High-Level International Scientific and Practical Conference "Current Problems of Inclusive Education in the World: Context, Policy and Practice"

On December 10–13, the High-Level International Scientific and Practical Conference "Current Problems of Inclusive Education in the World: Context, Policy and Practice" was held at the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University).

Bringing together more than 1,200 specialists (600 in face-to-face format) from 77 countries, the High-Level International Scientific and Practical Conference "Current Problems of Inclusive Education in the World: Context, Policy and Practice" became the first scientific and practical discussion platform in Russia on issues of inclusive education held under the auspices of UNESCO. During the sessions, experts examined international best practices, methodologies for designing an inclusive educational environment, issues of reaching consensus definitions, and the development of an inclusive culture.

The Conference organizers were: Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, and the Russian Commission for UNESCO.

Goals of the conference:

1. Deepening international cooperation, dialogue and mutual understanding in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all";

2. Combining the efforts of science, practice and the public in the development of inclusive education, ensuring the continuity of the inclusive process in education, disseminating theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field of higher inclusive education;

3. Developing recommendations for improving the support system for students belonging to particularly vulnerable groups.

As part of the Conference's business programme, particular attention was paid to the exchange and dissemination of best practices in designing an inclusive educational environment for various target groups: persons with disabilities, migrants and persons with a migration background, gifted students, representatives of indigenous small-numbered peoples, and others.

The full programme of the event can be found at the following link: https://disk.yandex.ru/i/8BYxVlqGII1Cvg.

Target audience of the conference: Secretaries-General of National Commissions for UNESCO, heads and representatives of legislative and executive authorities (ministries of science and education), heads and representatives of academies of sciences and/or education, representatives of UNESCO Chairs, heads and representatives of higher education institutions, representatives of public organizations and associations for persons with special educational needs, including persons with disabilities, as well as academic staff and students of higher education institutions.

The most important outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Moscow Declaration, which consolidates contemporary approaches, challenges, and calls to action in the field of inclusive education at the global level. In addition, the formation of an international expert panel on inclusion in higher education has been launched to further professional cooperation. The formation of the pool of experts is ongoing. You can join the community via the link or QR code:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYDMPpcBQgNsqc_YTIHTqOl0FhiGfXpwbuBI0J01PN37rF2w/viewform

You can read the Moscow Declaration via the link or QR code: https://disk.yandex.ru/i/9YCdVVQ7h7DlsQ

Conference website: https://unisop.ru/inclusion2025