On October 5, MRSU hosted the «Russia-Africa» conference, centered around the activities of the Russia-Africa Youth Alliance. The event focused on fostering cooperation, dialogue, and potential youth-led projects that would strengthen ties between Russia and African nations.
The conference opened with a welcoming address fr om Sergey Belokonev, Director of the Institute of Global Studies at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation and a member of the State Council’s «Science» Commission. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two regions, especially among young people, to build a future of mutual understanding and shared goals.
Anastasia Vilkova, the coordinator of the Russia-Africa Youth Alliance, presented the work of the alliance, highlighting its role in promoting cultural exchange and collaborative projects between Russia and Africa. The presentation laid out the core objectives of the alliance, which include supporting youth-led initiatives aimed at enhancing communication, cultural appreciation, and academic collaboration between the two regions.
Leonid Yemelyanov, head of the Phygital Sports Organizing Committee at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, delivered a speech on the significance of political and economic research in African countries. His presentation underscored the growing importance of understanding Africa’s evolving political landscape and the opportunities this presents for future partnerships in various sectors.
Alexander Serebrennikov, head of the analytics department at the JUMBO Intercultural Studies Club, shared insights on the organization’s experience with creating a student intercultural club. He discussed the challenges and rewards of fostering a multicultural environment wh ere students from different backgrounds can interact, learn, and grow together.
The key objective of the conference was to address the adaptation of African students to the Russian academic and cultural environment. The organizers stressed the importance of creating systems that facilitate successful integration, with an eye toward ensuring long-term cooperation between students from Africa and their Russian counterparts. Over 150 students from African nations are currently enrolled at Ogarev Mordovia State University, a number that continues to grow, making such forums vital for providing information about university life, academic programs, and cultural immersion.
Looking ahead, the university plans to establish a Center for African Culture, which will serve as a hub for cultural exchange and research. Scientific collaboration between Russia and African countries is already well-established in fields such as energy, water supply, materials science, and information technology. For instance, the university is working on hydrogen energy projects in partnership with the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), collaborating with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport on joint energy programs, and running information technology projects with Minufiya University (Egypt), along with material science research with Egypt’s National Research Centre.
Future plans also include expanding the African student community at the university and continuing to enhance cultural and academic integration efforts. By participating in joint research projects, technology development, and cultural immersion programs, students will not only better adapt to life in Russia but also develop a deeper appreciation for the country, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration in the years to come.