Powerful convergence of innovation and insight at the Global Digital Forum, an international gathering of visionaries, trailblazers, and policy shapers in the IT-sphere, does not leave behind the youth. This discussion focuses on the future of the Internet and technology, exploring how emerging digital ecosystems will redefine global connectivity, governance, entrepreneurship, education, finance, and the creative industries.

We are at the point of no return in the technological revolution: the pace of change already exceeds our ability to comprehend it, and artificial intelligence is not just automating work — it calls into question the very essence of human exceptionalism. For the first time in history, humanity faces the existential challenge of losing a competition as a species. In this session, leading experts will try to find a place for humanity in the reality taking shape before our eyes, where the boundaries between us and machines become increasingly blurred. What existential and ethical dilemmas do we face, and how can we consciously preserve our humanity and our values in a world where technology is transforming the foundations of our existence?

In an era where digital media plays a key role in shaping cultural perceptions and global communication, vloggers have become increasingly influential in social and political discourse. This panel discussion explores how vloggers impact the dialogue between Russia and the West. The discussion will cover opportunities for cultural exchange as well as the risks posed by disinformation and biased narratives.

Over the past 10 years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key end-to-end technology for the digital transformation of socio-economic, industrial, and management processes around the world. At the same time, the rapid development of AI has already brought up various risks associated with excessive user confidence in complex algorithmic systems of the work that was previously considered the exclusive prerogative of human beings.

Experts will share how they encourage children and youth to study math, AI, and IT competencies, helping them explore IT professions and develop their expertise. The discussion will focus on new approaches in education, scientific advancements, and promoting technology. On top of that, experts will pitch projects and initiatives in higher education, available to Russian and foreign university entrants.

The banking sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the adoption of digital technologies. This process affects every level of financial institutions—from operations and HR to customer and regulator engagement. Banks are moving beyond traditional services to become high-tech ecosystems offering consumers a broader array of digital services. The development of online service channels enhances the quality, convenience, and accessibility of financial products.

In an era of screen-saturated consumption, media data has become a pillar of digital sovereignty. During this session, Russian and international experts will discuss how transparent audience measurement and advanced research technologies help governments protect the information space, empower media companies to win the battle for attention, and enable brands to reach their audiences with precision. We’ll showcase practical examples and straightforward solutions. Please join us to discover why digital sovereignty begins with knowing your audience — it’s the key to sustainable media market growth.

Convenience, speed and comprehensiveness of receiving public services are key factors, which influence citizens’ perception of the state. Electronic government is becoming an effective tool for interaction between citizens and the state, which allows them to quickly receive a wide range of services. The introduction of electronic services reduces administrative barriers, simplifies the processes of interaction with the government and saves a lot of time.

The session will explore strategic solutions for digital sovereignty and discuss prospects for cooperation in the development and deployment of new technologies that can contribute to state sovereignty and sustainability in the region.

e-Governance Knowledge Sharing Hub is an open platform for discussing modern challenges and finding innovative IT solutions in the field of digitalization of public administration. Experts will talk about key achievements in the digital sphere, share cases and experience, and also explain how to respond to modern problems, which our countries face in areas such as cybersecurity, tax administration and budget planning, to provide the country with the necessary communications infrastructure, food sovereignty and a comfortable digital environment for human life.

In the era of digital transformation and geopolitical challenges, Russian high-tech export becomes more than just an instrument of economic growth. Nowadays, it is also an important element in strengthening international cooperation.

In modern digital world cyberattacks are becoming more and more sophisticated. CISO plays a key role not only in protecting businesses, but also a government – providing resilience for corporate informational resources, especially in large enterprise. The panel session agenda is focused on a matter how corporate information security leaders should develop their competencies to meet various requirements in parallel: real cyber challenges, government officials` expectations and corporate stakeholders` aspiration.

The aim of the session is to exchange experiences on ensuring digital sovereignty across different countries and to foster international cooperation in the fields of technology and infrastructure projects.

We live in an era of unprecedented digital opportunities, and our goal is to make them accessible to everyone—regardless of physical or cognitive abilities. This session will serve as a platform to discuss innovative approaches and cutting-edge solutions that expand access to education, employment, and social integration for children and young people with disabilities. We will address current challenges, share solutions, and explore future prospects with both Russian and international experts.

This workshop is designed for top managers and government employees to deep-dive into the concept of a new "school of thought" of information security: result-driven cybersecurity.

How can we ensure a unified and equitable digital future for humanity, free from the dividing lines imposed by global digital platforms – today's monopolists? Are states capable of regulating the largest transnational corporations by enhancing regulatory measures at both national and supranational levels, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in their digital operations? What role does market competition play in fostering the development of indigenous IT products and achieving digital independence?

Journalists, experts in the field of education, information technology and social science will discuss the ways to unite efforts to counter fakes and manipulation in the Internet. They will also discuss the role of technological solutions and artificial intelligence in detecting and verifying fakes.

This session will examine the foundations of global digital dialogue and explore the key points of contention within it. Participants will consider whether new high-level agreements could serve as a foundation for a more coordinated approach to digital governance and the development of an inclusive information society—despite the often polarized positions of global stakeholders. They will also explore whether the global dialogue on digital issues has a future within the existing international landscape.

According to UN estimates, over 70% of the world's population will reside in cities by 2050. Urbanization is one of the key megatrends of our time. Cities are becoming crucial hubs of economic, technological, and cultural activity, acting as global drivers of innovation and change. At the same time, the modern metropolis has become one of the most complex objects of management in the history of human civilization. Effective development of a large city is impossible without digital technologies that support management systems. Sooner or later, all cities will become smart cities – it's a matter of efficiency and competitiveness. However, a smart city is not just about technology, it places citizens and their needs at the heart of its design, harnessing the full potential of end-to-end technologies to care for people. This changes the paradigm of interaction between residents and the city. This session will focus on how digitalization is changing urban governance and the daily lives of citizens, what new opportunities and risks it creates, and what a smart city should be like to ensure the well-being of every resident.

This panel will explore the transformative potential of digital trade in the Global South, focusing on strategies to overcome current challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic growth via digital platforms.

The panel discussion will cover the topic of attracting foreign IT specialists to Russia, existing opportunities and challenges, and whether Russia is ready to accept talent from around the world - not only in theory, but also by creating real jobs, projects and academic partnerships.

The session is devoted to strategies for the successful entry of game projects into international markets. Experts from Russia, China, Korea and the Middle East will discuss how to maintain local identity in global projects, which approaches to localization are most effective, and how government support affects game exports. Participants will exchange cases and ideas to overcome cultural and technological barriers.

This session will address one of the most critical topics of the digital age — ensuring children's safety in the online environment. Experts from Russia and around the world will come together to discuss modern threats faced by children on the internet and share effective strategies for protecting young users in the digital space.

How to create a global IT ecosystem based on mutually beneficial cooperation and respect for the cultural and economic characteristics of each country?