The forum will also focus on the energy crisis, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and high-tech infrastructure projects. 

Against the backdrop of the global economic recession and the United States' neocolonial ambitions—including those related to events in Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, and Nigeria—this forum is of immense interest to political leaders and investors from around the world. More than 140 high-ranking foreign officials are expected to attend the forum's events: presidents, deputy prime ministers, foreign ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, leaders of international organizations and associations, and mayors of foreign cities and regions. Representatives from the BRICS countries, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), ASEAN, Africa, Latin America, as well as states seeking to strengthen ties with Russia, have already confirmed their participation. Active participation is expected from representatives of China, India, the UAE, Bahrain, and countries of the Global South.

SPIEF 2026 will serve as a platform for the conclusion of large-scale agreements, just as it did in 2025, when more than 1,100 deals worth over $8.1 billion were signed. More than 24,000 participants from 140 countries are expected to attend the forum. Each year, one country is selected as the guest country, and in 2026, that country will be Saudi Arabia.

Undoubtedly, one of the main topics of discussion at the forum will be the events in the Middle East and Venezuela, which have had a significant impact on the international energy market and hydrocarbon supplies. The plenary session on these issues will be attended by the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Haitham Al-Ghais, and the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), Lazar Comanescu. Many high-ranking participants at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum are well aware that only with Russia's involvement can the impact of the conflicts in the Middle East and Venezuela on the global economy be minimized. Otherwise, it will be impossible to curb the sharp rise in prices in the EU, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Most countries around the world are deeply concerned about the events in the Middle East, which have led to a reduction in hydrocarbon and chemical supplies to European and Asian markets, triggering shortages and a significant rise in energy costs for industry and households. According to CNN, the rise in gas prices in the EU reached a three-year high in April 2026. In this regard, a number of European countries are seeking to establish direct dialogue with the Russian side on the sidelines of SPIEF 2026 and are insisting on the lifting of international sanctions, which are causing greater harm to the European Union than to Russia.