UNESCO Chair "Education for the Sustainable Development of Cooperatives" Participated in the International Conference "The Middle East: a Reliable Partner in International Education"

On May 20, 2026, the international conference "The Middle East: a reliable partner in the field of international education" was held at the Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law. The event was organized jointly with the World Peoples Assembley and brought together diplomats, experts in the field of culture and education, representatives of public organizations and the academic community from Australia, Palestine, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Tunisia to develop strategies for sustainable dialogue in the context of modern geopolitical turbulence.

The conference was opened with welcoming words of:

Elena Vitalievna Isaenko, Rector of Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law, Doctor of Economics, Professor, stressed that the development of international cooperation and the strengthening of partnerships with the countries of the Middle East is a strategic area of activity of our university. The Rector noted the rich experience of cooperation with foreign partners and reaching a new level of cooperation with Arab states.

Ali Gutali, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Tunisian Republic to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Adviser to the OIC Secretary General, noted the importance of educational diplomacy as a bridge between civilizations, and also outlined his contribution to the development of cooperation between Russia and Tunisia in the field of education and tourism.

The plenary session was moderated by Elizaveta Evgenievna Tarasova, First Vice-rector of the Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law, Doctor of Economics, Professor, and Dr. Yaser Allaham, Adviser to the Secretary General of the World Peoples Assembley, Adviser to the Rector's Office for International Affairs of the Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law.

Leading international experts presented their reports in the expert panel. Their presentations covered a wide range of topics, from the role of cultural diplomacy and media in shaping an objective image of the region to practical mechanisms for academic mobility and support for international student communities.

Dr. Nidal Rabah, Chairman of the Russia-Palestine Friendship Society, emphasized the transformation of the world and the fact that the university is becoming a platform for the formation of peace and the development of consciousness. He stressed the stable ties between our countries in the field of education and the importance of continuing this cooperation for stability and peace between our peoples. "Nations that share knowledge cannot be enemies!" he said.

Dr. Mudalal Khoury, Chairman of the RUSSAR Charitable Foundation, noted that people with higher education can do a lot to address common issues, and today it's time to unite and move away from the standards of Western culture.

S.A. Kuznetsova, Chairman of the All-Russian public movement "We are Russians", Russian public and political figure. The leader of the public movement "We are Russians", adviser to the Chairman of the Fair Russia party, S.M. Mironov, a third-class state councilor, international business coach in cross-cultural communications in business and politics, emphasized in her speech the importance of cross-cultural communications, as well as business and personal contacts with representatives of The Middle East.

Mohammed Almoaini, President of the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy of the United Arab Emirates, noted that relations between Russia and the UAE currently have the greatest potential. Currently, the Russian diaspora in the UAE numbers about 1 million people, and cooperation between the countries is only expanding.

Badra Gaaloul, Head of the International Center for Strategic, Military and Defense Studies, stressed the importance of Tunisian students studying in Russia, as this helps strengthen relations between our countries, which are so close in spirit and culture. She also called on the Arab world to stand in solidarity with the ongoing changes.

Jalil Yasin, former cultural attache at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Russia, Chairman of the Russia-Iraq Friendship Society, noted the importance of continuing cooperation between our countries in the field of education, and also proposed new forms for its organization.

In addition, a special emphasis on the conference agenda was placed on working with international students studying at Russian universities. The experts emphasized that international students act not only as recipients of knowledge, but also as active participants in intercultural dialogue, natural "ambassadors" of mutual understanding, contributing to the strengthening of long-term humanitarian ties between countries.

Each performance provoked a lively discussion: the participants asked the speakers questions, to which they received detailed answers.

The Conference has become an effective platform for the development of international humanitarian cooperation, where educational and cultural exchange act as strategic tools for strengthening partnerships and building mutual respect between peoples. The meeting also confirmed the high potential of public diplomacy and educational cooperation as tools for stabilizing international relations.

In conclusion, E.V. Isaenko thanked all the speakers and noted that the university will continue to develop partnerships with academic and diplomatic circles in the Middle East, creating a space for dialogue based on mutual respect and common humanitarian values.

Source: https://www.bukep.ru/index/2/12693/13224/13317