Time to Act: Who Will Come Together at the II Global Digital Forum in Moscow – and Why

One of them is digital inequality, which threatens the future of a fair multipolar world. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also spoken about this issue: “The unipolar system of international relations that served a narrow group of countries is becoming a thing of the past. The balance of power is shifting toward new centers of growth in the Global South and East.”

For the second time, the forum in Moscow will bring together countries of the Global South. Representatives of the digital sector from more than 100 countries – ministers, advisers to heads of state, developers and experts – will discuss the responsible development of AI, access to digital services and the protection of human rights in the age of algorithms. Now more than ever, it is important to seek solutions that can help narrow the technology gap between countries while firmly preventing any attempts to monopolize advanced technologies. In essence, the Global Digital Forum is the voice of the Global South, and the whole world should hear it. Its central message is that the digital environment should serve the interests of all humanity.

Global Digital Forum 2026 will be part of the large-scale Digital Solutions IT forum, which traditionally takes place with the participation of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The organizers of the Global Digital Forum expect more than 50 VIP guests and 750 international experts. Eight thematic venues are being prepared for participants and guests at the spacious Mechta complex on the grounds of Gorky Park. The forum will offer opportunities not only to attend presentations but also to build new partnerships. This is particularly important for those shaping their digital agendas. The program includes 40 sessions divided into three main thematic tracks: “People and Technology,” “Digitalization and Industries,” and “Media and Creative Industries.”

The forum program places particular emphasis on the human role in the rapidly emerging digital environment.. Participants will discuss how to protect children online, how to teach AI to understand the languages and cultures of different peoples, and whether people will be able to preserve their unique identities in the age of algorithms. Another track focuses on the creative economy, media and video games.

The Global Digital Forum held in Russia in 2025 provided a strong evidence that the Global South is gaining strength, including in the digital sphere. According to a study by the Polylog consulting group, the first Global Digital Forum ranked among Russia’s five largest international events by the number of participating countries. Representatives of 114 countries took part. At GDF 2026, more than 50 IT companies will showcase their technologies. The forum is expected to produce practical results in the form of expanded international technology cooperation. Around 100 cooperation agreements are planned to be signed during the GDF.

So, Moscow, October 8–10, the II Global Digital Forum. Three days of intensive work, lively discussions and timely plenary sessions for everyone united by the desire to make the digital world safe and equitable for all.