Robots, futurists and an Apple co-founder: Moscow prepares for BRICS Urban Future Forum
Moscow is set to host the third edition of the BRICS Urban Future Forum, bringing together over 320 international experts from government, business, science, and technology to discuss the future of megacities and urban transformation strategies through 2040.
The two-day forum, taking place on 17–18 September 2025, will focus on the theme “The Technological Framework of the City,” with a particular emphasis on robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence as the key drivers of economic and social transformation.
Robots and AI at the heart of urban change
Robotics already play a significant role in managing urban services, and their influence is expected to expand further in shaping cities of the future. Discussions will explore how automation and AI are redefining production, labor, and social systems worldwide.
Global thought leaders to share insights
Among the keynote speakers, Dr. Kate Barker, Chief Futurist of NEOM and advisor to the UAE government and Fortune 500 companies, will share her vision for cities where robots, artificial intelligence, and platform economies become fully integrated into everyday life. She will also highlight parallels between futuristic projects such as NEOM and challenges faced by megacities adapting to hybrid environments with robots, air taxis, and virtual services.
Economist Yanis Varoufakis will also address the forum, examining the concept of “techno-feudalism” and how machine learning algorithms are reshaping digital platforms. He will argue that the rise of these platforms enables owners to extract “cloud rent” from data use, creating “tech overlords” while turning users into “cloud serfs.”
Building on last year’s success
The 2024 edition attracted more than 13,000 participants and resulted in several international cooperation agreements. These included technology transfer partnerships between Russian firms and Egyptian counterparts, as well as strategic agreements signed by the Skolkovo Foundation with Dubai Chambers, Corporate Group, and Game Art Pioneers.
Strengthening global partnerships
This year, Moscow will once again serve as a hub for international dialogue, showcasing innovations and fostering collaboration across more than 35 countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. The forum aims to exchange best practices, strengthen partnerships, and develop strategies for smarter, more sustainable, and technologically advanced megacities of the future.
