ST. PETERSBURG, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) opened here Wednesday, gathering delegates from over 100 countries and regions.
The forum, themed "Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World," features more than 150 events, including panel discussions, roundtables, business breakfasts and televised debates. They will center on such topics as technology and digital transformation, demographics, education, healthcare and social security systems.
SPIEF's central event will be a plenary session on Friday, where Russian President Vladimir Putin will deliver a keynote address.
In a greeting message to participants and guests of the forum, Putin said that Russia consistently upholds the principles of independent development and respect for the cultural and civilizational identities of nations and peoples.
Together with its partners, especially within BRICS, Russia is always committed to building an effective system of equal and mutually beneficial international cooperation, Putin said.
First held in 1997, SPIEF has become one of Russia's most important international economic forums. ■
