Meeting Held at UNESCO Headquarters between Ivan Lobanov, Rector of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Head of the Coordination Committee of UNESCO Chairs and Sobhi Tawil, Director for Future of Learning and Innovation at UNESCO

The UNESCO Headquarters hosted a meeting between the Rector of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Head of the Coordination Committee of UNESCO Chairs Ivan Lobanov and Director for Future of Learning and Innovation at UNESCO Sobhi Tawil.

The discussion focused on the fulfilment of agreements reached during Digital Learning Week in September 2025. In addition, the parties confirmed their commitment to further cooperation between the UNESCO Secretariat and UNESCO Chairs in the Russian Federation in the fields of digital transformation, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.

As part of the discussion, Rector Ivan Lobanov presented a list of candidates to be included in the national pool of experts nominated by UNESCO Chairs in the Russian Federation. This initiative aims to establish a structured mechanism for integrating national expertise into UNESCO's analytical and regulatory activities concerning digital policy, artificial intelligence and sustainable development as per the Organization's strategic priorities.

The parties also considered the main events planned for 2026 by UNESCO Chairs in the Russian Federation, with particular focus on initiatives in ethical management of artificial intelligence, digital innovation in education, and the development of international academic and research cooperation.

Additionally, the meeting addressed specific areas of cooperation, including internship opportunities for Russian applicants at UNESCO Headquarters, joint efforts in applying foresight methods, and collaboration in artificial intelligence and digital education. Another key point was the geographic scope of cooperation between the Russian Federation and Plekhanov University in Dubai as a platform for fostering international dialogue and launching pilot initiatives.

Rector Ivan Lobanov also invited Director Sobhi Tawil to visit Moscow and meet with the Coordination Committee of UNESCO Chairs in the Russian Federation. The proposed programme for the visit includes meetings with leading IT experts, AI Alliance representatives, and UNESCO Chairs whose work is closely related to IT and digital innovation. These events will enable in-depth discussions on artificial intelligence, technological development, and their impact on education and scientific research, with the focus on UNESCO's priorities. The comprehensive programme of the visit will be provided in advance.

Furthermore, Sobhi Tawil was invited to take part in the foresight session of the “Step into the Future” Eighth International Scientific Forum. The forum is scheduled for spring 2026 at the Dubai campus of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. Since its initial launch in 2017, the Forum has established itself as a globally recognised platform for cross-disciplinary discourse, bringing together representatives from academia, business, government institutions, and civil society. The Eighth Forum will focus on key areas of transformation, including ethical governance and foresight of artificial intelligence and new technologies; digital equality, young people's access to education and their social empowerment; sustainable development, innovation and societal resilience; as well as responsible research, cooperation across cultures and ethical governance of knowledge societies. Sobhi Tawil’s expertise in the field of future learning and innovation would greatly contribute to the foresight discussions.

Finally, Ivan Lobanov raised the issue of some UNESCO Chairs in the Russian Federation having their applications for mandate renewal declined. He appealed for a reconsideration of the decisions on this matter and stressed the importance of continuity and stability within the UNESCO Secretariat Programme. Thus, the meeting confirmed the parties' mutual commitment to further cooperation, which will support inclusive, ethical and future-oriented approaches to education, digital transformation and the development of knowledge societies.