CIIC

🌍 Russian Language Day: Its Significance in International Diplomacy

Dear friends, on June 6th, we celebrate Russian Language Day – a date of particular importance for international relations. 📜✨

As one of the six official UN languages 🇺🇳, Russian plays crucial roles:

⏺Serves as a working language in CIS, EAEU, SCO, and other international organizations;

⏺Is the original language of many diplomatic documents and agreements;

⏺Provides access to understanding Russia's foreign policy decisions.

For you as future international relations professionals, Russian language proficiency offers significant advantages:
✔️ Direct access to archives and primary sources;
✔️ Opportunities for unmediated communication with colleagues;
✔️ Deeper understanding of cultural contexts in negotiations.

📊 Interesting fact: Russian ranks 8th globally in prevalence and remains one of the most in-demand languages in the UN, UNESCO, IAEA.

📣 Your experience matters to us!
• What challenges have you faced while learning Russian for professional purposes?
• Which learning methods have proven most effective for you?

✨ Let's discuss in the comments – your practical insights could help fellow learners!

🔥 Sincere feedback from a participant

We recently received amazing feedback from one of our competition "The Way of Political Expert" participants Behrooz Kiany🇮🇷, and we can't help but share it! 💬

Finally, I am eternally grateful to every expert who enriched our journey through mentorship, masterclasses, and thought-provoking discussions. Their wisdom and experience broadened my understanding of global affairs, professional possibilities, and the transformative power of knowledge. I sincerely hope to have the privilege of learning from them again in the future.

Such words are the best reward for us! 🏆 Seeing your emotions, efforts, and growth is priceless.

➡️ You can read the full review at the link

By the way, if you also participated, share your impressions in the comments! What was the most memorable? 😉

🇷🇺 ☀️ How to Make the Most of Your Summer in Russia

Summer in Russia is a great time to dive deeper into your academic interests, gain practical experience, and explore the country’s rich political and cultural landscape. Here’s how you can spend your summer productively:

🎓 Attend Summer Schools & Workshops

🚀 Start your career in Russia and apply for the «Horizon of Opportunites» program here https://horizonty.online/sign-up

Many Russian universities and research centers offer short-term programs:
MGIMO, HSE, or SPbU summer schools – Courses on international relations, Eurasian studies, or Russian politics. Summer School on Russian Language & Culture – Improve your language skills while studying Russia’s history and society.

🏛 Internships & Volunteering

Intern at think tanks (e.g., RIAC – Russian International Affairs Council, Carnegie Moscow Center). UN agencies or embassies – Some offer summer internships or events. Volunteer at museums (e.g., Gorky Park, Hermitage, or the Museum of Political History) to engage with cultural diplomacy.

⚛️ Research & Fieldwork

Conduct interviews or surveys on Russian society, politics, or history. Visit archives (e.g., GARF, RGASPI) if you’re working on a thesis. Join local sociological projects or NGOs studying migration, youth movements, or regional politics.

🗺 Travel & Explore

Summer is the perfect time to explore Russia beyond your campus—whether you're into political history, international relations, or sociology, there’s so much to discover. Dive into politics and history by visiting key cities like Kaliningrad (geopolitics), Kazan (multiculturalism), and Volgograd (memory studies).

Use this summer to deepen your expertise, make connections, and experience Russia beyond textbooks!

✨ Got other ideas? Share in the comments!

🗞 We start the Week with the Digest

🇷🇺 The third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine has been announced

The second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul has ended. Moscow made a "concrete proposal" for a ceasefire. A memorandum on the settlement of the conflict was handed over to Kyiv. According to him, the document consists of two parts. In addition, Moscow agreed to the unilateral transfer of six thousand bodies of Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv next week.

