The Gorchakov Fund

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The media school’s second day: from ideas to instruments! After an eventful first day, our «MediaLab BRICS» continued at Sber’s public space «Garage». Here participants put their knowledge to practice, and discussed how to turn complex topics into understandable and engaging content. What was on participants’ agenda? ⭐️Discussing how to «package» science in media From astrophysics to biology and scientific festivals, together with popularizers of science we learned how complex topics become interesting to wide audiences. ⭐️Exploring media approaches together with RT Academy We delved into production, learning how a story is created, what makes the narrative strong, and what role presentation plays. ⭐️Working on video formats with experts from Sputnik We analysed how to retain viewer’s attention and why so much depends on video editing. The main conclusion is that a good idea only works if it’s executed and presented in the right way. Participants have made their own media projects – soon we will show you. For now, we’re sharing the atmosphere of the second day 📷 #MediaLabBRICS #BRICS #MediaLab2026

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Key in the ignition. Start! 🚀 Nizhny Novgorod hosted the opening of MediaLab BRICS 2.0 Media School for young journalists and bloggers from BRICS+ countries. This year, the project is implemented together with HSE University in Nizhny Novgorod and G.M. Grechko Planetarium, bringing participants together around the topics of space, science and the media. What did participants and experts do on the first day? ⭐️ Discussed why space could be a unifying topic ⭐️ Met with an astronaut and talked about life in orbit ⭐️Really immersed ourselves in space-related topics at a planetarium show ⭐️ Explored how visuals help tell complex stories during a design workshop. 📌 Read more about the first day of the program on the Gorchakov Fund's website. And coming up: new workshops, teamwork, and creating your own media projects. Stay tuned! #MediaLabBRICS #BRICS #MediaLab2026 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

When the sky became the front line: 27 years since the bombing of Yugoslavia 🕊 On March 24, 1999, NATO began its military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. For 78 days, airstrikes continued across the country, hitting both military and civilian targets. According to Serbian estimates, the bombings killed more than 2,500 people, including 89 children, and injured approximately 12,500. Left destroyed were residential neighbourhoods, bridges, factories, energy facilities, and social infrastructure. To gain a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of those events, we recommend the following list of materials: 🔵 Interview with Živadin Jovanović Yugoslavia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (1998-2000) explains the reaction of Yugoslavia’s leadership to the actions of NATO and the foundations of Russian-Serbian relations today. 🔵 Lasting Echo 1999 A collective work edited by Ekaterina Entina, the Director of the Center for Mediterranean Studies of the Higher School of Economics and Advisor to the Gorchakov Fund, which deals with the reasons behind the events of 1999, their consequences and lasting impact on the modern world. 🔵 RT Balkan documentary (in Serbian) Today at 23:30, RT Balkan will broadcast a documentary about the people whose lives were divided into «before» and «after» 1999. ➡️We will be discussing these events and their aftermath during «The Balkan Dialogue – 2026». This is an opportunity to explore key processes in the region and understand how the past continues to shape today's agenda. The application deadline is April 26, 23:59 (Moscow time). ➡️Read more about the terms of participation on our website. #BalkanDialogue #Balkans 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund. 🔴 Ruptly 🔴 Russia's MFA Website

The Balkans are once again in the spotlight — and you can get involved in the dialogue ✔️ We are announcing a call for applications for the annual educational program «The Balkan Dialogue – 2026», which will take place on June 2–6 in Belgrade. Contemporary international relations are experiencing a period of high turbulence. The global agenda is rapidly changing, and the Balkan region is once again at the center of geopolitical and economic transformations. The Gorchakov Fund invites you to join us in understanding what's happening in the region and discussing its potential future. 📌This year’s main topics — energy security, the transformation of military-political alliances, and the role of media in shaping conflicting agendas. The program will include: 🔵workshops and discussions on different topics: 🔵meetings with experts from Russia and the Balkan region; 🔵project work and presentation of participants’ own solutions. Working languages: Russian, Serbian, English. Who can participate? Invited to apply are young specialists, students, researchers, representatives of government bodies and NGOs, journalists, aged 20-35 and interested in the region. How to apply? 1️⃣Register on the English version of the Fund’s website or log into an existing profile. 2️⃣In the «My projects» section, create an application for the Balkan Dialogue 2026. 3️⃣Fill in the application form. 4️⃣Attach a letter of motivation and essay 5️⃣Submit application. The deadline to apply is April 26, 23:59 (Moscow time). ➡️Read more about the terms of participation on our website. If you have any questions, please contact us at balkans.dialogue@gorchakovfund.ru. #BalkanDialogue #Balkans 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

