Finding Solutions for Sustainable Development: UNIDO Centre at SPIEF 2026
June 05, 2026
The UNIDO Centre in the Russian Federation participated in the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026), which has traditionally become one of the largest international platforms for discussing economic development, industrial policy, technological transformation, and international cooperation. In 2026, SPIEF brought together over 24,500 participants from 142 countries, confirming its status as one of the leading platforms for discussing economic issues, industrial development, technology, and international cooperation.
As part of the business program, Igor Kozhin, Head of the UNIDO Centre, attended a series of thematic sessions devoted to industrial development, technological leadership, digital transformation of the economy, the implementation of artificial intelligence, sustainable development of production systems, and the expansion of international economic cooperation. The discussions focused on identifying new growth drivers, developing innovative infrastructure, improving the efficiency of production processes, and strengthening technological potential. Participation in the forum’s events allowed participants to learn about current trends in industrial modernization, discuss promising areas of cooperation, and exchange experiences with representatives of government agencies, business, the scientific community, and international organizations.
A key event of the forum was the plenary session with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussion addressed key issues related to the development of the Russian and global economies, international partnerships, technological progress, human capital development, and the development of new approaches to ensuring sustainable economic growth.
The forum’s exhibition program also generated considerable interest, presenting cutting-edge domestic and international developments in industry, energy, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, transportation, and sustainable development. The exhibits showcased modern technological solutions aimed at improving production efficiency, developing innovative infrastructure, and implementing environmentally friendly approaches in various sectors of the economy. Visiting the exhibition areas allowed participants to learn about the latest achievements of companies and organizations and discuss prospects for their practical application and scalability.
Some of the forum’s most notable exhibits were modern robotic systems and artificial intelligence-based solutions. Humanoid robots, autonomous service systems, and intelligent manufacturing technologies demonstrated how innovation is changing approaches to work organization, human-machine interaction, and industrial development. This focus on robotics reflects the global trend toward integrating advanced technologies into economics and manufacturing.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum remains an important platform for finding new solutions in industrial development, establishing business contacts, exchanging best practices, and developing approaches to addressing pressing economic and technological challenges. Participation in the forum facilitates the expansion of professional interactions with Russian and international partners and the identification of new opportunities for implementing joint initiatives in sustainable industrial development.
