On 16 February, over 200 participants from 11 countries including Africa and the Middle East came together for the Forum organized for the tenth time by RANEPA St. Petersburg Faculty of International Relations and Politics, this year with a key theme “Eurasian space in the current political reality. New challenges and opportunities”

Among participants were representatives of the Eurasian Economic Commission, IPA CIS, CSTO PA, Heads of St. Petersburg Government Committees, leading economists and political scientists, experts from MGIMO University, St. Petersburg State University and other educational institutions.

«This Forum is a platform for an open, active, meaningful dialogue between young people, leading scientists and business  leaders.

Students from International Relations and Political Science as well as Linguistics and Tourism joined the event. One of the main goals of the Forum is to connect people and that` s why we have brought together international experts and political scientists from the universities of the Eurasian region.»

Natalia Muyzinik, moderator, Dean of the Faculty of International Relations and Politics, RANEPA St. Petersburg

Participants addressed the current issues of the multilateral cooperation, politics and culture, international migration, security, creative industries and sustainable tourism in the Eurasian space as well as the Russian language as a tool for strengthening Russia’s position in the Middle East and Africa.

«The Russian language is the eighths most popular language in the world, when it comes to learning as well. Russian is becoming more popular every year in Africa, the Middle East, and Eurasia as a whole. And it’s important not to let this momentum drop, because the language itself is a soft-power tool.»

Elizaveta Petrova, Executive Director, «BRICS & SCO Innovative Diplomacy Center»

Our students shared their impressions:

«It is always interesting to learn how we communicate with our closest neighbors, what is the future development path. It’s extremely interesting to hear professional opinions, forecasts or research outcomes in this area.»

Sophia Yakovleva, third-year Bachelor student, Faculty of International Relations and Politics, RANEPA St. Petersburg

«Not so many events focused on current issues of international relations and new realities are offered today to young people. The Forum is organized by our Academy, so we can freely come, listen, and exchange opinions. … Such a high-level event provides also an excellent opportunity for students to make presentations.»

Zhanna Yandovskaya, third-year Bachelor student, Faculty of International Relations and Politics, RANEPA St. Petersburg