Andrey Milekhin: “Demography is a core issue that changes the whole world”

“Time to live in Russia” - a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum brought together world experts in the field of sociology, economics, and culture. 

The following people shared their vision of overcoming demographic challenges: Vice-President of the Franco-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jerome Clausen, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia Robert Agee, Head of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation Evgeniy Primakov, stage director, artistic director of the Talent and Success Educational Foundation Hans-Joachim Frei and others.

Experts noted the growing interest of foreigners in Russia. Over the past year, the number of labor migrants has increased almost one and a half times. Moreover, Russia is chosen not only by citizens of friendly countries, but also by representatives of the West.

Andrey Milekhin, President of ROMIR, speaking at the session, emphasized the importance of the demographic issue in the modern world:

“Thanks to projects such as Horizon 2040, we collect and summarize global experience. Russia's greatest potential is bright, smart, thinking people. This is our main asset. We see how some countries are facing a demographic crisis, while others, on the contrary, are experiencing rapid population growth. Under these conditions, migration—not only labor migration, but also value-based, intellectual, and student migration—takes on special significance.”

Andrey Milekhin noted the importance of working with youth, developing education and promoting the Russian language and culture as factors contributing to strengthening Russia’s position in the world.

“We need to work not only on legislation and infrastructure, but also on children, education, and the Russian language,” he emphasized. “We must offer the world a common future based on our values ​​and ideals.”

The session participants agreed that Russia has enormous potential to attract talented and motivated people from all over the world. This is precisely the key to the successful development of the country in the 21st century.