SPSUTD became a platform for international dialogue between Russia and African countries

On May 28, SPSUTD hosted the International Scientific and Practical Student Conference “Modern Technologies and Cultural Initiatives”. Symbolically, the event took place as the global community celebrates Africa Day — a holiday dedicated to the unity of peoples, cultural diversity, and the development of international cooperation.

“New opportunities are born in the dialogue of cultures” — this very idea became the motto of a large-scale international event that united over 170 participants. The conference gathered guests from Russia and African countries: Mali, Chad, Guinea, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Congo, and Algeria.

The conference was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, government bodies and public organizations, experts, educators, young researchers, and students. Welcoming addresses at the ceremonial opening of the event were delivered by:

• Alexey Yuryevich Pastukhov — Head of International Integration and Educational Programs at SPSUTD;
• Issa Togo — Honorary Consul of the Republic of Mali in St. Petersburg;
• Alla Lazarevna Mazina — Head of the Project Office of the Consortium “Russian-African Network University”, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Office at SPbPU;
• Andrey Igorevich Relkin — Advisor to the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in St. Petersburg;
• Alexey Valeryevich Pivovar — Responsible for International Activities at the Faculty of Geography of Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia;
• Nikita Olegovich Plyusnin — Teaching Assistant at the Department of European Studies, Academic Secretary of the Council of Young Scientists at the Faculty of International Relations of SPbSU;
• students from African countries studying at universities in St. Petersburg.

Anna Vladimirovna Krasavtseva, Chief Specialist of the Foreign Trade Projects Control and Coordination Department of the Committee for External Relations of St. Petersburg, read out a greeting from a Member of the Government of St. Petersburg, Chairman of the Committee, Evgeny Dmitrievich Grigoriev.

The conference work took place across six thematic sections in Russian, French, and English. Over 100 student reports were presented on modern technologies, cultural initiatives, humanitarian research, the development of creative industries, and the prospects of Russian-African cooperation in science, technology, and economics.

Discussions continued not only during the sectional meetings but also in informal settings, where new ideas and scientific contacts emerged.

After the business program concluded, conference guests were treated to a creative evening titled “Russia — Africa”.

The conference at SPSUTD once again demonstrated that open dialogue and a commitment to shared development form a solid foundation for international cooperation.