Experts and representatives fr om government, business, and civil society organizations agreed that today’s demographic and educational challenges require a systemic partnership involving the state, technology companies, educational institutions, and families. This very type of cross-institutional dialogue shaped the agenda for key forum sessions focused on the digital environment and the future of the younger generation.
A Digital Childhood: Who Bears the Responsibility?
One of the most discussed topics within the social track was the roundtable titled "Digital Children: Who Is Responsible for You?" organized by the Center for Global IT Cooperation. The discussion brought together representatives from government, tech corporations, the media industry, and civil society organizations to jointly seek answers to pressing questions regarding modern online risks facing children and adolescents. Key areas of focus included cyberbullying, interactions between minors and strangers, personal data leaks, and the general vulnerability of the younger generation in the digital environment.
Participants discussed in detail the distribution of responsibility among the state, technology companies, educational institutions, parents, and the digital platforms themselves—the channels through which children consume content and communicate today. Participants in the roundtable included Tatyana Matveeva, Head of the Presidential Directorate for the Development of Information and Communication Technologies and Communications Infrastructure; Elizaveta Belyakova, Chair of the Alliance for the Protection of Children in the Digital Environment; Rustam Khaibullov, Vice President for Strategic Projects at VK; Nina Fedorova, Deputy Director of the Center for Global IT Cooperation; Aydam Amenya Awo, Executive Director of Child Online Africa; Maria Zalunina, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at National Media Group; Alexey Borodin, Director General of the Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications; as well as representatives from Yandex, Kaspersky, and Gazprom-Media Holding.
Speaking at the session, Andrey Tsyper, Executive Director for Media at Rambler & Co, highlighted the systemic issue of digital literacy. "Despite high internet penetration rates today, we still face a lack of digital literacy among both children and adults. Rambler & Co strives to draw public attention to these issues and implements numerous educational projects—including those supported by the Institute of Internet Development—aimed at preventing potential fraud," he emphasized.
The international dimension of the issue emerged as a key topic during the discussion. The participation of Aydam Amenya Awo, Executive Director of Child Online Africa, facilitated a discussion on global best practices for protecting children in the digital environment and explored opportunities for Russian-African cooperation in this field. This is particularly significant given Russia's growing focus on partnerships with Global South nations, wh ere the challenges surrounding children's digital socialization are equally pressing. Putting People at the Heart of Technological Change
A key takeaway from all sessions within the social and technological tracks of SPIEF 2026 was the recognition that technology should not be an end in itself. People and their interests must remain at the center of all innovations—whether it involves the digitalization of education, the integration of AI into healthcare, or the development of new media platforms.
Specialized projects were launched at the forum to integrate the younger generation into the digital and media landscape. The "Tochka Junior" initiative brought together proactive, strategically minded teenagers aged 14–17, creating a unified communication environment across key discussion venues.
Forum participants acknowledged that demographic, educational, and social challenges act as direct constraints on the economy, necessitating the accelerated adoption of proven, effective solutions. Measurable progress has already been achieved: the total fertility rate has risen in 18 regions, the number of students taking the Unified State Exam (EGE) in physics is increasing, and the financial inclusion index has reached 55 points. However, the scale of accumulated imbalances calls for a systemic partnership involving the state, business, universities, and families, with each stakeholder bearing a share of responsibility for the future of the younger generation.
This very approach—a pragmatic dialogue involving all stakeholders—served as the central theme of the SPIEF 2026 social and technological tracks. It reaffirmed that a sustainable future is possible only when technological progress serves human interests and protects the most vulnerable segments of society, particularly children.
Photo: Roscongress