SPIEF 2025 Highlights: AI, Global Growth, and a Multipolar Future Take Center Stage in St. Petersburg

18th June 2025

The 2025 edition of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), held in early July, brought together global leaders, policymakers, academics, and top executives to engage in over 150 sessions spanning key economic, technological, and societal issues. With an overarching theme of fostering a multipolar world and promoting sustainable growth, SPIEF 2025 underscored Russia’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and strategic partnerships.

For the first time in its history, the forum included dedicated discussions on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the media sector. Experts and industry stakeholders examined how AI is transforming journalism, content creation, and information dissemination, raising questions about ethics, regulation, and media authenticity.

Another central theme was the potential of emerging technologies like AI to drive inclusive and sustainable development. The event was moderated by Alexander Vedyakhin (First Deputy Chairman of Executive Board). Mr Debjit Chakraborty (Director of Chamber for Indo Russian Technology Collaboration) was the spokesperson from India. Panellists explored practical approaches to leveraging digital tools to close socio-economic gaps, enhance education and healthcare systems, and support marginalized communities.

SPIEF 2025 also focused on global economic trends, emphasizing the need to reform international economic institutions and strengthen a multipolar world order. Speakers called for deeper cooperation among friendly nations and highlighted the importance of expanding trade ties outside traditional alliances.

Sessions on digital transformation delved into strategies for enhancing technological sovereignty, promoting innovation leadership, and fortifying digital infrastructure. Delegates also discussed the role of digital tools in strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties across borders.

Beyond economics and technology, the forum featured in-depth sessions on social transformation, human capital development, and educational innovation. Discussions centered around reimagining workforce training and building resilient healthcare systems in the post-pandemic era.

The Innovation Space emerged as a crowd-puller, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and breakthrough digital solutions across sectors, while the Creative Industries Forum added a vibrant touch. This dedicated segment explored the evolution of digital content, the rise of the hype economy, and the growing industrialization of music—with a special focus on content tailored for youth audiences. SPIEF 2025 welcomed a diverse array of participants, including leaders from major Russian and international companies, senior government officials, prominent academics, and innovators. The forum reaffirmed its role as a premier global platform for dialogue on future-ready economic policies and technological advancement. As SPIEF continues to evolve, the 2025 edition reinforced its commitment to shaping a more inclusive, tech-driven, and multipolar global landscape.