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Geopolitics, fact-checking and memes: highlights of the Balkan Media School From March 12 to 15, the 2nd International Media School “Balkans & BRICS+” took place in Serbia, bringing together around 30 participants from 15 countries — young journalists, analysts and researchers working at the intersection of media and international relations. 📍 The programme unfolded across two locations — Belgrade and Divčibare. In focus: ✅ The image of BRICS in member countries and formats of cooperation ✅ Symbols, identity and narratives in the Balkan media landscape ✅ Fact-checking and working with sources in international journalism ✅ Digital sovereignty and the architecture of strategic autonomy ✅ Personal branding in the media space The Media School combined lectures, discussions and practical sessions, enabling participants not only to explore global trends but also to develop their own approaches to working with information. 📌The programme was organised by the Ragusa Non-Profit Organisation with the support of the Gorchakov Fund, World Youth Festival, and the Knowledge Diplomacy Center. Very soon, we will move to Nizhny Novgorod for our next educational programme, “MediaLab BRICS 2.0.” It’s going to be cosmic — stay tuned! 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

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The International Media School “Balkans & BRICS+” opened in Belgrade 😼 On March 12, the opening ceremony of the 2nd International Media School “Balkans & BRICS+” took place in Belgrade. The programme brings together young journalists, analysts and students to discuss the role of BRICS+ countries in the contemporary global agenda. 📍 The Media School was launched at Ragusa Hub, a new space for international dialogue whose official opening is scheduled for early June. During the opening ceremony, Ekaterina Entina, Director of the Center for Mediterranean Studies at HSE University and Advisor to the Gorchakov Fund, noted: “BRICS+ offers a format of dialogue where there are no ‘masters’ and ‘students.’ It is a space where countries can engage in an equal discussion and jointly search for compromises on key international issues. Perhaps this is difficult to measure from a material point of view, but this philosophy of interaction is becoming one of the most important foundations for the development of the modern world.” The Media School will run until March 14 and will continue in Divčibare. The programme includes discussions on how BRICS is perceived by youth in member countries, the role of symbols and identity in the Balkan media landscape, and the prospects for the development of a multipolar world. ➡️ More about the opening of the Media School — in the RT Balkan report or the Sputnik Serbia article. The event is organised by the Ragusa Non-Profit Organisation with the support of the Gorchakov Fund, World Youth Festival, and the Knowledge Diplomacy Center. 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

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Happy International Women’s Day! 🌷 We would like to use this wonderful occasion to express our gratitude and admiration to women — those who inspire, support, and bring people together despite borders and distances. We are especially glad that each year more and more bright and talented women take part in the Fund’s programs — researchers, journalists, public figures, young diplomats, and experts from different countries. We wish that your life is always filled with bold ideas. May your energy and endless curiosity help you explore the world and turn your most ambitious plans into reality! Yours, The Gorchakov Fund 💛

🔔 You have 1 missed… ...missed final day to apply! But we believe great opportunities shouldn’t be lost to a deadline — so we’re extending the application period for MediaLab BRICS 2.0! From March 29 to April 2, the Gorchakov Fund, together with the HSE University in Nizhny Novgorod and G.M. Grechko Planetarium, will host an international educational program for students, young journalists, and bloggers from BRICS+ countries. 🚀 Media School’s topic: «Beyond the Orbit of Politics: from Dialogue about the Stars to the Media of the Future». Marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s flight, we will explore outer space as a space for global dialogue — and learn how to translate that conversation into the language of new media. What awaits participants? ⭐️ Meetings with popularizers of science, media experts and professionals in media communications ⭐️ Visit to the Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium ⭐️ Team work and creations of your very own media project New application deadline: March 8, 23:59 (Moscow time). ➡️ Learn more about how to apply on our website! #MediaLabBRICS #BRICS 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

