CIIC

🇧🇾 Rossotrudnichestvo is launching the “Together for a Happy Childhood” project in Belarus, aimed at supporting children who especially need care, attention and practical assistance. Ahead of International Children’s Day, our colleagues will hold two events — in Minsk and in Brest Region. As part of the project, modern rehabilitation equipment is being donated to children’s medical institutions to help improve the recovery process for young patients. 🚀 On May 28, the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology in Minsk became the first venue of the project. Children undergoing treatment took part in the “Space Is Us” event, which included animators, a space-themed quiz and gifts. The Center also received rehabilitation equipment for children recovering after bone marrow transplantation. On June 1, a celebration for children with disabilities will take place in Brest Region. It is organized by the Brest Regional Organization of the Belarus Red Cross with the support of the Russian House in Belarus and partners. 🌏 Center for International Interaction and Cooperation supports the implementation of the project. For us, it is important to be part of initiatives where humanitarian cooperation is expressed not only in words, but also in concrete assistance to those who need it. The project is implemented in cooperation with the Public Council under Rossotrudnichestvo, with the support of ANO Center for International Interaction and Cooperation and the Department for Humanitarian Affairs at the Belarus President Property Management Directorate. 😊 You can read the full material on the website

🕊 New Horizons for Humanitarian Cooperation On May 21, during the official presentation of the International Humanitarian Corps a cooperation agreement was signed between the International Humanitarian Corps and the Center for International Interaction and Cooperation, whose Board of Founders is chaired by Areg Agasaryan. The agreement is aimed at developing fair and partnership-based cooperation in the humanitarian and cultural spheres, as well as at implementing joint projects in Russia and abroad. 🌏 For the Center for International Interaction and Cooperation, this is another step toward expanding international humanitarian dialogue and strengthening partnerships with organizations working in the fields of public diplomacy, culture, and international cooperation.

✔️International Electoral Expertise Discussed at the All-Russian Electoral Expert Forum 2026 🌏 Areg Agasaryan, Head of the Center for International Interaction and Cooperation and Deputy Chairman of the Public Council under Rossotrudnichestvo, took part in the discussion “International Expertise of Electoral Campaigns: From Observation Missions to the Rating of Electoral Systems” at the All-Russian Electoral Expert Forum 2026. The discussion focused on how international election observation is changing, why traditional approaches are increasingly losing trust, and why the world needs new independent formats of electoral expertise. A separate focus was placed on the International Association of Political and Electoral Expertise, established in April as a platform for experts from different countries who support equal dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and a rejection of any monopoly on the assessment of elections. Most existing international organizations in the field of electoral expertise are politically or financially biased and promote an exclusively Western agenda. It was precisely in response to this that the first independent International Association of Political and Electoral Expertise was established. Its key distinction is genuine independence: the organization receives no external funding, and its work is built on grassroots initiative. The Association brings together 80 experts from 52 countries, representing all macro-regions of the world. 🌎 He emphasized that the idea of creating the Association came from the international expert community itself. According to Areg Agasaryan, experts from dozens of countries had been speaking for several years about the need for an alternative to biased Western structures, and Russia supported this request. The Association already plans to take part in election observation in Peru, Colombia, Ethiopia, Brazil and Russia. The discussion also featured Alexey Martynov, Associate Professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Lukushin, Research Fellow at the Center for Political Studies of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Petros Woldegiorgis Woldesenbet, Chair of the Federal Committee of the Prosperity Party of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Sebastián López Calendino, Director of the Center for Electoral and Political-Institutional Studies at the National University of La Plata.

