Plenary session with participation of ministers of culture and creative industries
Creative industries of the future. Global experience

august 26 / 10:00 – 11:45
Lumière Hall

According to Rosstat, the contribution of creative industries to Russia's GDP was 3.5% in 2023. Moscow occupies a leading position in the creative economy: according to HSE, in 2022, the contribution of Moscow's creative industries to the city's GRP was 9.1%. According to the city government, there are more than 108.5 thousand creative entrepreneurs working in the capital. In August 2024, Russia adopted the long-awaited law on creative industries, which will contribute to the development of this sphere, as well as the formation of a positive image of Russia abroad. This industry is actively integrating into the economy, shaping the country's international image, developing other areas of business, creating added value and helping the economy develop systematically.

In today's interconnected world, creative industries play a crucial role in accessing global information and opportunities at the local level. During the Plenary Session of the Moscow International Film Week, government representatives from Russia, South Africa India, Brazil, Nicaragua, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, Iran and Belarus will share their strategies for developing and supporting the creative sector. They will discuss key trends, unique challenges, and opportunities that could significantly influence their contribution to the global creative economy.

Countries are striving to balance preserving local identity with embracing international trends and innovations. Creating synergies between cultural hubs and creative agencies globally is vital for shaping a new creative economy capable of addressing contemporary challenges and meeting the demands of a global society.
In this session, you'll learn about the unique ways creative landscapes are forming in different countries and some impressive data points:
In this session, you'll learn about the unique ways creative landscapes are forming in different countries and some impressive data points:
  • How do Moscow's creative industries provide over 2 million jobs and contribute a significant percentage to the GRP, creating opportunities for startups, talented creators and opening large industrial clusters for entire industries?

  • How do legislative initiatives contribute to the development of the creative economy in Uzbekistan and can folk crafts become a real engine for the development of creative economies in both Uzbekistan and Belarus?
  • What helped films from Panama to become noticeable in Cannes, and musicians from Nicaragua to successfully promote their work throughout the world?

  • How is the rich cultural heritage of India, one of the key players in the creative technology sector on the global stage, reflected in new forms and formats of modern Indian cinema and gaming?

Moderator:
  • Ms Jane Markova
    Russian top manager, international expert in creative economies

Speakers:
  • Mr Alexey Fursin
    Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department of Culture of Moscow
  • Ms Arianne Benedetti
    Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Panama
  • Mr Evgeny Kochetov
    Vice Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan
  • Ms Peace Mabe
    Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture of the Republic of South Africa
  • Mr Rashad Azizov
    Head of the Creative Industries and Digital Development Department at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
    Rashad Azizov is an accomplished professional with a diverse background spanning law, digital development, and public policy. He holds a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence for Public Services from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, complemented by a JSD in Comparative Analyses of Legal Regulation of the Internet from Saint-Petersburg State University. In terms of scientific research, Rashad Azizov has contributed significantly to the field. His PhD dissertation focused on Legal Regulation: Informational Aspect in 2007. In 2017, his comparative research on Legal Regulation in the Internet was a notable contribution, followed by the publication of a monograph titled "Legal Regulation in the Internet: History, Theory, Comparative Studies" in 2021. Currently serving as the Head of the Creative Industries and Digital Development Department at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Rashad Azizov is deeply involved in shaping the digital landscape of his country. Prior to this, he held prominent roles as the Head of Innovation & Digital Development Department at the Ministry of Digital Development & Transport and as the Head of the European Approximation Division at the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Rashad Azizov has been recognized for his outstanding contributions with prestigious awards, including the Medal for Distinction in Public Service by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2015. He was also awarded the Certificate of Merit in the G-Cloud project of the Republic of Azerbaijan by the decree of the Minister of Transport, Communications, and High Technologies in 2019.
  • Mr Vikas Kharge
    IAS Additional Chief Secretary Government of Maharashtra (Cultural Affairs)
    Mr. Vikas Kharge holds a BE in Electronics and Telecommunications from the Government College of Engineering, Pune, and a Master’s in Governance and Development from IDS University of Sussex, UK. Currently, he serves as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and oversees the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra.
    Throughout his career, Mr. Kharage has held pivotal roles, including Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation and Principal Secretary of the Forest Department. His exemplary contributions to public service have earned him prestigious awards such as the Satyen Mitra National Award, the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award, and the Rajiv Gandhi Administrative Reforms Award.
    Notably, Mr. Kharage was instrumental in launching Maharashtra’s state song, "Jay Jay Maharashtra Maza Garja Maharashtra Maza," and has represented the state at international forums, including the COP 24 Climate Change Conference. His authorship of works on Panchayat Raj and environmental movements further underscores his commitment to governance and cultural preservation.

Front row speakers:
  • Ms Débora Evelyn Araújo da Silva
    Undersecretary for International Affairs, Secretariat of Culture of São Paulo
    Policy and International Advisor leading cultural cooperation for São Paulo. PhD candidate focused on global partnerships (USP-IHEID), working to shape the state's international impact.

  • Mr Fabricio Noronha Fernandes
    Secretary of Culture of Espírito Santo, President of the National Forum of State Secretaries and Cultural Leaders
    Graduated in Fine Arts from the Federal University of Espírito Santo, Fabricio Noronha is not only an artist and cultural producer but has also developed nationwide projects and products over the past 15 years in the fields of technology, education, and culture. He has interacted with art collectives, artists, researchers, cultural institutes, and universities. As the creator and coordinator of cultural projects, he has consistently collaborated with important Brazilian institutions.
  • Ms Idania Castillo
    Co-Director, National Cinematheque of Nicaragua
  • Mr Maratbek Asanaliev
    Deputy Director of the Department of Cinematography under the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic
  • Mr Asghar Farsi
    Deputy Head of the Department of Media and Virtual Sphere, Ministry of Culture of the Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Ms Irina Driga
    Head of the Cinematography Department of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus