-The center explores cooperation with the Valdai Discussion Club, particularly in expert exchange

-TRENDS’ Russia Office discusses research projects with the Russian Presidential Academy

TRENDS Research & Advisory, through its Russia Office, participated in the open dialogue sessions recently held by The National Center RUSSIA in Moscow under the theme “The Future of the World: New Platform for Global Growth”.

The discussions focused on the challenges facing the global economy and the need to build a fair and democratic world order based on genuine equality. Participants also addressed the development of new initiatives and recommendations to ensure sustainable economic growth amid ongoing global shifts.

Representing TRENDS at the dialogue were Fahad Al-Mahri, Head of TRENDS Dubai Sector, and Dr. Mohamed Rashwan, Advisor at TRENDS Dubai and Director of the Russia Office. The event gathered prominent international experts and economists from 100 countries, who discussed urgent issues on the global economic agenda and proposed innovative solutions to advance sustainable development. The dialogue highlighted the importance of innovation and international cooperation as essential tools for global progress.

Human Capital

Speaking about TRENDS’ participation in the open dialogue and the assessment sessions of the research papers presented at the event, Fahad Al-Mahri, Head of TRENDS Dubai Sector, emphasized that the discussions focused on a topic of utmost importance for any nation aspiring to progress and sustainability: investment in human capital.

He noted that the papers reviewed by the committee explored approaches and tools for attracting investment in human capital, the role of values and traditions in preserving human dignity, as well as the impact of artificial intelligence and training on the future labor market.

Investing in the Future

Al-Mahri affirmed that a country’s true wealth is no longer measured by its natural resources, but by how effectively it invests in its people through education, training, and healthcare. He stressed that humans are the foundation of development, and that investing in people is, in essence, an investment in building a strong and advanced future.

He added that the research papers submitted to the assessment committee were rich in content and addressed key areas such as modern education, vocational training, and balancing technical skills with soft skills. Al-Mahri concluded that investing in people remains the true key to achieving sustainable development.

Foundations of Societies

In the same context, Fahad Al-Mahri, Head of TRENDS Dubai Sector, participated in a press conference held on the sidelines of the center’s contribution to the open dialogue sessions. He explained that human capital refers to the economic value individuals possess through their skills, experience, education, health, and personal capabilities. Human capital is considered one of the most vital assets of organizations and societies, as it directly contributes to increased productivity and economic growth.

The TRENDS team also held discussions with a number of experts and economists during the open dialogue sessions to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnerships in the field of economic research and studies, as well as active participation in the conferences and forums organized by the center. Among the prominent figures the team engaged with was H.E. Adel Abdul Mahdi, former Vice President and Prime Minister of Iraq.

Valdai Discussion Club

Meanwhiel, TRENDS, through its Russia Office, met with Andrey Bystritskiy, Chairman the Valdai Discussion Club, to explore avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly expert exchange and benefiting from the Club’s extensive experience as a global platform bringing together thinkers, academics, and researchers from around the world.

TRENDS also discussed a number of joint research and academic projects with officials from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), in addition to exploring ways to enhance cooperation in training and advisory services. The discussions took place at the TRENDS office in Moscow.