📷 The press tour for bloggers and journalists covering relocation to Russia was held in the Sverdlovsk Region Our colleagues from Rossotrudnichestvo organized the press tour in the Sverdlovsk Region for journalists and bloggers who cover relocation to Russia. 🌎 Over the course of three days, participants explored different sides of the region: they visited universities, industrial enterprises, schools, hospitals, historical and cultural sites, and met with representatives of local authorities. The combined audience of the participants exceeds 1.8 million people. Journalists from Sputnik, RT, and SPAS TV channel also joined the tour. 🌏 The trip was organized with the support of the Center for International Interaction and Cooperation. 📖 Learn more here: https://rs.gov.ru/news/sverdlovskaya-oblast-otkryvaet-dveri-blogery-i-zhurnalisty-uvidyat-rossiyu-iznutri/

😘 The International Forum Is Here! Launching the 3rd Session of the “Integration League” 🌏 Our friends from the Academy of Youth Diplomacy are launching the 3rd session of the student educational forum “League Forum” — “Integration League”! 🌍✨ 📅 Dates: August 18–22, 2026 The forum will bring together international students studying at Russian universities, as well as representatives of foreign universities actively developing student communities and international cooperation. The theme of this session — “Integration League” — is dedicated to overcoming barriers, bringing cultures closer together, and creating new opportunities for communication, education, and collaboration. 💫 How to participate? • Applications are open until June 18, 2026 • Participants must be students aged 16 to 28 studying at universities in Russia or abroad • Choose the “Integration League” session and submit your application online 🔗 For Russian students: https://liga-forum.ru/ 🔗 For international students: https://ligaforum.tilda.ws/ Let’s make this summer truly inspiring, international, and full of new discoveries together! 💙 VKontakte: https://vk.com/liga_forum

💙 Our friends at NPO Eurasia have opened applications for the International Eurasia Award 2026! This award is for those who create meaningful cultural, public, educational, youth and social initiatives — and want their projects to be recognized internationally. 🔥 The International Eurasia Award brings together leaders, teams, NGOs, public organizations, cultural and educational projects, young activists, and everyone working with youth, developing social initiatives and creating a space for cooperation, friendship and a shared future. 💙 Participation in the Award opens up opportunities to: — present your project on an international expert platform; — receive recognition and professional assessment of your initiative; — expand your network of partners and strengthen professional connections; — find additional resources for the development, promotion and scaling of your project; — become one of the 100 finalists and present your initiative in Moscow; — take part in the final events with a fully covered trip; — compete for victory in one of the nominations and receive a prize of 1,000,000 rubles. 🔵 Key details of the 2026 Award: — 10 nominations; — 40+ participating countries; — total prize fund of 17,000,000 rubles. 🟠The Eurasia Award is not only a chance to win. It is an opportunity to be heard, to present your idea to a wider audience, to find like-minded people, partners and new opportunities for growth. 💙 You can submit up to 3 applications in different nominations. Applications are open until August 30, 2026. Official website of the Award: https://premiyaevrazia.su/

🔥 2 Weeks Left to Step Into New Opportunities Dear friends, selection process for the second season of the "Horizons of Opportunities" Program is in full swing. We are doing our best to reach every Russian university and tell international students about a Program that helps them understand Russia better, unlock their potential, find like-minded people and become part of a large international community. ‼️There are only 2 weeks left until the application deadline. So, if you have been putting off your registration, now is the time to apply. Today, have held another presentation of the "Horizons of Opportunities" Program — this time at Far Eastern Federal University. We were glad to introduce the Program tracks, selection process and the opportunities awaiting future participants. We would also like to remind you that the Program includes three tracks: 🔹 International School of Economics Lectures on international business and economics for those who want to build their business in Russia or with Russia. 🔹 International School of Humanities In-depth study of political science and international relations with leading experts, as well as internships for the best participants. 🔹 International School of Humanitarian Cooperation Lectures on project management and introduction to key Russian foundations working in the fields of social and humanitarian projects and public diplomacy. If you are an international student of a Russian university and want to become part of the Program, we look forward to receiving your application! 🔗 Apply here: https://horizonty.online/sign-up

🚀 III International Competition and Workshop “Challenges of Multipolarity”: A Path to Professional Growth The third International Competition and Workshop “Challenges of Multipolarity” has concluded. The project brought together participants from five fields: political science, law, history, sociology, and economics. 🐎 The final offline stage in Moscow included a rich educational and cultural program. The finalists visited the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, and the Russian State Library, where they learned about the work of leading institutions. During the strategic sessions, participants developed a model for the functioning of an international community of young humanitarians: they discussed its operating principles, possible formats for collaboration, and mechanisms for sustainable development. 🌏 The hackathon was a highlight of the event. Divided into groups, participants spent the entire day modeling the activities of relevant organizations and solving practical tasks provided by the project partners. The competition has proven its relevance as a tool for identifying and supporting talented young people. 👏 We congratulate all the finalists and wish them every success in their careers.

