The date was January 23, 2025, when the venerable halls of Lomonosov Moscow State University reverberated with the voices of intellects from around the world. The Faculty of Global Studies played host to an ambitious International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “Russia, Brazil and Africa: Strengthening Cooperation of the Global South.” Ever wonder how alliances of the intellect can craft answers to looming global threats and challenges? As Napoleon famously put it, “Imagination rules the world,” and here it was at work aiming to forge unity in diversity.
This eclectic convergence was orchestrated by an assembly of prestigious institutions: Lomonosov Moscow State University’s Faculty of Global Studies, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the Russian-African Network University, the Russian-African Club, and the illustrious International Club of Russian-Latin American Studies. A collaborative effort that sought not only to dissect the intricacies of international relations but to provide actionable solutions, captured the essence of what united these thinkers.
Bridges were built across continents, with over 110 scholars, including more than 90 international participants from 25 different nations and 20 Russian experts joining forces. Discussions spanned a plethora of critical issues such as resolving the crisis in global regulations, addressing monetary asymmetry, combating climate change, and navigating the turbulent waters of global developments. The atmosphere crackled with an intellectual charge, reminiscent of a bustling market square filled with the exchange of ideas instead of goods.
Kicking off the conference, Professor Ilya Ilyin, Dean of the Faculty of Global Studies, imparted a warm welcome to the delegation from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro led by Professor Roberto de Andrade Medroño. As he greeted attendees, representing an array of esteemed institutions, Professor Ilyin couldn’t help but extol the diligent efforts of the Russian-African Club at Moscow State University. He noted, “It’s astonishing how collective endeavors have magnified collaborations with our African counterparts.” The room, adorned with the enthusiasm of the guests, mirrored his sentiments.
Continuing the theme of synergy, Professor Medroño highlighted the flourishing partnership between Russia, Brazil, and Africa, not just within the BRICS framework, but with the broader Global South. His words brimmed with optimism about a future built on equality and mutual respect, away from the hegemonic shadows of Western domination. Isn’t that the ethos of any meaningful alliance?
Adding layers of historical insight, Professor Hisham Mohamed Abdelsalam, leading the Egyptian University of Distance Learning, spoke of the deep-rooted ties between Russia and Egypt. He emphasized Egypt’s drive to bolster educational frameworks across Africa contributing to a collective renaissance. In a nod to the past and future, the connections threaded through centuries instilled hope.
Professor Nadia Mzugi from the University of Carthage in Tunisia zeroed in on educational collaborations. Her narrative wove through international projects, seeing them as the keystone for expanding state and cultural bonds. Trailing the footsteps of tangible change, she shared, “These collaborations are scaffolds, supporting the edifice of comprehensive cooperation.”
The stirring narrative continued with Dr. Richard Silumbe from Zambia who underscored the enormity of global conundrums like climate change and epidemics, insisting that collective might is not just beneficial but necessary. Does it beg the question—how immense is the power when nations unite for common cause?
Eclipsing even the gravity of previous discourse was the perspective offered by Maxim Zalyvsky. As Head of the Project Office at the Russian-African Network University, he articulated that network-driven educational interaction stands as a beacon for international diplomacy—a potent, albeit complex tool crafted from shared academic and research aspirations.
Echoing the sentinel-like role of education, Prof. Hassen Mahmoudi from Algeria’s National School of Nanoscience stressed expertise cultivation tailored to Africa’s socio-economic ascent. With the right tools, can education carve pathways to prosperity? The answer seemed etchable in the resolve resonating within the conference room.
Vice Rector Prof. Papa Matar Ndiaye from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro signaled readiness for collaborations extending across health, energy, industry, and ecology—foundational pillars for enhancing life quality. Inviting participants to the upcoming BRICS Universities Forum, he left the air vibrating with anticipations of continued dialogues.
Sergey Belyaev, another luminary from Lomonosov MSU, took to the podium. Weaving narratives of humanitarian and cultural interchange with the Global South, he pointed out the subtle, yet powerful, role of spirituality and culture. Could alliances be nurtured through shared legacies and mutual quests?
Concluding the events, Ruslan Grebnev underscored the significance of a multipolar world where states pursue independent policies—emerging poles of power rooted in mutual interests. As Grebnev observed, “The very fabric of global studies is witnessing these transformations, marked by sovereign pursuits.”
The grand tapestry of knowledge was further enriched during the youth session. Known as the “Tribune of Young Scientists,” this session harvested seeds of youth-driven initiatives, like sprightly saplings among stately oaks. The youthful assemblage epitomized resilience, advocating future cooperation shaped by educational projects.
What remains is an indelible mark left by the conference—a fertile ground for nurturing international partnerships, fueled by the belief that through joint exploration and dialogue, societies inch closer to shared triumphs. As the curtains fall on this pioneering gathering, one anticipates the seeds sown will blossom into enduring collaborations across the trellis of the global South.
Views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Axadle Times.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
