On June 21, the official opening of the 8th Primakov Youth Session took place in IMEMO — a key annual event for young professionals in the fields of international relations, economics, security, and law. The program is organized by the Primakov Center in cooperation with the Council of Young Scientists and Postgraduates of IMEMO.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Dr. Feodor Voitolovsky, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of IMEMO; Viktoria Karslieva, Executive Director of the Primakov Center; and Alina Vernigora, Co-Chair of the Council of Young Scientists at IMEMO.
«It is a great honor for us to hold the youth session on the eve of the Primakov Readings — one of the country’s leading international analytical platforms. You will have the opportunity to attend the main program, interact with top experts, ask questions, and take part in the discussions. Don’t miss this chance — be active and continue the tradition laid down by the very first generation of youth session participants!» — emphasized Viktoria Karslieva.
This year, the program brings together around 20 young experts from eight countries: Russia, Pakistan, Morocco, Brazil, Indonesia, India, Belarus, and South Korea. The participants represent leading research institutions and universities and work in the fields of foreign policy and humanitarian cooperation.
The first day of the session featured two in-depth expert discussions. The program opened with a session titled “Factories of Meaning: Competition of Ideas in International Relations,” led by Feodor Voytolovsky. He spoke about the development of research centers across different regions of the world over the past two centuries, the goals they pursued, and how the global intellectual agenda is being shaped today.
In the afternoon, the participants explored the topic of scientific and technological development in BRICS+ countries with Dr. Victoria Panova, Head, BRICS Expert Council — Russia, Vice Rector, HSE University, Russian W20 Sherpa. The discussion focused on key mechanisms of cooperation in the scientific sphere and on opportunities for engaging youth. Panova emphasized that the BRICS platform today provides young researchers with real opportunities to take part in joint projects and to exchange professional experience.
The first day concluded with a visit to the National Center “Russia”, where participants learned about the achievements of Russian regions in science, technology, culture, environmental protection, and sports.