🤝 The Center for International Interaction and Cooperation Becomes a Partner of ANO “Eurasia”: New Opportunities for International Cooperation Last week, a cooperation agreement was signed between the ANO "Eurasia" and the Center for International Interaction and Cooperation at the National Center "Russia". 🌏 For us, this marks an important milestone, as the Center for International Interaction and Cooperation has joined the network of ANO "Eurasia" partners, opening up new opportunities to scale our projects and expand international engagement. Together, we will advance humanitarian, cultural, and informational cooperation across the Eurasian space, combining expertise and developing new formats of collaboration. 🥰 Colleagues from ANO "Eurasia" also highlighted the contribution of Areg Agasaryan, Director of CIIC and Deputy Chairman of the Public Council under Rossotrudnichestvo, to facilitating the signing of the agreement and strengthening the partnership.

🌏 Moscow Hosts Opening of the International Competition and Workshop “Challenges of Multipolarity” The final stage of the International Competition and Workshop “Challenges of Multipolarity” has opened in Moscow. The event has brought together 35 finalists from various countries and academic disciplines who successfully passed a multi-stage selection process. Over the next three days, participants will engage in an intensive program focused on solving applied tasks, team-based work, and direct interaction with the expert community. 🌎The project was launched on 6 February and attracted significant interest, receiving over 880 applications. Following the selection process, 120 participants were admitted to the program across five fields: political science, law, history, sociology, and economics. The Competition and Workshop is aimed at developing practical competencies in the humanities and strengthening participants’ ability to address contemporary international challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on applying theoretical knowledge in practice, working in interdisciplinary teams, and developing solutions in conditions that closely reflect real professional environments. 📖The partners of the Competition and Workshop include the Public Council under Rossotrudnichestvo, the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation, the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, Russian Field, the Russian Military Historical Society, the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center and the Russian State Library.

⭐️ BECOME A VALDAI CLUB EXPERT “Valdai – New Generation” project is now accepting applications for its third flow 🌐🌐🌐 We are waiting for your application if: 🔜you are a young scholar who is eager to consider all points of view you have publications in reputable scientific journals 🔜You have a graduate, a PhD, or you are in the process of preparing to obtain these degree 🔜you communicate and write freely in English 🔜you follow the Valdai Club’s work By joining the Project, you will be able to: 👉obtain а Valdai Club expert status 👉get аn opportunity to take part in one of the Valdai Club’s flagship annual conferences 👉publish of materials on the Valdai Club’s website We are expecting your applications by June 1, 2026❗️ Fill out the form on the Valdai Club website and get the opportunity to become an expert of Valdai club ⭐️

Conference Results: IAPEE Resolution The key outcome of the Conference was the unanimous adoption of a resolution — the document jointly developed by the participants during the conference and serving as the cornerstone of the new Association. The resolution enshrines the fundamental principles of the future association: independence and impartiality of expertise, respect for the sovereignty of states, consideration of the national specifics of electoral processes, and a commitment to transparency and professional standards of international observation. The document places particular emphasis on the need to develop a more balanced and objective system for assessing electoral and political processes at the global level. The adoption of the resolution was the result of the joint work of experts from various countries, who, during the conference, developed agreed-upon approaches and key provisions for the future institutional architecture of the Association. In the near future, IAPEE will begin the practical implementation of its stated goals—the formation of an expert network, the launch of international observation missions, and the development of new forms of professional cooperation in the field of electoral expertise.