🌎 More than 244 thousand residents of Gaza are on the brink of starvation

According to the UN, 12% of the entire population of the sector are experiencing food shortages and are in a state comparable to starvation. If the blockade by Israel is not lifted, then general starvation may begin in Gaza within three months. Forecasts indicate that by September 2025, almost half a million residents (22% of the population) will face a "catastrophic" shortage of food and water. The rest of the population, almost 1.6 million people (78%), will experience serious problems with access to food.

🇪🇨 Daniel Noboa sworn in as Ecuadorian president

"We will bring progress back to this country, which has been and continues to be attacked by mafias," Noboa told his supporters who gathered in front of the parliament building, where the inauguration ceremony was held, broadcast by the Primicias portal.

Noboa will have to solve a number of problems, the most important of which is a severe security crisis. Ecuador, which had one of the lowest crime rates 10 years ago, has become the most dangerous country in Latin America in terms of murders in 2024. January 2025 was the most violent month in the past 10 years: 750 murders were committed.

🇰🇪 Kenya Celebrates 62nd Anniversary of Independence from Britain

On June 1, Kenya celebrated the anniversary of gaining internal self-government. In 1963, after 43 years of the East African country being a British colony, the first government was formed here, headed by the fighter against imperialism Jomo Kenyatta. Nairobi gained full independence from London and control over the country's foreign policy in December of the same year.

🇮🇳 Indian PM Modi May Skip G7 Summit Due to Conflict with Canada

For the first time in six years, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may not attend the G7 summit, which will be held from June 15 to 17, 2025, in the Canadian resort area of ​​Kananaskis. This was reported by the India Today TV channel, citing sources.

The diplomatic crisis that began in September 2023 remains the reason for the cooling of bilateral relations. Then, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a leader of Canada's Sikh community and a supporter of the movement to create an independent Sikh state of Khalistan in the Indian state of Punjab. The incident led to mutual expulsions of diplomats and a deepening crisis.

#CIIC_digest

📺 5 TV series about power, diplomacy, and international relations that everyone should watch!

We have collected an interesting selection of TV series for you that you will definitely want to discuss with your friends. If you want to understand the intricacies of politics, diplomacy, and global conflicts, these series will be a great study guide (and just great viewing).

🔹 Game of Thrones (HBO) – Political science in the world of Westeros
Palace intrigues, balance of power, diplomacy, and wars — everything like in real history, only with dragons. A great example of how power changes people.

🔹 House of Cards – American politics without embellishment
Frank Underwood will show how behind-the-scenes deals, manipulations, and the struggle for influence work in Washington.

🔹 The Diplomat (Netflix) – Modern diplomacy in action
A new hit about an American ambassador who sorts out international crises, balancing between US interests and personal ambitions.

🔹 Godunov – Historical drama about the Time of Troubles
A large-scale film saga about the reign of Boris Godunov, the Time of Troubles, and the rise of the Romanov dynasty. The series covers key events in Russian history from the late 16th to early 17th centuries: from the murder of Tsarevich Dmitry to the Polish intervention.

🔹 The Optimists – Modern Diplomacy through the Eyes of the Russian Foreign Ministry
A drama series about the work of Russian diplomats in the 1960s (season one) and in modern times (season two). Based on real events, but with fiction.

✨ Which of these series impressed you the most? Maybe you can recommend something else? Write in the comments!

🚀 What's next? Career in Russia!

When one big event ends, we are in a hurry to announce a new one - "Horizon of Opportunites".

We are currently open for registration for those who want to start their career in Russia.

✍️ We have programs in 3 areas of training: International Economic School, International Humanitarian School and International School of Humanitarian Cooperation.

🇷🇺 Traditionally, the final will take place in Moscow in November 2025.

Therefore, it's high time to submit an application before June 30!

🧷Website https://horizonty.online/sign-up

✨ In which area would you like to participate?

😍 Closing Ceremony of the International Competition "The Way of a Political Expert"

Dear colleagues and participants, we would like to inform you about the successful completion of the in-person stage of the International Competition "The Way of a Political Expert".

