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The 8th Primakov Youth Session Concludes in Moscow

From June 21 to 24, Moscow hosted the 8th Youth Session of the “Primakov Readings”—an annual educational and analytical program for young professionals in international relations, economics, security, and science. The event was organized by the Primakov Center in cooperation with the Council of Young Scientists and Postgraduates of IMEMO.

This year, the program brought together around 20 young researchers from eight countries: Russia, Pakistan, Morocco, Brazil, Indonesia, India, Belarus, and South Korea. The participants represented leading universities and research institutions specializing in international affairs, global development, and humanitarian cooperation.

The session opened on June 21 at IMEMO. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Feodor Voytolovsky, Doctor of Political Science and Director of IMEMO; Viktoria Karslieva, Executive Director of the Primakov Center; and Alina Vernigora, Co-Chair of the IMEMO Council of Young Scientists. The opening set the tone for the entire program, emphasizing the importance of building a youth expert community capable of meaningful dialogue with the professional academic field.

The working agenda included four expert sessions devoted to the key challenges of the emerging world order. On the first day, Feodor Voytolovsky gave a lecture outlining the role of academic and analytical institutions in shaping international narratives. He was followed by Viktoria Panova, Ph.D. in History, Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Head of the BRICS Expert Council, and Russia’s Sherpa in the W20. She highlighted core tools and mechanisms of scientific cooperation within BRICS, with particular attention to the platforms through which young experts can exchange experience and contribute to the technological development of the BRICS countries.

The next day featured a session on the knowledge economy and innovation. The keynote was delivered by Pyotr Kalmykov, Ph.D. in History and Deputy First Vice-Rector of the Joint MGIMO–PPI University in Shenzhen. He addressed how the economic landscape is changing under the influence of algorithms and big data, and emphasized the role of the MGIMO–PPI University in fostering international cooperation in high-tech fields.

The final session was led by Konstantin Bogdanov, Ph.D. in Technical Sciences and Head of the Strategic Analysis and Forecasting Sector at IMEMO, and Ruslan Mamedov, Ph.D. in History and Scientific Director of the Primakov Center. The speakers explored the role of nuclear technology in global energy, the economy, and international security, outlining both challenges and opportunities for developing the nuclear sector in the context of the “green transition” and global nonproliferation.

The session also featured a cultural program: participants visited the National Center “Russia” to explore exhibitions showcasing the achievements of Russia’s regions and took part in an evening tour of Moscow’s historical and architectural landmarks.

The Youth Session concluded with the participants’ involvement in the 11th International Scientific and Expert Forum “Primakov Readings.” The young professionals attended plenary discussions, thematic panels, and had the chance to engage directly with leading Russian and international experts.