Josh Weiner
In 2024, the international calendar is punctuated with significant political and economic events involving representatives from various countries. Prominent among these is the “Spiritual Leadership and Creative Economy” forum, slated to be held in Grozny. This city, known for its rich history and as a symbol of the profound transformations within modern Russia, presents a fitting backdrop for this distinguished gathering.
Initiated by the BRICS Cultural Media Forum (BCMF), the forum aims to herald a new era for humanity, taking into account the specific timing, locale, and global context of the assembly. This event is set against a backdrop of increasing global challenges, including radical extremism and terrorism, which are prompting significant geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts.
The year 2024 is marked by a series of notable international events: the UN “Summit of the Future,” the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, and the “Eurasian Women’s Forum” in St. Petersburg. Concurrently, Russia will preside over the Commonwealth of Independent States and BRICS, with its BRICS chairmanship encapsulated by the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security.” The expansion of BRICS to include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Iran significantly enhances the dialogue within the Islamic world and underscores the increasing importance of these nations in global forums.
The Grozny forum will focus on the nexus between spiritual values and the economic paradigms shaping the future world economy, emphasizing creativity and intellectual innovation. The significance of this event is amplified by the growing influence of Islamic states on the global stage, making it a critical platform for fostering international collaboration.
There is also a renewed momentum to re-establish the Russian-Islamic Fund for Reconstruction and Development, initially founded in 2005. This fund could drive significant economic and cultural projects, aptly responding to the rapid changes observed globally. Historically, systems with a robust spiritual foundation have exhibited remarkable stability across centuries.
This period of transformation brings to light the evolving concept of “World Identities” within political science. This distinction categorizes weak “clubs,” such as various ideological orders including the UN and NATO, against strong “networks” characterized by religious and ethnocultural bonds, prominently exemplified by the Islamic world.
Reinvigorating the Russian-Islamic Fund could also contribute to addressing the “Global Aggregate Debt,” which exceeds 300 trillion US dollars. This initiative aligns with proposals by the “Sofia Club” to reduce global debt and prevent conflicts that exacerbate macroeconomic instabilities.
Further, the forum may introduce proposals for annual gatherings like the “Global Innovative Cooperation” across Islamic, CIS, and SCO countries, and the “World Educational Forum.” These initiatives aim to showcase that authentic Islam advocates for education and peace, challenging prevalent misconceptions and promoting a global educational alliance.
The Chechen Republic’s stature enables it to spearhead ambitious global initiatives, potentially establishing it as a “Creative Hub” that harmonizes various historical and cultural narratives. The proposed “From Pole to Pole” international program in 2025 could symbolically unite Islamic states, CIS countries, and SCO countries through a series of marathons and races, culminating near Mount Everest, thus promoting unity and resilience.
Overall, the “Spiritual Leadership and Creative Economy” forum in Grozny represents a significant convergence of spiritual heritage and economic foresight, setting the stage for collaborative advancements that could reshape global civilizational dialogues.
