On December 10, 2021, the III Forum on Digital Diplomacy opened at the site of the Primakov Centre.
Over its three-year history, the forum has established itself as a leading platform for addressing critical challenges in digital development, including building a professional IT community, ensuring information security, and shaping Russia’s international image.
The event brought together leading experts and young professionals in diplomacy, public administration, and digital technologies from across Russia and neighboring countries—Armenia, Belarus, and Tajikistan.
Over three days, participants will discuss the impact of digitalization on various spheres of public life, from economics and social issues to foreign policy and media.
The opening ceremony was attended both online and in person by representatives of: the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Samara office, Rossotrudnichestvo (Federal Agency for CIS Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation) anf the Department of External Relations of the Samara Region Governor’s Administration
Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, addressed the forum participants:
“It is a pleasure to once again address Samara. Over the past years, your city has solidified its status as one of Russia’s most important IT hubs and a key venue for major national and international events, such as Volga CTF, VSFI, and 404 Fest.“
Dmitry Azarov, Governor of the Samara Region, sent a welcoming message:
“The Forum’s goals align with the national ‘Digital Economy’ program initiated by President Vladimir Putin. Today’s agenda focuses on building a digital society—a complex task requiring comprehensive analysis. As digital technologies increasingly influence all aspects of life, it is crucial to harness their potential responsibly for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.”
He expressed confidence that the discussions would yield practical solutions for integrating the efforts of young international experts, including IT specialists, to tackle global digital challenges.
Roman Grishinin, Executive Director of the Primakov Centre for Foreign Policy Cooperation and Deputy Director of the Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund, noted:”It is highly significant that digital diplomacy is being discussed among young people. Without a doubt, Samara is becoming a centre for promoting the digital agenda, thanks to its highly skilled professionals and top-tier venues.”
Vera Shcherbacheva, Head of the Department of External Relations of the Governor’s Office, wished the forum participants success: “I am sure that participation in the Forum will be productive for you, and I wish you all fruitful discussions and interesting work.”
The scientific program of the Forum is represented by a series of panel discussions on the impact of information technology on the social sphere, the challenges of information security in modern society and the impact of digital media and new social networks on society, as well as the discussion club “Digital, quantitative and qualitative methods in humanitarian research.”
Source: Department of External Relations of the Samara Region, NIA Samara