We know that you’ll save this post and only return to it on the day before the deadline, but we just can’t prove it… But we can remind you: the deadline to apply for MediaLab BRICS international media school is in 4 days. Media School’s main topic: «Beyond the Orbit of Politics: from Dialogue about the Stars to the Media of the Future». 📌 March 29 — April 2 📍 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia Who are we looking for? 🟠 young specialists in media, journalism and communications; 🟠 aspiring international journalists; 🟠 content creators working with global audiences. What’s on the agenda? ⭐️ Creating an international media project ⭐️ Networking with professionals from different countries ⭐️ New skills and real cases for your portfolio How to apply? 1️⃣ Register on the English version of the Gorchakov Fund’s website or log into an existing profile. 2️⃣ Go to ‘My Projects’, click ‘Create Application’, and select ‘MediaLab BRICS 2026’, then fill in all sections of the application form. 3️⃣ Attach a link to your video posted on any social media platform on the topic: "Why should I become a participant in MediaLab BRICS?" with the #MediaLab2026 hashtag. 4️⃣ Go to the ‘Apply’ section and click ‘Submit’. The travel expenses for the authors of three best videos will be covered by the organisers. ➡️ Learn more about how to participate on our website! 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

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What is the legacy of Vitaly Churkin today? 🖋 Moscow saw the conclusion of the IV «Foreign Policy Meetings in Memory of Vitaly Churkin» — our flagship program aimed at preserving professional legacy of the diplomat and discussing the key challenges of contemporary international politics. The highlights of this year’s Forum: ✔️Participants from 14 countries – from China to Slovakia ✔️Meetings with representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federation Council and leading experts ✔️Discussions of the most pressing issues: international conflicts, nuclear non-proliferation, militarisation of space and digital sovereignty. ✔️learning unexpected facts about Vitaly Churkin (did you know that he considered being a research fellow?) Two days of intense work, dozens of questions, lively debates and new professional contacts — even a blizzard didn’t stop us! 🏷Read more about the program and the speakers on our website. #ChurkinForeignPolicyMeetings 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

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Foreign Policy Meetings in Memory of Vitaly Churkin begin in Moscow! 🪶 Yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia hosted the opening ceremony of the IV Youth Forum «Foreign Policy Meetings in Memory of Vitaly Churkin». The program brought together young international relations specialists, who in their career will have to navigate the changing world system — and find answers to the most difficult questions. During the first day, participants and experts: ➡️ discussed the legacy of Vitaly Churkin and the professional qualities which a diplomat has to possess today; ➡️ talked about the transformation of the international information agenda; ➡️ dug deeper into the issue of rising numbers of conflicts in the world, and the lessons of large-scale international crises; ➡️ analysed the state of nuclear non-proliferation regime. 📌 Read more about the results of the first day on our website. Today, participants can look forward to discussing the issues of militarisation of space and digital sovereignty, as well as attending a meeting with a representative of the Federation Council — stay tuned! #ChurkinForeignPolicyMeetings 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

Call for applications for the BRICS International School in India 🇮🇳 On March 5–6, New Delhi will host the BRICS International School: New Generation, an educational project bringing together young leaders from BRICS countries. ➡️BRICS International School: New Generation is a platform for professional dialogue about the future of the association, its role in shaping the multipolar world, and strategic priorities of cooperation. How can participate? Young specialists aged 18 to 35, including: ✅scholars, analysts, experts of research centers; ✅diplomats, government officials; ✅leaders of youth organisations and civil society; ✅entrepreneurs; ✅journalists. What can participants look forward to? 🟦Lectures and expert discussions of the role of BRICS in contemporary international system 🟦Discussions of the strategic agenda of India’s chairmanship 🟦Issues of sustainable development, innovation economy and geopolitics 🟦Dialogue on cultural cooperation among the countries of the associations 📎 To apply, fill out the form on the website until February 25. Read more about terms of participation on the project’s website. The program is organised by the BRICS Expert Council Russia, HSE University and the Russian House in India. The School will take place as part of India’s presidency in BRICS in 2026. #announcements #BRICS #India 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

Greetings on Diplomatic Worker’s Day! 🖋️ Russian diplomacy is synonymous with continuity of tradition, precision of language and unwavering defence of national interests. It is a school of professionalism, responsibility and service to the country. 🏅 Throughout different eras, our diplomats have upheld the principles of sovereignty and international law, maintaining calm, reasoned dialogue and respect for their partners even in the face of major disagreements. We congratulate everyone working on the front lines of international relations, defending the interests of their country, and promoting dialogue in our complex world. Thank you for your hard work and perseverance! 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

