Discussion on the Role of International Students in Shaping Russia’s Image Abroad Held in State Duma

A delegation from the Association of International Graduates and Students of the Belgorod Region visited the Russian Federation’s parliament to engage in discussions with Sergei Mironov, the head of the parliamentary group “A Just Russia – For Truth.” The delegation accepted an invitation from the All-Russian public organization “We are Russians,” chaired by Svetlana Kuznetsova, an expert in cross-cultural communications and advisor to the Chairman of the Party “A Just Russia – For Truth.” The group included representatives from Belgorod National Research University (BelSU), Belgorod State Technological University named after Vladimir Shukhov, and Belgorod University of Cooperation and Law, along with students from the Russian State Social University in Moscow.

During the meeting, Mironov emphasized the importance of understanding Russia through the perspectives of foreign youth. He shared his experiences as Chairman of the Federation Council, highlighting his travels to major countries and expressing satisfaction at meeting officials who were graduates of Russian universities and fluent in Russian.

“This is normal; we should promote student exchanges. Our planet is fragile, and we must unite to address common challenges,” Mironov stated.

He further asserted that every country, regardless of its size or population, has the right to be free and independent.

Elena Nazarenko, an advisor for the Association and an employee of the BelSU Department of International Cooperation, noted that nearly two million international students have graduated from the Soviet and Russian education systems. Many have gone on to become influential figures in public service, politics, and academia, forming a scientific and teaching elite across various countries. This represents a significant opportunity for fostering cooperation between Russia and other nations in multiple fields. Nazarenko emphasized that those present at the meeting were leaders in their respective areas, capable of driving positive change in both their home countries and Russia through their active engagement.

“Associations of International Graduates and International Students serve as one of the most effective tools for cultivating friendships with Russia and promoting Russian education abroad. Foreign graduates are reliable partners for universities in shaping a positive image of Russia globally,” Nazarenko concluded.

The meeting covered a wide range of topics related to education, culture, and public diplomacy.

Mansur Akhmed, the founder and head of the Association of International Graduates and Students of the Belgorod Region, as well as an employee of the BelSU Department of International Cooperation, spoke about the activities of the Association. He expressed gratitude to the Party “A Just Russia – For Truth” for its support of initiatives related to education, employment opportunities for graduates, and their living conditions in Russia.

Abdellatif Ravda Abdalla Elsabri Akhmed, a student at the Medical Institute and head of the Association’s volunteer corps, discussed the organization’s commitment to social good through volunteering. She highlighted that the corps was established to bring together individuals from diverse nationalities and cultures for participation in volunteer projects. Currently, it boasts over 130 volunteers from more than a hundred countries, including crisis volunteers, medical volunteers, volunteer translators, rapid response volunteers, and assistant organizers. “The Foreign Volunteers Committee exemplifies how people from different backgrounds can unite for a common cause. Given the challenging situation in the Belgorod Region, our community needs volunteers more than ever. Every day, our members provide assistance at temporary accommodation centres for those whose homes were damaged during shelling,” Ravda explained. She described how, following the extensive shelling in Belgorod, volunteers took to the streets to clear away broken glass and fallen trees, sorted through the wreckage of destroyed buildings, and addressed other consequences of missile attacks. Another key aspect of the club’s work involves conducting first aid courses for schoolchildren in the region. These lectures equip students with vital knowledge and skills that can save lives in emergencies. The club’s activists have received letters of gratitude from various organizations, including the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, the Youth Wing of the People’s Front, the Belgorod City Administration, and university management.

Kadiri Sajid, a member of the student media centre at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation and a BelSU graduate, shared insights on why students from various countries choose Russia for higher education. He noted that factors such as the quality and accessibility of education, opportunities for self-actualization, and post-graduation employment prospects are significant. Additionally, he highlighted comprehensive support measures available to students, including international students.