The Gorchakov Fund

It's hard to imagine the Balkans without bringing up energy. And Balkan energy without politics 🌐 In anticipation of the launch of "The Balkan Dialogue — 2026" program, we are publishing a new issue of the Gorchakov Fund's analytical paper series — the report "Russia and the Energy Systems of Southeast Europe: leaving is not an option, staying is hard". 👤 Author — Mikhail Lobanov, Cand. of Science (Geography), Deputy Director for Research, Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The expert analyzes how Russia's role in the energy sector of Southeastern Europe is changing against the backdrop of sanctions policies, supply diversification, and the transformation of regional energy markets. Key topics include: 🔹the future of Russian oil and gas supplies to the region; 🔹new energy routes and infrastructure projects; 🔹the fate of Russian assets in the energy sector of Southeastern Europe; 🔹the impact of sanctions pressure on economic and political processes in the region. It's no coincidence that energy security will be one of the central themes of "The Balkan Dialogue 2026", which starts tomorrow! 📎 The report is available to read, save, and share with others. #BalkanDialogue #Balkans #analytics

Meeting place — Delhi! 🇮🇳 The Gorchakov Fund together with Observer Research Foundation are opening applications for «The Asian Dialogue — 2026», an international educational and scientific program for young specialists interested in Asia and international relations. ⭐️ September 9–11 📌 Delhi, India This year’s topic — «The changing balance of power and the emergence of a new world order». Working language: English. The program’s Academic Supervisor — Alexey Kupriyanov, Cand.of Science (History), Head of the Center of the Indo-Pacific Region of IMEMO. The program includes: 🟠lectures and workshops with leading experts from Russia and Asia; 🟠seminars and panel discussions on the future of the Asia-Pacific region, BRICS, SCO, and ASEAN; 🟠discussion of the prospects for cooperation between Russia and India in a multipolar world; 🟠cultural program in Delhi. The program is aimed at young professionals aged 18 to 35 from Russia, Asian countries, and other interested states. How to apply? 1️⃣ Register on the English version of the Gorchakov Fund’s website or log into an existing account. 2️⃣Go to ‘My Projects’, click ‘Create Application’, and select ‘The Asian Dialogue – 2026’. 3️⃣Fill in all sections of the application form. 4️⃣Upload an analytical essay on one of the topics listed below and a letter of motivation. 5️⃣Go to the ‘Apply’ section and click ‘Submit’. The travel expenses of the authors of the five best essays will be covered by the organisers. ➡️ Applications are open until July 15, 23:59 (Moscow time). Read more about the terms of participation on our website. #AsianDialogue #India 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarks at the XXXIV Assembly of the Council for Foreign and Defence Policy 🔴 X 🔴 Facebook 🔴 Ruptly 🔴 Russia's MFA Website

Summer, mountains, Pyatigorsk… We think that there are three good reasons to visit Pyatigorsk this summer — and they are all connected to «The Caucasus Dialogue — 2026». ⭕️Especially because the deadline for application has been extended to May 29, 23:59 (Moscow time). Now there is extra time to polish your essay, check the application form and press «Submit». 🗂June 29 — July 3 📍Pyatigorsk, Mashuk Knowledge Center ➡️Read more about the terms of participation on our website. #CaucasusDialogue #GorchakovFund #MashukKnowledgeCenter 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

+1

There is only a week left before the deadline to apply for «The Caucasus dialogue — 2026», so we have compiled the most important information about the program 🍉 ✅What awaits the participants? ✅Who can apply? ✅How to participate? ✅And what should your essay be about? Read, save, share with friends, and of course — apply for the program! 🗂June 29 – July 3 📍Pyatigorsk, Mashuk Knowledge center The deadline for applications is May 22, 23:59 (Moscow time). ➡️Read more about the terms of participation on our website. #CaucasusDialogue #GorchakovFund #MashukKnowledgeCenter 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