Applications are open for the International Media School Balkans & BRICS+ 😼 Ragusa Non-Profit Organisation invites young journalists, analysts and students to participate in the Balkans & BRICS+ II International Media School. The event is organised with the support of the Gorchakov Fund, World Youth Festival, and Knowledge Diplomacy Center (RSUH). Balkans & BRICS+ Media School is an educational platform where participants can delve deeper into the key issues of cooperation between the Balkan region and BRICS+, as well as gain practical skills of working with information. 🟠 March 12-15 📍Belgrade, Serbia What can participants expect? ⏺Lectures and panel discussions with experts ⏺Practical workshops ⏺Discussing the issues of geopolitics, cybersecurity and the shaping of international narratives The working language of the program: English. Terms of participation: ✅Accommodation and meals are provided ✅Travel expenses to and from the location of the event must be covered by the participants ➡️To apply, fill out the form until February 15. The organisers will contact the shortlisted candidates. Learn more about the project on the organiser’s website. #announcements #grants

MediaLab BRICS 2.0: how to talk about space using the language of the new media? 🚀 From March 29 to April 2, the Gorchakov Fund, together with the HSE University in Nizhny Novgorod and G.M. Grechko Planetarium, will hold the MediaLab 2.0 international program, a continuation of the educational project that last year brought together students, young journalists and content creators from BRICS+ countries. 🚀 Media School’s topic: «Beyond the Orbit of Politics: from Dialogue about the Stars to the Media of the Future». In the year that marks the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight, space becomes the central theme of the School—as a space for global conversation, a source of meaning, and the language of the media of the future. Dialogue is still possible beyond Earth's orbit, and it is precisely this dialogue that MediaLab BRICS 2.0 participants will learn to foster and translate into contemporary media formats. What to expect? ⭐️ Meetings with popularizers of science, media experts and professionals in media communications ⭐️ Visit to the Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium ⭐️ Team work and creations of your very own media project Who are we looking for? 🟠 Students of Journalism, International Relations, Political Science, and Economics 🟠 Journalists who are starting their career and specialize in international affairs 🟠 Content creators working with global audiences 📎 You can watch how last year’s program went here. The deadline for application is March 8, 23:59 (Moscow time). ➡️ Learn more about how to apply on our website! Join us. The stars are waiting (and so are we)! #MediaLabBRICS #BRICS #MediaLab2026 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

🔥🔥🔥 Applications are now open for InteRussia fellowships⭕️ InteRussia is a fellowship program for young professionals worldwide, implemented by the Gorchakov Fund in partnership with leading Russian universities, expert centers, and industry partners. ⭕️ The program offers hands-on professional experience in Russia, direct engagement with top experts, and the opportunity to become part of a global professional community. More than 500 participants from 70 countries have already completed InteRussia fellowships — now it’s your turn to join. Which fellowships can you apply for? ⭕️ International Relations (all over the world) ⭕️ Oriental Studies (post-Soviet countries, the Middle East, and North Africa) ⭕️ Archeologists (post-Soviet countries, the Middle East, North Africa, India, and Pakistan) ⭕️ Journalism (South Asia) ⭕️ Journalism (the Middle East and North Africa) ⭕️ Journalism (Sub-Saharan Africa) ⭕️ Russian Studies (all over the world) ⭕️ Medicine (all over the world) ⭕️ Information Technology (all over the world) ⭕️ Electric Power (the Middle East and Africa) ⭕️ Energy (Latin America) ⭕️ Theatre Arts (BRICS+ countries) ⭕️ More details and application guidelines are available at interussia.com. The InteRussia fellowships are implemented with the support of the Presidential Grants Foundation, Rossotrudnichestvo, and the Ministry of Education of Russia. #InteRussia #fellowships #internships 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

