The XV Congress of the Eurasian Association of Universities was held at the Lomonosov Moscow State University
9 March 2023
On March 2, the XV Congress of the Eurasian Association of Universities was opened at the Lomonosov Moscow State University. The congress was attended by rectors and vice-rectors of higher educational institutions that are members of the Eurasian Association of Universities: from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and other countries of the post-Soviet space. Among the invited guests are delegations from the universities of Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro.
The main topics of discussion were the expansion of ties between universities in the Eurasian space, the exchange of skills on the interaction of universities with gifted students in the development of educational methods and the implementation of joint educational projects, including on the basis of Moscow State University. M. V. Lomonosov.
The work of the congress was opened by the President of the Eurasian Association of Universities, Rector of Moscow State University. M. V. Lomonosov V. A. Sadovnichiy. In his greeting, he emphasized the importance and authority of the event, which contributes to the strengthening of multilateral cooperation in a single space. The academician also announced the decision to join the Association of 26 new universities.
At the same time, statesmen in the field of education, science and international cooperation made statements.
Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Pankin said in his speech that today integration associations such as the EAEU are coming to the fore: “Since its inception, the union has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to overcome various kinds of challenges, largely due to joint work within the association and constructive and equal dialogue aimed at taking into account the interests of all Member States”. Pankin also noted important areas for Russia in 2023, including the strengthening of the technological sovereignty of the EAEU member states, the expansion of international contacts of the union, interaction in the field of digitalization, ensuring food and energy security, the formation of new transport and logistics chains and the development of the cultural and humanitarian component of the country’s relations, including the educational area.
The Chairman of the Committee on Science, Education and Culture of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Lilia Gumerova indicated that the Eurasian Association of Universities has become one of the most authoritative international organizations of the university community. According to her, Vietnam, India, Indonesia and a number of other countries are showing interest in the activities of the Association.
“The current situation in the world requires a very serious attitude to the processes that take place in educational systems,” said Mikhail Shvydkoy, representative of the President of the Russian Federation for international cultural cooperation, recalling the education reform as a constant subject of discussions and discussions since the Soviet years. He outlined the importance of the people at the head of the Eurasian Association, who are well aware of the processes that have taken place in the educational and scientific sphere over the past 30 years.
Konstantin Mogilevsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, noted the relevance of the format of cooperation. This confirms the interest of a wide range of event participants, rectors of Russian universities, representatives of the CIS countries and far abroad countries: “The Association makes a significant contribution to the development of a common Eurasian educational space and increasing the potential of universities in the EAEU countries for university education and science. The topics of scientific discussions are in the trend of the most popular areas of social sciences and have the prospect of development.”
The Eurasian Association of Universities arose in 1992 on the basis of the Association of Universities of the USSR. During its existence, 14 congresses were held in the capitals of the CIS countries. At present, the international organization unites 140 higher educational institutions of the Eurasian space.
Photo source: official website of Moscow State University. M. V. Lomonosov