🙏🏻 First of all, we would like to thank all the participants who have been with us from the very beginning. We express our sincere gratitude to all participants for their professionalism and active civic position. Special words of gratitude to our partners and experts for their meaningful work with young specialists.

The final round was attended by 15 young specialists in international relations and political science from 12 countries:
🇦🇷Argentina, 🇬🇧Great Britain, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇧🇾 Republic of Belarus,🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇷Iran, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇷🇺 Russian Federation, 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan,🇪🇨 Ecuador and 🇪🇹Ethiopia.

The program of the final events included:

😊 A working meeting with a representative of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation.

😌 A specialized master class by an expert of the A.M. Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund on the topic: "International project activities as a tool for integration into modern global processes".

🌏 At the end of the evening, an official ceremony was held to present certificates for successful completion of the competition program.

✨ The competition demonstrated the high potential of young internationalists and confirmed the importance of continuing such professional initiatives

😍 How Was the Second Day of the Way of Political Expert grand final?

Yesterday was packed with exciting events, important connections, and deep discussions. Participants had the chance to engage with top-level experts and dive into solving global challenges.

Highlights of the Day:

🎤 Excursion to the State Duma of the Russian Federation

We took a look behind the scenes of the Russian parliament. Participants learned about the history and work of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, saw the meeting rooms of factions and plenary sessions, and also learned about the basics of the legislative process.

🤝 Dialogue with Representatives of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation
Touched on an important topic: how different political cultures adapt to the challenges of the information society. In the digital age, when information spreads instantly and the boundaries between truth and manipulation are blurred, traditional political systems face new challenges.

😌 Meeting with the Gorchakov Foundation
The Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Fund presented opportunities for young professionals in international relations.

🎯 Strategic Game "Trajectories of Consensus"
The day wrapped up with an intense game where teams had to balance competing interests and develop collaborative solutions. Participants demonstrated creativity, leadership, and negotiation skills!

💪 The second day brought plenty of inspiration, new knowledge, and opportunities for growth.

🎥 We are sharing with you feedback on the projects of the participants from the Director of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations (DMGC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Alexander Alimov

😍 Opening of the in-person stage of the competition "The Way of a Political Expert"

Friends, we are happy to announce that the long-awaited meeting has finally taken place! For several months, the teams have been working hard to reach the finals and personally present their work in Moscow.

Today was the official opening and the day turned out to be eventful, bright and full of new impressions!

How was the first day of the participants?

📌 At the official opening, the following delivered a welcoming speech:

🎓 Agasaryan Areg Gareginovich (First Deputy Director of the International Youth Center of RUDN University)

🌏 Prokofieva Maria Sergeevna (Director of the ANO "Center for International Interaction and Cooperation")

😌 Pilipiliadi Konstantin Konstantinovich (Head of Projects of the Gorchakov Fund)

Their inspiring speeches set the tone for the entire event and charged the participants with energy for productive work!

😁 The participants learned about the activities of the "Digoria" platform and received valuable advice from experts who helped the children see new perspectives for their ideas.

🏛 The participants visited the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a presentation of projects and a discussion of current issues of international cooperation took place.

🚌 The day ended with a fascinating bus tour with a guide. The participants saw the main sights of the capital and immersed themselves in its rich history.

🔥 The day was filled with knowledge, inspiration and new acquaintances! There is even more interesting things ahead!

✨ Dear participants, share your impressions and photos in the comments to the post!

🌟 #WEARETOGETHER International Award 2025

The 5th anniversary season of the #WEARETOGETHER International Award has officially begun!
📅 Deadline: June 23, 2025.
🌍 Who can apply? Foreign citizens and NGOs.
🔗 Official website: wearetogetherprize.com

2025 Theme: "Social Partnership for Global Development."

#WEARETOGETHER is a global competition recognizing projects that help people and improve quality of life. Since 2020, the award has united over 145,000 projects from Russia and 140 countries worldwide, impacting millions of lives.