Interested in the world of current international politics? 🌍 Then we are waiting for you to take part in the «Foreign Policy Meetings in Memory of Vitaly Churkin»! For the fourth time, the annual forum brings together young International Relations specialists from different countries — from Europe and the Middle East to Asia and Africa — to discuss how current global politics really works. ✅February 18–21 📍Moscow Today is the last day to take part in the forum — the deadline for application is 23:59 (Moscow time). Before you submit your application, make sure that: 🔹all sections of the application form are completed; 🔹the essay (up to 5,000 characters including spaces) on one of the topics is attached; 🔹a letter of motivation (up to 4,000 characters with spaces) is attached; 🔹you have clicked the Submit button; Read more on our website. #ChurkinForeignPolicyMeetings 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

“I think I’m going to try…” Sometimes a professional journey begins with exactly this thought — bringing new connections and experiences that stay with you for a long time. If you’ve been thinking about giving it a try, now is the time to take that step. Only 3 days left to apply for «Foreign Policy Meetings in Memory of Vitaly Churkin». ✅February 18–21, 2026 📍Moscow Who is invited to participate? Young professionals aged 18 to 35. How to apply? 🔹 Create an account on the English-language website of the Gorchakov Fund or log into an existing profile. 🔹 In the "My Projects" section, select "Foreign Policy Meetings". 🔹 Fill in all sections of the application form. 🔹 Attach an essay on one of the proposed topics and a motivation letter, and submit your application. The organisers will cover the travel to and from Moscow for the authors of three best essays. 🔼Applications are accepted until January 21th. Learn more on our website. #ChurkinForeignPolicyMeetings 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

JAPAN-RUSSIA STUDENT CONFERENCE 2026 🟢 APPLICATIONS OPEN 🟢 🇷🇺🇯🇵 Don’t miss the unique opportunity to visit Japan, contribute to Japan-Russia relations and build bridges between the two countries and personal ties between the participants. We are pleased to invite you to participate in Japan-Russia Student Conference (JRSC), which will take place 09-26 August 2026 in Tokyo. The official language of JRSC is English. The first conference was held in the late 1980s. Since then its main goal has been to bring Russian and Japanese students together to discuss the issues that remain on the agenda of both countries and the international community. The conference aims to uphold the exchange of cultural experience for further development of Japan-Russia relations. The conference has been held with the long-standing support of MGIMO University, MGIMO Endowment, Scientific Student Society MGIMO and Japan Club MGIMO, and we sincerely thank them for their continued cooperation of this initiative. JRSC-2026 will be held in Tokyo, Japan. The host country covers the expenses partially. Approximate expenses of participants are specified in the application form. Make sure you have enough finances. The following topics were chosen for the future discussion this year: 1️⃣ Governance and Diplomacy Committee Legal practices, law, social structures, political backgrounds, power distribution, diplomatic relations, alliances, international organizations, regional cooperation, negotiation strategies, civil society, political accountability, electoral systems, public administration, policy-making process, national governance models, foreign policy priorities, peacebuilding, diplomatic protocol, United Nations framework. 2️⃣ Soft Power Committee National branding, cultural diplomacy, communication, cultural and historical heritage and perceptions, values promotion, creative industries, educational appeal, attractive governance, reputation management, moral frameworks, cultural norms, public diplomacy, cultural dialogue and cooperation, diplomatic methods, scholarships, intercountry exchanges, pop culture, sports, tourism, international festivals and events. 3️⃣ Economy and Innovation Committee Economic positions and trends, welfare systems, labour market, social background and policies, production and distribution, economic alliances, consumerism, urban and rural development, trade agreements, resource management, economic systems, trade governance, financial technologies, machinery, automotive industry, artificial intelligence, robotics, internet, service sector, digital transformation, startups, smart cities, e-commerce, supply chain innovation, automation of services (FinTech, GovTech, EdTech). Two participants who will distinguish themselves during JRSC-2026 will be granted the right to take part in JRSC-2027 on simpler terms. Do not miss the opportunity to prove yourself and be selected as a participant for the next year. In order to have a chance to take part in the JRSC-2026, please fill in and submit the online application form linked below until January 15, 2026 inclusive. Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVhJdRzZADuMvhgjjXw84gKjd965LnhBCR5v3fownFVqeVAQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor Requirements and expenses are written in the description of the application form. For more detailed information, please follow our project’s social media: VK: https://vk.com/jrsc_headquarters TG: https://t.me/jrsc_headquarters If you have any questions, please contact Marina Karaseva or Marina Sorochan. We wish you good luck! #JRSC #JRSC2026 #JRSC_announcements