✨ How it was Friends, we are sharing with you a summary video about the International Scientific and Practical Conference on Electoral Process Observation—its key moments, atmosphere, and the results of our collaborative work. Over the past few days, the venue brought together experts from across the globe, providing a space for meaningful dialogue and the development of practical solutions. 🙏🏻 We once again thank all Conference participants for their engagement, professional contributions, and willingness to engage in an open exchange of opinions.

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🔥 The New Stage in International Electoral Cooperation Dear friends, the International Association of Political and Electoral Expertise was established at the recent Conference—an important initiative aimed at developing professional international dialogue in the field of elections. The Association's key objective is to promote the sustainable development of democratic institutions in the emerging multipolar world through the development and application of objective standards for electoral observation. This opens up new opportunities for sharing experiences and jointly implementing developed approaches in countries that share the principles of professional and responsible observation. ⏺The meeting was attended by 135 experts from 60 countries, including 105 international specialists and 30 representatives from Russia. The Association included 80 members representing all macroregions of the world, and another other 30 experts from 21 countries received observer status. Following this joint work, a draft resolution was approved and the Association's Governing Council was formed. It included representatives from Argentina🇦🇷, Italy🇮🇹, Colombia🇨🇴, Mongolia🇲🇳, the Republic of Korea🇰🇷, Russia🇷🇺, Uganda🇺🇬, and South Africa🇿🇦. 🇮🇹 Vito Grittani, founder of the International Diplomatic Observatory from Italy, was elected President. We hope that the Association's activities will mark an important milestone in the development of electoral expertise, strengthen international professional cooperation, and contribute to the development of more balanced, depoliticized approaches to assessing electoral processes, taking into account national characteristics and traditions.

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🌏 Experts from 60 countries have created the first independent international election observation association The International Scientific and Practical Conference on Electoral Process Observation and Analysis began in Moscow at the National Center "Russia". The event was attended by more than 150 representatives of government agencies, international organizations, as well as expert and academic communities from 60 countries. The conference discussed key issues of ensuring the independence of electoral processes worldwide and current challenges in the field of international observation. Participants noted the increasingly clear need to create an alternative, impartial structure capable of providing objective expertise and strengthening trust in electoral procedures at the global level. Its main goal was to create a new international non-governmental association dedicated to independent analysis of electoral and political processes. ⏺The conference opened with a welcoming video address from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. «We welcome the idea of establishing an association for monitoring electoral processes, which has the potential to become one of the alternative institutions for assessing elections in a multipolar world. Such a structure should ensure independent and depoliticised monitoring, in contrast to Western approaches. Initiatives of this kind represent a kind of immune response by the global majority to the long-standing imposition of development standards that offer no alternatives, imposed on countries outside the context of their national, historical and cultural characteristics». Welcoming remarks were addressed by: 💙Ella Pamfilova, Chair of the Central Electoral Commission of the Russian Federation «We are truly open to very broad interaction and cooperation with you, and I hope that we will see many of you at the upcoming federal elections in Russia. We will be delighted to share all our accumulated experience. We learn from our colleagues and share our experience, treating the specific characteristics of each country, its particularities and traditions, with the utmost respect». 💙Manantzoa Thierry Rakotonarivo, Chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission of the Republic of Madagascar «The upcoming presidential elections in Madagascar are at the centre of discussions regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process, which has brought the mission and international significance of observers to the fore» 💙Tatyana Moskalkova, Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation «New forms of voting, new forms of observation, and the institutions and bodies involved in observation have expanded. We are developing new mechanisms that allow us to raise the bar for trust and transparency in our elections. The more interesting tools we have, compared to the West, the more aggressively this is perceived by the West, and we, as human rights defenders, feel this». 💙David Alejandro Toro Ramirez, Member of the House of Representatives of the Congress of the Republic of Colombia «At a time when Western countries are pursuing foreign policies without regard for their partners, we are compelled to defend our country’s sovereignty by all means available. That is why this conference is incredibly important, so that we can speak openly about the transformation of electoral processes and discuss societal challenges». 💙Nikita Anisimov, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation 💙Vito Grittani, diplomat and founder of the International Diplomatic Observatory The opening ceremony was moderated by Fyodor Lukyanov, Research Director of the Foundation for Development and Support of the "Valdai Discussion Club" and Editor-in-Chief of the journal "Russia in Global Affairs".

