Valdai

Valday, also transliterated as Valdai, can refer to several related places and institutions in northwestern Russia. The town of Valday is located in Novgorod Oblast and serves as the administrative center of Valdaysky District. It sits in the Valday Hills on the shore of Lake Valdayskoye, in a region characterized by forests, lakes, and rivers that attract nature tourism. The local economy traditionally includes timber, light industry, and services for visitors.

The Valday Hills, or Valdayskie khreby, is a limestone upland region surrounding the town. This highland forms part of the East European Plain and is noted for its glacially carved relief, numerous lakes, and protected natural areas. The area is popular for outdoor recreation, including hiking and boating, and has a long-standing association with regional heritage.

Valdai International Discussion Club is an annual forum held near Valday since 2004. It brings together Russian and international policymakers, scholars, journalists, and business figures to discuss international affairs. The club operates as a non-governmental venue for dialogue and publishes transcripts and analyses of its discussions, rather than serving as a formal government body.