The 1st International Scientific and Educational Conference «Education in the Service of Food Security in BRICS Countries» was held in Moscow.

On November 24, 2025, the first International Scientific and Educational Conference "Education in the Service of Food Security in BRICS Countries" was held at the Timiryazev Center in Moscow, becoming a significant event for the development of Russian-African scientific and educational cooperation. The event brought together representatives of Russian ministries, heads of industry organizations, scientists, diplomats from BRICS countries, and young people. This year, special attention was focused on the participation of African states and the role of the Russian-African Network University (RAFU) as a key platform for inter-university cooperation.

The official part of the event was opened by representatives of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, who noted the need to strengthen international partnerships in the agro-industrial complex and to train personnel to ensure sustainable food security. The discussion was attended by the ambassadors of Ethiopia, Kenya, Brazil, and India, as well as leaders of the FAO, the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Timiryazev Academy, industry associations, and scientific and educational organizations. African diplomats emphasized the importance of expanding exchanges with Russian universities and the importance of modern educational programs for solving systemic food security issues in African countries.

The Russian-African Network University, which brings together leading research centers and universities, including SPbPU, RUDN, the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and other partner organizations, played a significant role in the conference. Representatives of the Russian-African Network University presented initiatives to create joint educational projects in the field of agricultural sciences, train personnel for the agro-industrial complex, and develop the research competencies of young people from BRICS countries and Africa. During the award ceremony for the development of the ProAgro Lecture Hall platform, the contribution of Maxim Nikolaevich Zalivsky, head of the RAFU project office, as well as the rectors of partner universities, was noted.

An important part of the event was the participation of students from Russia and BRICS countries, including a large African delegation studying at Russian universities. A special interactive science program was prepared for them, featuring themed assignments, educational activities, quizzes, and creative contests aimed at promoting agricultural sciences and involving young people in international research projects.

The conference served as a platform demonstrating the growing role of African states in shaping the global food agenda and reinforced the importance of RAFU as a leading mechanism for scientific and educational cooperation between Russia and African countries. Participants emphasized that the development of joint programs and the involvement of students in international initiatives is becoming a crucial step towards ensuring the sustainable development of the agricultural sector and strengthening partnerships between BRICS countries.