Congratulations on the Victory Day! 🎗 Today marks 81 years since the end of the Great Patriotic War. This date remains a symbol of courage and the strength of those who defended their country and gave future generations the right to live in peace. It is especially important to remember the price of that victory. Behind it stand millions of lives, losses, hope, and an unwavering belief that peace would eventually come. Today, we honor the memory of all those who lived through the war and fought for the future of their children, their country, and all of us. We remember. We are proud. #VictoryDay 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

+2

Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and creator of the Goodwill Games, has passed away Ted Turner went down in history as the man who transformed the global media landscape. But for many in Russia and the post-Soviet states, his name is also associated with another era—a time when sports and humanitarian projects became a means of overcoming political barriers. It was Turner who initiated the Goodwill Games—international competitions that emerged following mutual Olympic boycotts by the USSR and the US. Later, he actively supported humanitarian initiatives and UN projects, and advocated for nuclear disarmament and the development of international cooperation. ➡️Learn more about this other side of Ted Turner’s personality above. 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

+3

Is it possible to learn about a region in just three days? We’re proving it with personal experience! Last week, Dushanbe hosted an international scientific and educational program «The School on Central Asia — 2026». Over 50 participants from Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and other countries were brought together to discuss key issues of regional security and cooperation in Central Asia. What did they do during the program? ✅Discussed how the region's security architecture is changing and what challenges are coming to the forefront ✅Analyzed the dynamics of the Fergana Valley—one of the most complex and sensitive spaces in Central Asia. ✅ Worked on research—from posing the question to analysis and conclusions ✅ Delved into the cultural context of the region and explored the symbols of Dushanbe The program culminated in a project defense before the panel of experts: participants presented their research, the best of which will be published in highly cited journals! ➡️Read more about the program on the Gorchakov Fund’s website. «The School on Central Asia — 2026» was organized by the Gorchakov Fund in collaboration with the Tajik National University, the Center for Geopolitical Studies of the Russian-Tajik (Slavic) University, and the Institute of Oriental Studies RAS. #SchoolOnCentralAsia #CentralAsia 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

🔔 You have 1 new message Subject: We’re still waiting for your application… 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 🎨🎨🎨 From: Gorchakov Fund 🎨🎨🎨 To: Everyone 🎨🎨🎨 Priority: High 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 Dear friends, We’ve been thinking… and decided to remind you that applications for the “Balkan Dialogue — 2026” are still open. We understand — deadlines, work, the temptation to leave everything until the last moment… But maybe you were just waiting for this email? Here’s what awaits you: 🟦 Lectures, discussions, and workshops with experts 🟦 In-depth exploration of international processes in the Balkan region 🟦 New professional connections (and sometimes much more) 🟦 Teamwork on your own project ideas We’re not insisting, but if the topic resonates with you — consider this a sign. ➡️ Applications are open until April 26. More details are available on the website. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out: balkans.dialogue@gorchakovfund.ru 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 Best regards, Gorchakov Fund 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

(poll without text)

(poll without text)

(poll without text)

(poll without text)

Now let’s test you 👀 During the “MediaLab BRICS 2.0” media school, participants not only discussed how to communicate science, but also tested their own level of space knowledge. ⭐️ One of the most engaging sessions was a space quiz led by Alisa Zaripova — a space populariser, Head of Development at “Future Education” and author of the Telegram channel Alice in Wonder New Space. The quiz featured questions about BRICS countries’ achievements, space technologies, and surprising facts about space exploration. Some were easy, others were far from obvious! And now it’s your turn — ready to try? 🚀

+3

Congratulations on Cosmonautics Day 🚀 Exactly 65 years ago, Gagarin’s iconic “Let’s go!” marked the beginning of a new era in human history — and, in a way, gave all of us permission to dream a little bigger. Space remains a field where major achievements are made possible by people — their professionalism, dedication, and readiness to push the limits of what is possible. ⭐️ For the Fund, it is especially meaningful that cosmonauts and space industry professionals find opportunities to meet with participants of our programs. In these moments, space feels closer — through personal stories and answers to the simplest, yet most important questions. Today, we would like to thank everyone who makes the impossible possible and continues to move us forward ⭐️ 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

