Ivan Fedotov: “National goals of Russia can’t be formulated out of global goals"

The 10th Gaidar Forum opens in Moscow in the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA). Scientists, officials, social activists, politicians, and businessmen from various countries will gather at the Academy.

This year, the forum is called “Russia and the World: National Development Goals and Global Trends.” Ivan Fedotov, the Director of the Russian Innovative Regions Association, the vice-rector of RANEPA, the head of the Gaidar Forum, told Vestnik Kavkaza about the event.

-          Why is the forum called “Russia and the World: National Development Goals and Global Trends”?

-          The title was articulated by the chair of our organizational committee, the First Deputy Premier of Russia Anton Siluanov. We suggested other titles at the organizational council as well. However, key discussions will touch on implementation of President’s May Decree. So we decided to leave it at that.

-          How do you interpret such a broach theme?

-          We believe national goals of Russia can’t be formulated out of global goals. That’s why we have so many foreigners at the forum. All things we discuss about national projects we will discuss within global trends in spheres of healthcare, education, demography, and so on.

-          Do you expect guests from the South Caucasus?

-          Of course we do. We have more than 800 guests from foreign countries, including post-Soviet republics. For example, we welcome our colleagues from the Academy of Public Administration of Azerbaijan.

-          After relations between Russia and the West worsened, has the entry list changed?

-          Each Gaidar Forum is held in the context of toughening sanctions against Russia and anti-Russian attacks in the West. However, each year, we see a growing number of foreign guests at the forum. The paradox can be explained. Firstly, Russia is very interested to a common sense expert community of foreign countries. Secondly, our forum is held at an academic institution, while academic institutions are not under sanctions. So, it’s easier to come to us than to forums held by the government. Thirdly, our forum has a certain reputation. It’s a platform for meeting smart people who share their views freely. We have gained the reputation over 9 years. I hope we will go on moving forward.