3 September 2016
September 1st–2nd, the first Russia — ASEAN University Forum unfolded in Vladivostok, in the framework of the Eastern Economic Forum. Over 150 government officials, rectors, academics and experts from Russian and ASEAN universities came together to share their experiences and to explore paths for collaboration. The forum was organized by MGIMO and the Far Eastern Federal University with the support of Russia's Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Education as well as the Roscongress foundation.
The first day of the forum consisted in panel discussions devoted to a myriad of topics including the development of cooperation between universities in the spheres of research, education and innovation. Mohamed Jawhar, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the ASEAN Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Malaysia), moderated a panel on Regional security and remarked that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Russian-ASEAN dialogue partnership and that an action-plan was elaborated in Sochi to reinforce cooperation. During the session on "Universities and cooperation in science, technology and innovation" moderated by Nantana Gajaseni, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network, participants mulled over the opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Russian and ASEAN universities through joint projects such as science parks and exchanges of students and experts.
During the second day, the plenary session was attended by MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov, FEFU Acting Rector Nikita Anisimov, the Russian Minister for Education and Science Olga Vasilyeva, the Russian Minister for Energy Alexander Novak, the Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Hang Chuon Naron and the Minister of Education of Laos Sengduan Lachanthaboun. The guests of honor were welcomed by Anatoly Torkunov, who noted that this is the first event in this format which aims at strengthening and developing a partnership between universities. Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Igor Morgulov, conveyed to the audience Sergei Lavrov's greetings and extended his gratitude to ASEAN partners for attending the Forum and to MGIMO, FEFU and other Russian universities for organizing the event.
The Plenary Session was followed by the official start of the #BrighterTogether All-Russian Energy Conservation Festival.
— See the MGIMO web-site for more photos
— Go to Russian version
