Education and Science in the Era of Polycentricity Discussion Session Takes Place at the WYF

As part of the World Youth Festival, a panel discussion titled "Education and Science in the Era of Polycentricity" was held on Saturday, March 2nd.

Discussion participants explored how the interaction between global scientific communities is unfolding under new international conditions. 

The discussion was moderated by Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The event featured prominent participants from various countries, showcasing the international scope and the emphasis on collaboration across borders in the realm of education and science. The participants were: Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Wang Jin, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Shanghai International Studies University (China), Shrikanth Kondapalli, Dean of the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, William Anos Pallangyo, Rector of the Tanzanian Institute of Accountancy, Mohammad Reza Dehshiri, Director of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tawana Kupe, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Yan Cheng, Executive Director of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies at SISU University.

"Today, representatives from the largest universities took part in the discussion. The discussion focused on the importance of fostering network interactions between universities in a polycentric world, especially among countries representing the global majority. And here, there is already very good experience in developing bilateral cooperation. However, the emphasis is on advancing multilateral network interactions, as each of these universities has its own merits and achievements, and they are ready to share them, each in its own field," said Anatoly Torkunov. 

He added that discussions were also held with Chinese colleagues on implementing a professional development program for MGIMO lawyers in various aspects of Chinese law. 

"Now, as it seems to me, it is necessary to purposefully conduct this type of interaction. When we understand that there is a specific need for acquiring such competencies, it is necessary to coordinate with colleagues about it," clarified Anatoly Torkunov. 

According to him, collaboration with other educational institutions can only enrich the practice of even large classical universities.

He also added that MGIMO is implementing an entire block of network programs, including those on "Economics of Impressions", creative industries, a digital program block with Sberbank, and many others. 

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The World Youth Festival is taking place at the Sirius Federal Territory from March 1 to 7, 2024, as per the decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at fostering international youth cooperation.

The Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) is the organizer of the World Youth Festival, with the Directorate of the World Youth Festival serving as the operator for WYF-2024.