🌏 Head of the Center for International Interaction and Cooperation, Areg Agasaryan, was elected Deputy Chairman of the Public Council at Rossotrudnichestvo On April 9, a meeting of the Public Council at Rossotrudnichestvo was held, following which Areg Agasaryan, Head of the CIIC, was unanimously elected Deputy Chairman. The Public Council at Rossotrudnichestvo is tasked with promoting international humanitarian cooperation and facilitating international development with the direct participation of civil society representatives. 🇷🇺 As a member of the Council and Head of the CIIC, Areg Agasaryan made a significant contribution to supporting Rossotrudnichestvo's international humanitarian initiatives. These include the russification of the Victory Park memorial complex in Uzbekistan, humanitarian aid to refugees from Artsakh, the promotion of Russian language in Armenia, the development of partnerships with Madagascar, and other projects to preserve Russia's historical and cultural heritage. The key focus of Areg Agasaryan's new role will be improving the effectiveness of interactions with foreign non-profit organizations that have a status of partner Russian Houses: For our part, we propose making this work systemic, establishing a clear and consistent line of interaction, and creating conditions under which partner Russian Houses can become sustainable centers for supporting and promoting Russian interests abroad.

Selection of Speakers for the Conference on Cultural and Natural Heritage ‼️ The last day remains to submit your application as a speaker for the conference «Promoting the Involvement of Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites, Recreation and Entertainment Organizers, and Culture in Regional and Global Spiritual and Educational Routes». 🗓 Dates: April 22, 2026 — Main Day April 23, 2026 — Excursion Day 📍 Venue: Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra (St. Petersburg) Key Conference Topics ▪️Religion and Economy: New Paths of Interaction between the State, Religious Organizations, and the Tourism Sector ▪️Traditional Values ​​as a Resource for Youth Policy and International Cooperation ▪️The Great Russian Northern Route: Prospects for the Development of Spiritual and Educational Routes ▪️International Partnership Based on Shared Values Who can become a speaker? 💙Tourism company executives, tour operators; 💙Representatives of religious organizations; 💙Heritage conservation specialists, employees of protected areas and museum-reserves; 💙Youth leaders, bloggers, volunteer project organizers; 💙Representatives of the media and travel portals. ✅ All expenses are covered by the host. 🌐 Registration form - until April 10: https://forms.gle/tprE8BZDGM5xr4YCA If you are interested in participating as a speaker, please complete the form and briefly describe your experience on the relevant topic.

🎓 Spring Demographic School at HSE University Dear friends, our colleagues from the A.G. Vishnevsky Institute of Demography at HSE University are holding the Spring Demographic School from May 25th to 29th. The school will feature lectures, seminars, and projects with leading Russian experts and young scientists. The school is a great opportunity to meet new people and gain new skills. 📢 Participation and accommodation (for out-of-towners) are free. Selection is competitive. Who can participate? 📌Second- to fifth-year undergraduate and specialist students from Russian universities. 📌Recent graduates who have not been accepted to master's programs. What awaits you at the spring school? 📚 Demographic theories from the basics to trend analysis 📊 Data science practice 🗂 Introduction to demographic data analysis methods ❓How to apply? 1. Gather your documents and submit them by April 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM. 2. Wait for the committee's decision by April 17. 🗣 Details on the school's website https://www.hse.ru/demo/sdp/spring-school For questions, please email Demographic.school.HSE@yandex.ru

