The First Forum of Rectors of Russia and Thailand was initiated by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two states and was aimed at establishing contacts in the academic and scientific sphere, getting acquainted with the systems and institutions of higher education of the two countries, as well as developing bilateral academic and cultural cooperation.
The Forum was organized by the Russian Union of Rectors, St. Petersburg State University of Economics, Lomonosov Moscow State University with the support of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand, the Government of St. Petersburg, and the Council of Rectors of St. Petersburg.
In anticipation of the Forum, an online exhibition "Universities of Russia and Thailand" was held, in which RosNOU took part. The exhibition featured 25 leading universities in Russia (24 state ones and one private) and 11 leading universities in Thailand (six state and five private ones). Also, before the Forum, a student concert and round tables were held for specialists in international cooperation between the universities of the two countries, in which RosNOU was represented by the head of the International Affairs & Academic Mobility Directorate of RosNOU, George Gabrielian.
The Forum brought together heads of leading universities in Russia and Thailand interested in developing humanitarian ties between the two countries, intensifying academic and youth exchange programs between universities, and increasing the volume of joint scientific research. The key topics of discussion were academic exchanges, distance education, digital volunteerism, and the connection of education with business, science, and innovation.
The Rectors spoke about the plans for the development of their universities in the medium- and long-term perspective and exchanged proposals for cooperation.
The event was moderated by Nikolay Toivonen, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development of the Saint Petersburg State University of Economics.
The Russian New University was the only representative of the private sector of Russian education at the Forum. In his speech, Rector Vladimir Zernov spoke about RosNOU as a classical university, which is included in international rankings and is a leader in the following areas: mathematical modeling, information technology, nanotechnology, foreign languages, Russian as a foreign language. He noted the significant number of international students at RosNOU, including those from Thailand, and invited Thai partners to participate in the consortium of RosNOU and Autonomous Non-commercial Organization "Digital Country" to create a digital economy: a high synergy effect of cooperation is possible due to the use of the strengths and best technologies of each part.
Vladimir Zernov stressed the readiness of RosNOU to cooperate with universities in Thailand in all areas of educational activity, as well as the willingness to conduct the educational process in English. He also spoke about the university's scientific schools, about devices with artificial intelligence, including those that help in the fight against the pandemic.
