Putin's speech at SPIEF 2025: what time is the start of the plenary session, topic
On Friday, June 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin will address the plenary session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), one of the country's largest economic events. The Head of State will touch upon the development of the Russian economy, international economic cooperation and adaptation to the challenges of a multipolar world. For more information about when and where it will be possible to see Vladimir Putin's speech at SPIEF 2025, see the Izvestia article.
The SPIEF Plenary session today, June 20
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is a large—scale event that brings together representatives of business, government, science and public organizations from different countries to discuss key economic issues and develop development strategies.
In 2025, the event will be held for the 28th time, from 18 to 21 June. The current SPIEF gathered about 20,000 participants from 140 countries and territories, which is 20% more than in 2024. The main venue of the forum has traditionally been the Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Center, located in the village of Shushary, about a 15-minute drive from Pulkovo International Airport.
The main theme of SPIEF 2025 - "Shared values are the foundation for growth in a multipolar world" — reflects Russia's desire to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between countries in the face of global change.
The forum program includes more than 200 sessions and events, united by five semantic blocks:
— "The global economy: a new platform for global growth." The block includes discussions on strengthening a multipolar world, expanding trade ties with friendly countries, reforming global economic institutions, restructuring supply chains, de-dollarization, and digital currencies for cross-border settlements.;
— "The Russian economy: a new quality of growth" — focuses on economic diversification, support for small and medium-sized businesses, development of national financial instruments (for example, the digital ruble), innovation potential, integration into the global economy and a strategy for attracting investments;
— "Man in the New World" — discussions on social transformations, human capital development, education, healthcare and digitalization of social services;
— Environment for Life — environmental agenda, sustainable development, green energy and climate initiatives;
— "Technologies: Striving for leadership" — the block is dedicated to breakthrough technologies, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, import substitution and the creation of national technological ecosystems.
The stand of the guest country, the Kingdom of Bahrain
Special attention is paid to the countries of the Global South — the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America. This year, the guest country of the SPIEF is the Kingdom of Bahrain, with which Russia is celebrating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
What time is Putin's speech at SPIEF 2025
The SPIEF 2025 plenary session with the participation of President Vladimir Putin will be held on June 20 in the morning. The exact start time of the meeting has not been officially announced.
Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the head of state's participation in the plenary session and noted that Putin was actively preparing for his speech.
Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov during an interview at the Izvestia studio at SPIEF 2025
In a comment to Izvestia on June 19, the president's press secretary said that this would be a lengthy speech that would assess the current stage of development of our economy, outline the prospects and the main directions in which, from the president's point of view, it should develop.
It will also contain an assessment of the entire international palette within which our economy exists. In addition to the president's speech, there will also be a plenary session, which is often no less interesting and harmoniously complements the president's speech, Peskov added.
Vladimir Putin at the SPIEF: main statements and discussions
In his speech, Vladimir Putin plans to focus on Russia's economic development, strengthening international economic cooperation and adapting to global challenges. It is also expected that the President will touch upon the issues of structural changes in the global economy, national projects and foreign economic policy in the main areas.
The SPIEF traditionally serves as a platform for key statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin reflecting the country's strategic development priorities and its position in the global economy. They were also heard in previous years.
At the 2022 forum, which took place amid a pandemic and global economic challenges, the president spoke about the need to adapt the economy to the new reality, develop the domestic market and support entrepreneurship. He stressed that Russia remains committed to openness and international cooperation, despite external pressure. The topic of strengthening infrastructure and technological development was discussed in the speech.
At the 2023 forum, Putin noted the need for a transition to a sovereign economy that not only responds to market challenges, but also generates demand. He emphasized the gradual abandonment of the oil needle and emphasized the growth of the real sector of the economy.
The President also highlighted the importance of resolving the issue of returning assets to Russian jurisdiction and suggested simplifying procedures for businesses moving to Russia. The topics of reducing nuclear weapons and the need for demilitarization of Ukraine were also touched upon.
In his speech in 2024, the head of state emphasized the need to form a multipolar world based on equality and respect for cultural diversity.
The President highlighted 10 key structural changes in the Russian economy that have become the basis for the country's further development. Among them are the growth of non—resource and non-energy industries, the digital platform revolution, increased labor productivity and the development of small and medium-sized businesses. Special attention was paid to the expansion of foreign economic relations with Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Measures to support IT companies, family mortgages, indexation of the minimum wage and pensions for working pensioners were also announced.
Many of these initiatives are being successfully implemented in 2025. In particular, there are tax incentives for IT companies with a rate of 5% until 2030, family mortgages are being expanded, and the minimum wage and pensions for working pensioners are being indexed. Starting in 2025, the minimum wage is at least 48% of the median salary (more than 22 thousand rubles) with a plan to increase to 35 thousand by 2030. The unemployment rate remains at a record low of about 2.3—2.6%, and real incomes of the population are actively growing. Technological renewal and robotization of industries remain important areas.: It is important for Russia to enter the top 25 countries in the world in terms of robot density.
Where to watch Putin's speech at the SPIEF on June 20
President Vladimir Putin's speech at the SPIEF 2025 plenary session will be broadcast on many Internet resources. The President's address will be available live on the official SPIEF website.
In addition, broadcasts of the president's speech will appear on the largest Russian news portals and TV channels covering the events of the economic forum. The Izvestia News Center website and other media outlets are among the leading platforms. Everyone will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the speech of the head of state and the key points of the SPIEF online.
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