🇨🇺 🌏Cuba at a Crossroads: Energy Crisis, Economic Opening, and Diplomatic Tensions Specially for the TG channel the «Center for International Interaction and Cooperation», Ekaterina Plotnikova, expert of our center about the events in Cuba: The Energy Crisis Deepens Over the past 48 hours, Cuba experienced a total collapse of its national power grid, leaving 10 million people in the dark. While officials have since reconnected much of the grid — including Havana and regions from Pinar del Río to Holguín — the underlying issues remain dire. The Antonio Guiteras plant, a linchpin of the system, is back online, but electricity generation is still far below demand. Most Cubans were already facing up to 16 hours of daily blackouts even before this collapse. The cause is a severe fuel shortage. Since the US ramped up pressure by cutting off oil supplies from Venezuela and threatening tariffs on other suppliers, Cuba has received only two small oil vessels this year. The fuel shortage is so severe that it has crippled essential social services: hospital backup generators, starved of fuel, have ceased operations, forcing medical staff to suspend critical procedures and endangering the lives of patients who rely on life-support equipment. The energy collapse is now disrupting international air travel, prompting airlines to postpone flights to the island. This uncertainty deals a looming blow to Cuba's vital tourism sector. A Historic Economic Pivot In the midst of this crisis, Havana has announced a significant policy shift: for the first time, Cubans living abroad will be allowed to invest in and own businesses on the island. This move targets the Cuban diaspora, which has seen over a million people emigrate in recent years. The government is specifically courting investment in agriculture and permitting the establishment of investment banks. While experts call the move "pragmatic", it comes under "maximum pressure" from Washington and may be a bid to unlock new capital flows. However, it remains unclear if this will be enough to offset the broader economic freefall. The Geopolitical Layer These events are unfolding against a backdrop of tense negotiations between Cuba and the United States. While reports suggest the US has called for leadership changes in Havana, Cuba's leadership has publicly vowed "unbreakable resistance" against any external imposition. Crucially, Cuban officials state they are willing to negotiate a wide range of issues but draw a red line at discussing their internal political system. A Fragile Path Forward With energy instability now the norm and diplomatic talks ongoing, the island is walking a tightrope between external pressure and internal survival. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether negotiations can yield any relief for the Cuban people.

🔥Regular #CIIC_digest We haven't done a digest in a while. There's been an incredible amount of events in that time, so we've gathered the latest news in one place. 🇷🇺 Russia Comments on the Energy Market Situation The energy market is experiencing significant turmoil amid the conflict over Iran, making it difficult to predict its future dynamics. Officials estimate that the current instability is creating uncertainty for all market participants and complicating assessments of its development prospects. 🇳🇵Nepal: Opposition Party Wins Landslide Election Victory and Forms New Government In Nepal, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won a landslide victory in the general elections, securing 182 of the 275 parliamentary seats—their largest margin in decades. The party's candidate, Balendra Shah, has been nominated for prime minister and is mandated to stabilize the political system following a series of protests and government changes. The elections took place against the backdrop of anti-corruption protests planned for 2025, and experts expect the new government to be able to ensure more stable governance. 🇨🇳US-China Leaders' Meeting Postponed Amid Trade and Geopolitical Disagreements The planned meeting between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was postponed due to ongoing tensions in trade and economic relations between the countries and the complex international situation. The main factors were protracted negotiations over the terms of engagement, as well as the impact of foreign policy crises, including the situation in the Middle East. However, the talks were not cancelled definitively; the parties continued preparations for dialogue, which subsequently took place after further coordination of positions. 🇮🇷 Iran Announces Supreme Leader's Stable Condition Iranian authorities reported that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in satisfactory condition, and that his previous injuries were minor. The Foreign Ministry emphasized the stability of the country's political system and its independence from individual individuals. They also denied reports that he was undergoing treatment abroad; it is possible that he will make a public address in the near future. 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan approved a new Constitution: the country's political system will be reformed On March 15, 2026, a nationwide referendum concluded in Kazakhstan, resulting in citizens supporting a new Constitution that significantly changes the current political system. The document provides for the updating of most provisions of the Basic Law, parliamentary reform, the introduction of the post of vice president, and the strengthening of executive power. When the Constitution comes into force on July 1, the current parliament will be dissolved, after which snap elections are scheduled within a month.