Programme of the Russian-African Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club “Russia and African Countries: Established Traditions of Interaction and Prospects for Cooperation in a New World”
Saint Petersburg, July 25, 2023
July 25, Tuesday
10:00–10:15 Opening of the Conference (live broadcast: in Russian, in English, in French)
10:15–11:45 Session 1. Political Dialogue of Russia and African Countries: Mutual Understanding in a Turbulent World (live broadcast: in Russian, in English, in French)
What are the main goals and objectives of the political dialogue between Russia and African countries in modern conditions? How effectively did cooperation develop after the first Russia-Africa summit? What has not been achieved and how to improve the effectiveness of the political dialogue? How significant for the Russia-Africa political dialogue are the value factor and solidarity in the struggle against neo-colonialism, for global equality and justice in world development?
12:15–13:45 Session 2. Economic Relations: Three Years’ Audit After the First Russia-Africa Summit
What are the results of implementation of the agreements achieved at the first Russia-Africa summit, including at the bilateral level? What has been implemented and what has not? What are the reasons for the shortcomings? What needs to be done to improve the effectiveness of Russian-African economic cooperation? What makes economic cooperation with Russia attractive for African countries? What are Russia’s comparative advantages in the context of parallel tracks of cooperation, such as China-Africa, Turkey-Africa, USA-Africa, and others?
14:45–16:15 Session 3. Culture, Education and Human Dimension: How to Bring Russia and Africa Closer to Each Other?
What is the potential for cooperation between Russia and African countries in the humanitarian sphere? What needs to be done to improve the effectiveness of contacts between people and societies in our countries? What is needed to promote Russia's image in African countries? What are the tasks and problems in teaching African students in Russia? What are the concerns of African diasporas in Russia?
16:30–18:30 Session 4. The Soviet Legacy in Africa: From the Past Into the Future (live broadcast: in Russian, in English, in French)
How significant is the Soviet legacy for cooperation with African countries today? Is the ideological and value potential of the Soviet struggle against colonialism and neo-colonialism preserved in modern conditions? What needs to be done by Russia and in what way does it fall short on the efficient use of the Soviet potential for cooperation with Africa? What do African alumni of Soviet and Russian universities expect from Russia?
