ideas presented in them will be considered for long-term economic planning.

READ MORE: Moscow hosts 'The Future of the World: New Platform for Global Growth' essay contest

From Monday, invitations are being sent to moderators and experts from around the world. Additionally, registration is now open on the website Russia.ru for all those interested in listening to and participating in the Open Dialogue.