We have to share this… Here’s a project of one of the teams of our «MediaLab BRICS 2.0» school, as part of which participants created short-form videos. This video is their attempt to answer why we need space and what significance it can have for the future of humanity. And we have to be honest, it won our hearts 🧡 «We’re people. We create and we destroy. We are capable of great things… and the most terrible ones. But most importantly — we strive to be better. Unity and cooperation is what can help us be more humane.» After watching, we’d like to believe that the future will still bring so much to humanity. And space will be an area of cooperation to achieve something much greater ⭐️ Authors: Gleb Danilov (Kazakhstan), Joshua Umukoro (Nigeria), Daria Blednova (Moscow, Russia), Daria Dorofeeva (Saint Petersburg, Russia), Elizaveta Solovyova (Irkutsk, Russia). #MediaLabBRICS #BRICS #MediaLab2026 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

The Caucasus between the centers of power — where is the line of balance? 🔍 The Gorchakov Fund together with Mashuk Knowledge Center announces the start of the application process for the annual scientific and educational program «The Caucasus Dialogue – 2026». 📌 This year’s topic — «Between Centers of Power: the Caucasus in the Global Game». Working languages: Russian, English. Who can participate? Invited to apply are young researchers of the Caucasus region from Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia aged 21 to 35. How to apply? 1️⃣ Sign up 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 The Caucasus Dialogue – 2026. 3️⃣ Fill in all sections of the application form. 4️⃣ Attach an essay or an analytical paper on one of the listed topics. 5️⃣ Go to the “Apply” section and click “Submit”. Organizers will cover the travel expenses of the authors of five best essays. The deadline for applications is May 29, 23:59 (GMT+3). ➡️ Read more about terms of participation on our website. #CaucasusDialogue #MashukKnowledgeCenter #announcements

+1

Travelling to the stars Nizhny Novgorod! ⭐️ Between lectures and project work, participants of «MediaLab BRICS 2.0» explored Nizhny Novgorod, discovering new places and creating their own itinerary around the city. Let’s tour the city together — from the planetarium to the wide embankments on the Volga river. ➡️How space intertwines with the city's distinctive architecture and rich history? ➡️Which famous people lived and worked in Nizhny Novgorod? ➡️How did Nizhny Novgorod's picturesque embankments come to be? Read more on the cards below! ↗️ #ExploreWithTheFund #NizhnyNovgorod 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

+3

MediaLab BRICS 2.0 International Media School Held in Nizhny Novgorod 📷 From March 29 to April 2, young journalists, bloggers, and media professionals from BRICS+ countries gathered in Nizhny Novgorod to develop their science communication skills and create their own media projects. 📕 Marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s flight, participants explored how media can connect countries and audiences, turning science into a universal language of dialogue. A few highlights from the programme:: ▶️Participants spoke with a cosmonaut about life on the ISS (do you know how birthdays are celebrated in space? we do!) ▶️Experts from different fields shared approaches to making science clear and engaging for a broad audience ▶️Young professionals created their first space-themed videos ▶️Nizhny Novgorod added a bright note to the programme — sunny and warm weather accompanied all days of our work 📕Read more about the programme on our website. The media school was organized by the Gorchakov Fund in cooperation with HSE University — Nizhny Novgorod and the G.M. Grechko Planetarium. #MediaLabBRICS #BRICS #MediaLab2026 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣

+1

While Artemis II is out there exploring space — we’re showing you how to explore these topics in media 🪐 Teams of participants of «MediaLab BRICS 2.0» presented the final projects they had been working on for the last several days. 📌 What you see is a result of a full production cycle: from an idea to shooting and editing. What was the assignment? Teams prepared short-form video content in English on three topics: 1️⃣ Explain what it’s like to live on the International Space Station in a way that even a child can understand 2️⃣ A message to other planets: what would you say if the whole universe was listening? 3️⃣ Answer the question: why do we need to learn about space when there’s so many unresolved problems here on Earth? See the videos for yourself and vote on which one you think should win! 🔥 — Team 1 👍 — Team 2 ⚡️— Team 3 🏆— Team 4 👏— Team 5 #MediaLabBRICS #BRICS #MediaLab2026 1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