"The art of right steps": UNN celebrates the 100th anniversary of public diplomacy
Lobachevsky University hosted a round table marking the 100th anniversary of public diplomacy. The event was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of International and Interregional relations of the Nizhny Novgorod region and brought together more than 20 experts in education, sports, youth policy, and the arts, as well as participants of the ministry's projects, including the "Fokin School of Young Diplomats" and the "International Studies Club of the Nizhny Novgorod region".
Opening the event, Olga Guseva, Minister of International and Interregional Relations of the Nizhny Novgorod region, underlined that Nizhny Novgorod is one of the few regions of Russia that develops international cooperation through public diplomacy on a systematic basis. She also noted that the Centre for Public Diplomacy of the Nizhny Novgorod region that opened at Lobachevsky University in 2023 has become a place of attraction for Russian and international students, for meetings, conferences and other events, creating a single platform for the development of international cooperation.
During the event, the participants discussed their experience in applying public diplomacy in different areas, such as education, science, culture, sports, and other fields. Oleg Trofimov, Rector of Lobachevsky University, focused on the integration of educational programmes with international initiatives, emphasising the role of public diplomacy in shaping a positive image of the university.
"Public diplomacy is an area in which the university is developing very actively. We currently have over 2,200 international students from 100 different countries, and over the past 20 years, more than 2,000 graduates have completed their studies here. This forms a strong foundation for building 'bridges of friendship' between Russia and other nations. At our university, we create all the conditions for intercultural communication. We are implementing dozens of ongoing projects and launching new initiatives aimed at one common goal: to ensure that the dialogue between peoples is open and enduring. Our greatest strength lies in our people — students and faculty who are not indifferent but take the initiative. That is why we are optimistic about the future of public diplomacy," noted Oleg Trofimov.
Sergei Malov, representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nizhny Novgorod, spoke about current projects in the field of public diplomacy implemented by the Russian Foreign Ministry and their impact amidst tough anti-Russian policies from Western countries. Dmitry Kabaylo, Minister of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod region, and Lev Skitnevsky, Deputy Minister for Youth Policy, emphasised the role of sports and youth policy in the development of public diplomacy.
Nikita Avralev, Rector of the Dobrolyubov Linguistic University of Nizhny Novgorod, and Lilia Erushkina, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at the Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University, made their presentations about new educational programmes and international projects. Galina Klochkova, Director of the Lomonosov School, showcased the accomplishments of her students in the area of public diplomacy.
Public diplomacy is a subject of academic interest for Marcela Martins, a third-year postgraduate student in the field of International Relations, Global and Regional Studies at the Institute of World History and International Relations of Lobachevsky University. She said:
"As a postgraduate student at the UNN Institute of International Relations, I strive to implement certain aspects related to the establishment of cultural and diplomatic ties between Russia and my home country, Brazil, at my own level. For instance, together with other international students, I take part in cultural and educational events organised by the university, give presentations on public diplomacy at international conferences, and share information about Brazilian culture with my classmates. Moreover, I conduct dance classes at the university for anyone interested. Dance, like any other form of art, serves as a universal means of communication and bringing people together."
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment in Russia of the first institution of public diplomacy, the All-Union Society for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, which later evolved into Rossotrudnichestvo. Public diplomacy refers to informal contacts between scientists, cultural figures, youth and sports organisations, contributing to the development of relations between countries.
