Global Mind Symposium Ekaterinburg, 11 July 2013
250 73
participants countries
The Global Mind Symposium took place in Ekaterinburg on 11 July 2013. Organised and hosted by Ekaterinburg Expo 2020, the committee seeking the right to host the World Expo in Ekaterinburg in 2020, the Symposium was designed to define the theme of Ekaterinburg 2020: globalization and its impact on society.
«Russia has a crucial role to play in the new world order», Dominique de Villepin explained. «And Ekaterinburg is the symbol of the new globalization that is beginning. Expo 2020 will be, I hope, a turning point for the city and the region. Ekaterinburg has a vision for the future».
A broad programme of plenary speeches and panel discussions enabled an open dialogue about our shared future, and also about the unique experiences of different peoples, their values and their development. Reflecting a diversity of opinions and backgrounds, speakers included Founder of Grameen Bank and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus; former Prime Minister of France Dominique de Villepin; and Founder of Third World Centre for Water management Asit Biswas. The Global Mind Symposium was held as part of Ekaterinburg’s efforts to initiate a worldwide discussion on the influence of globalization. This was the inaugural edition of what promises to be an annual forum in Ekaterinburg.
In the event that Ekaterinburg wins the right to host World Expo in 2020, Ekaterinburg Expo 2020 will continue exploring the effects of globalization through the lens of the Global Mind and its five sub-themes: innovation, culture, economics, society and quality of life.
More than 250 participants from 73 countries attended the event, including a strong delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions, the Paris-based organization responsible for the World Expo movement. Delegates, speakers and panelists included leaders, visionaries and experts in innovation, information, education, technology, media, sports and culture. Evgeniy Kuyvashev, Governor of Sverdlovsk Region commented on the Symposium theme and explained why Russia is focused on hosting the World Expo in 2020: «In recent decades Russia has opened its doors and is increasingly integrating itself in the global community. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Ekaterinburg’s rapid transformation is a prime illustration of how the country has embraced globalization. Ekaterinburg has become one of our most important scientific and educational centres. Our unique and vibrant city truly captures the spirit of modern Russia − we are proud today to host this global conversation and we are hopeful that we can continue this through collaborative events, and ultimately, by being awarded the honour of hosting World Expo in 2020» . One of the outcomes of the Global Mind Symposium was the unanimous conclusion that everyone, everywhere, from all walks of life, has a part of play in shaping our future and managing the process of globalization towards a more sustainable future.
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Russia’s Bid for World Expo 2020 is a natural extension of the country’s important international position, and demonstrates its strong desire to further engage with the international community. This year, Russia holds the presidency of the G20 and hosts several major events, including the World Athletics Championships in Moscow, the 27th Summer Universiade & International Trade Fair EURO-ASIA EXPO in Kazan, and the G20 Summit in Saint Petersburg. In 2014, Russia will host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi; and in 2018, the country will host the FIFA World Cup.