[COLUMNIST] Russia and Islamic world’s promising shared future

Following the 16th BRICS+ Summit in Kazan (October 22–24, 2024), Russia hosted another landmark event, the Inventing the Future Symposium in Moscow (November 4–6, 2024), “a platform for a comprehensive dialogue on the future of the world.

Organized by the newly established National Centre RUSSIA Centre under the directive of President Vladimir Putin, this symposium brought together representatives of government and business, thought leaders, intellectuals, and visionaries to collaboratively envision a path toward a future shaped by the worldviews of our respective civilizations rather than determined by a select powerful few.

As one of the panel speakers, I witnessed Russia’s earnest effort to redefine global discourse compellingly. Their hospitality and commitment to fostering dialogue were exemplary, creating a platform for diverse voices from across civilizations.

This symposium was not just an event but a testament to Russia’s emerging role as a leader in civilizational discourse, offering further signs of a promising shared future between Russia and the Islamic World. Thus the efforts of the Director-General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova and her team deserve to be commended.

Russia’s Inventing the Future Symposium stands out for its imaginative approach to addressing global challenges. Rather than adhering to fragmented megatrends, it invited participants to think beyond disciplinary boundaries, embracing diverse possibilities.

Three critical lessons from the Russian approach via this Symposium merit attention:

1. Philosophy of the Future: Recognizing the need to articulate a philosophy of the future as its centrepiece Plenary Discussion shows that one is transparent and receptive to various philosophies and multi-dimensional perspectives of envisioning the future.

2. Truly Inclusive Platforms: Russia has shown how to bring together thinkers from different generations and various nations and civilizations, encouraging mutual learning and collaboration.

3. Preservation of Diversity: Acknowledging the plurality of worldviews as a strength, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all framework for progress, and by doing so it resists the homogenization of global discourse. President Vladimir Putin’s opening remarks encapsulated this ethos. Their call for an independent vision of the future resonates strongly with the Islamic world, which also cherishes its distinct worldview and civilization.

The symposium reveals various areas of philosophical and practical alignment between Russia and the Islamic world. Both civilizations share a commitment to traditional values, cultural refinement, and a more holistic conception of advancement, offering a counter-narrative to the Western liberal order and reductionist visions of the future.

1. What and How We Learn

In light of contemporary debates revolving around the rise of Artificial Intelligence, the Russian intellectual tradition, informed by Plato, Orthodox Christianity, and its literary greats, can offer profound insights with representatives of the Islamic intellectual tradition. The shared contemplations on metaphysics, human intelligence, ethics, and the reality of civilizations can inform a joint and more balanced vision for the future.

2. Experience of the Past in the Contours of the Future

Both civilizations prioritize balanced living and spiritual fulfilment over materialism. In a world increasingly dominated by consumerism and technocracy, this shared emphasis on balance and happiness offers an alternative development model.

3. Preservation of Traditional Values

Russia’s focus on safeguarding the family unit, community cohesion, and moral principles echoes Islamic teachings. Both civilizations recognize the need to anchor modernity in tradition, ensuring that technological and economic advancements serve humanity rather than erode its foundations.

The symposium also demonstrates the importance of balancing the fields of Humanities and STEM. Russia’s commitment to this balance, exemplified by institutions like the Russian Academy of Sciences (which also houses the Institute of Philosophy), resonates with Islamic Civilization, which advocates for the unity of such branches of knowledge. This holistic approach ensures that technological innovation is guided by moral and spiritual considerations.

Fortunately, there is already a prior building block between the two worlds when in 2001 the Russian Academy of Science through its Institute of Philosophy honoured the Royal Laureate Professor Dr Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas in a Special Presentation to the Academicians, and published a full translation of his ground-breaking Prolegomena to the Metaphysics of Islam into Russian (“Vveoenie V Metafizikv Islama: izlozhenie osnovopolagaiu - shchih elementov Musulmanskogo mirovozzreniia”).

The Inventing the Future Symposium showcased the potential for deeper collaboration between Russia and the Islamic world – beyond merely economic considerations and political expediency. Our shared values, commitment to sovereignty, and resistance to homogenizing forces position us as key architects of a more balanced and equitable global order.

The dialogue initiated at the Inventing the Future Symposium must continue.

** Dr Muhammad Syafiq Borhannuddin, Fellow & Special Officer for International Affairs to the Director-General of IKIM ** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.