The Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs took part in the 16th International Economic Forum Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum.
Grigory Karasin delivered a speech at the session of the 9th Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC member countries, held within the framework of the 16th International Economic Forum Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum in Kazan.
The session, titled The Role of New Technologies and Media: Will Artificial Intelligence Replace the Diplomatic Profession?, focused on the impact of emerging technologies on diplomacy and explored the future of digital diplomacy as an evolving field in international relations.
Grigory Karasin emphasised that while artificial intelligence (AI) cannot replace personal contact or direct interaction between politicians and diplomats, it will serve as a valuable tool for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. AI technologies, he noted, can significantly enhance the efficiency of information gathering, analysis, and real-time translation into multiple languages.
“Russia supports the advancement of AI technologies in countries that represent the global majority. We hope our nation’s experience in this field will attract strong interest from partners in the CIS, the EAEU, the SCO, BRICS, as well as in Asia, Africa, and Latin America,” the senator stated.
Grigory Karasin highlighted that Russia aims to develop joint projects with friendly nations in the field of artificial intelligence, founded on the principles of equal access to knowledge, technology, and scientific progress.
The session also addressed the role of new media in shaping a country’s image, ensuring the timely dissemination of accurate information, and fostering international communication in the digital era.
Grigory Karasin noted that, in light of the collective West’s increasing restrictions on traditional media, new media platforms and social networks often remain the only means for Western audiences to access balanced perspectives on global events.
“The advancement of artificial intelligence and the growing influence of new media signify more than just technological progress – they also broaden the space for freedom of expression, a value long championed by the West but quickly abandoned,” the senator noted. “In essence, these developments expand the arena of intellectual confrontation. However, we must not be under any illusions about the supposedly 'harmless' nature of these trends.”
“Russian diplomacy must continue to harness the potential of new media to bring the voice of reason to the global stage and foster dialogue among representatives of different nations,” Grigory Karasin concluded.
The senator also participated in a meeting of Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of foreign states accredited in Russia.