The award features two tracks:
1️⃣ National Track – for participants from Russia.
2️⃣ International Track – open to volunteers and NGOs globally.

Categories for international participants:
✅ Sustainable Future – environmental protection, green technologies, eco-education.
✅ Human Assistance – supporting vulnerable groups, education, volunteer initiatives.

Prizes
🏆 $10,000 for winners.
✈️ Invitation to the #WEARETOGETHER International Forum in Moscow (December 2025), attended by global leaders and NGOs.

🔗Apply now https://wearetogetherprize.com/

🚀 Russian education for international students: opportunities and advantages

Russia is one of the most popular countries for obtaining high-quality and affordable education. Every year, thousands of students from all over the world come to study at Russian universities, and their number continues to grow!

🌍 Who chooses Russia most often?

According to statistics, the largest number of international students come from:

🇧🇾 Belarus
🇦🇲 Armenia
🇹🇲Turkmenistan
🇺🇿Uzbekistan
🇨🇳 China
🌍 African countries

🎓 The most popular areas:

💊 Medicine - Russian medical universities are known for their strong training and modern technologies.
🪶 Humanities - linguistics, international relations, journalism.
🧑🏽‍🌾 Agriculture - relevant programs in agronomy, veterinary science, food technology.
⚙️Construction and engineering are popular specialties with practice-oriented training.

✨ Why choose Russia?

✅ Affordable tuition and living costs compared to Europe and the USA.
✅ Variety of programs - more than 500 universities and thousands of programs.
✅ Grants and quotas - the opportunity to study for free at the expense of the state.
✅ International recognition of diplomas - Russian universities are included in world rankings.
✅ Rich culture - life in a multinational environment, new friends and impressions.

🔗 You can find out more about how the educational process takes place in Russia at the link https://education-in-russia.com/#

Russia opens its doors to talented students from all over the world! If you want to get a quality education and a bright student experience - choose Russia! 🇷🇺📚

✨ And what university are you studying at?

🌟 Registration Extended – Secure Your Spot Now! 🌟

Are you an international student in Russia aspiring to launch your career here or strengthen ties with the Russian Federation? Don’t miss this chance!

📅 Deadline Extended: Submit your application by 30.06
👉 Apply here: https://horizonty.online/sign-up

The Horizons of Opportunities program has extended its registration period, giving you more time to embark on this transformative journey!

🎯 Eligibility:
Foreign students enrolled at Russian universities in:
- 2nd or 3rd year of undergraduate studies
- 1st year of master’s programs
- 1st or 2nd year of postgraduate programs

🚀 What Awaits You?
Choose from three specialized tracks:

1️⃣ International School of Economics
- Expert-led lectures by industry leaders
- Career-focused webinars
- Internships at cutting-edge tech companies

2️⃣ International School of Humanities
- Advanced studies in political science and international relations
- Exclusive internships at top think tanks for standout participants

3️⃣ International School of Humanitarian Cooperation
- Comprehensive project management training
- Insights into leading Russian organizations in social projects and public diplomacy

🏆 Grand Finale: The Congress of Outstanding Graduates in Moscow (November 2025)!

Don’t let this opportunity slip away – shape your future with Horizons of Opportunities! 🌍✨

🇨🇦 Alberta vs. Ottawa: Canada's richest province threatens independence referendum

Today we will tell you how Quebec, US oil tariffs and Trudeau's victory are connected.

While Canada faces internal economic challenges and external pressure, a wave of separatism is growing in Alberta, the oil heart of the country. The province, which has transferred almost $250 billion to the federal budget over 15 years, is tired of the "equalization" system, energy restrictions and the Liberals' policies.

😍 Maria Prokofieva, political scientist, member of the Digoria Expert Club, co-founder of the Center for International Interaction and Cooperation, shared whether the division of Canada is real or just a desperate move by the Conservatives.

👉🏽 The full commentary is available at the link.

✨ Write your opinion in the comments!