XI MIFEF Discussed the Role of the "Economy of Trust" in Shaping the New World Order
On November 27, 2025, as part of the XI Moscow International Financial and Economic Forum "Building Bridges: Partnership without Borders", the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs hosted the session "Humanitarian Dialogue (Economy of Trust): on the Path to Building a Sustainable World Order".
The session was opened by Sergey Korotkov, Advisor to the President of FBA EAC, who moderated the discussion. He outlined the primary objective of the session: "This is an exchange of opinions on how cultural exchange and mutual understanding between partners from various countries can contribute to interaction and the advancement of relations in all spheres of human activity." The moderator emphasized the importance of focusing on environmental issues, political dialogue in accordance with the principles of the United Nations, as well as cultural factors, including dialogues and cooperation in ecology, sports, and cultural exchanges.
Vladimir Alentsin, Chairman of the Foundation for the Rational Use of Natural Resources, presented various environmental charity programs that address specific environmental challenges. These initiatives involve businesses in sustainable development practices and social responsibility.
Ninel Senyuk, Associate Professor at the Department of International Relations of the Faculty of World Economy and World Politics at HSE University, discussed the practical role of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO CIIC) as a facilitator of technological partnership, particularly within the BRICS framework. She cited the establishment of the BRICS Technology Transfer Center in China in 2017 as a specific institutional outcome, whose status was formalized in key documents of the association.
Dmitry Vaskov, Deputy Minister of International and Foreign Economic Relations of the Sverdlovsk Region, shared the region's contribution to humanitarian cooperation. The Sverdlovsk Region participates in international projects, exporting not only resources but also technologies, alongside cultural initiatives.
Amirreza Nikpour, Director of the Iran Trade Center in Moscow, emphasized trust as a tangible economic asset that significantly reduces transaction costs in conditions of sanctions and uncertainty. Using Russian-Iranian cooperation as an example, he noted that profound differences in business cultures remain a key barrier to communication: for Russian partners, a detailed contract is crucial, while for Iranian partners, personal relationships and the flexibility of agreements are important. As a proposed solution, Nikpour advocated for systematic work on creating dialogue platforms and developing intercultural competence among managers.
Svetlana Kaidarova, Chairman of the Tula Club of Women Entrepreneurs, highlighted the role of women's entrepreneurship as a driver of socio-economic development. Despite the dynamic growth and inherent advantages of women entrepreneurs, such as negotiation skills and a focus on the common good, key barriers persist: a lack of start-up capital, knowledge, and self-doubt. Kaidarova suggested the creation and support of women's business communities, especially in regions. She emphasized that the ultimate goal is to form an influential global movement whose voice will be considered at all levels of government.
Diana Mashtakeeva, General Director of the Association of Financial-Market Participants “Council for Professional Qualifications of the Financial Market” of the Audit Commission of FBA EAC, emphasized the importance of harmonizing approaches to assessing the competencies of specialists in modern economic realities.
Marco Fernandez, member of the BRICS Civic Council and editor of the Wenhua Zongheng International magazine, articulated a civic position on BRICS development based on the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereign equality. He noted that such a framework allows for the construction of a multipolar dialogue, and the expert community ensures that this agenda is aligned with real needs.
Viktor Merkulov expanded on the topic of strategic investment in the future, presenting the All-Russian project "Film Lessons in schools of Russia and the world" as a practical implementation of the Presidential Decree on traditional values. The project's mission is to educate a generation of graduates with an established system of ethical qualities by 2030-2040. According to Merkulov, inaction in the field of education leads to economic stagnation, while investment in human capital is a prerequisite for the growth of a competitive economy. He called on businesses to form an international alliance of strategic investors in this area.
Mesbahur Rahman, Secretary General of the International Youth Federation of Bangladesh, underscored the complementarity of economies, presenting organized labor migration as a solution to the systemic personnel shortage in Russia. He recalled the deep historical ties between the countries and positioned Bangladesh as a strategic partner: a country with a population of over 170 million, an average age of 27, and a vast reserve of young workers, ready to provide qualified specialists to key sectors of the Russian economy — industry, construction, transport, and agriculture.
The session participants — representatives of business, government, science, and international organizations — endorsed the concept of an "economy of trust" as a fundamental foundation for sustainable development.