On March 5, 2025, Moscow played host to the 'Forum in a Big City', which brought together over 90 experts from sports, culture, media, and business to discuss the importance of digital content creation and audience engagement. The forum, organized by VKontakte, drew 1,500 attendees and was streamed to 7.5 million online viewers, showcasing its significant impact.
Among the prominent figures present were Maria Zakharova, the Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; Ekaterina Mizulina, Director of the Safe Internet League; and blogger Ida Galich, who is known for her significant following and media influence. They participated alongside other notable personalities, including Yulia Menshova and Rosa Syabitova, contributing to discussions on contemporary media practices.
The event featured lectures, panel discussions, and master classes on pressing topics such as the historical impact of technology on art, media literacy, and the creation of popular content. During these sessions, experts shared their insights on how digital platforms could be utilized responsibly and effectively to engage audiences.
Ida Galich emphasized the role of women in content creation, stating, "Let's choose what we watch and what we produce, remembering we have a new generation growing up." Her comments highlighted the responsibility creators have toward their audiences, particularly young ones absorbing information from various digital sources.
Another significant discussion revolved around cultural codes and the influence of technology on art, highlighted during the session 'From Silk to Digital Content'. Milena Orlova, editor-in-chief of The Art Newspaper Russia, remarked, "Many artists are concerned about the development of artificial intelligence, but I look at it philosophically... Modern technologies are not dangerous; they just require assimilation.” This sentiment encourages creatives to adapt rather than resist changes brought by technological advancements.
Olga Sviblova, an art historian, added to the conversation by stating, "There is nothing scary about watching ballets on your phone, even though nothing can replace the theater." This perspective reveals the need for traditional art forms to evolve and embrace digital formats, allowing audiences to experience them through new mediums.
The forum didn't shy away from addressing gender dynamics and intuition. Television presenter Anfisa Chekhova spoke passionately about intuition, calling it her "voice of the soul" and urging attendees to recognize its value beyond being merely feminine. Her belief is rooted in the need to appreciate emotional intelligence, which is often overlooked, especially by men focused on material achievements.
The program culminated with the special session titled 'What Women Want'. This segment featured prominent figures such as Hero of Russia and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov, designer Artemy Lebedev, figure skater and choreographer Ilya Averbukh, and showman Denis Dorokhov. Moderated by television presenter Yulia Baranovskaya, this session underscored not just women's aspirations but also the male perspective toward these dialogues.
"This event has become more than just a discussion platform; it is a space for inspiration and mutual support... strong, talented women whose ideas and achievements shape the future," remarked the forum's organizers. This statement encapsulated the essence of the event, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and professional collaboration among attendees.
The 'Forum in a Big City' successfully served as not only a gathering of influential voices but also as fertile ground for inspiring conversation and action. With the convergence of media celebrities, business leaders, and creatives, the forum stands as a significant milestone for discussing the ever-evolving digital age's impact on culture and society.