Rustam Minnikhanov welcomed the participation of the first technical university of the country in the preparation for the UNESCO session in Russia.
On Thursday, December 24, an online meeting dedicated to the organization and holding of the anniversary session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to be held in Kazan in 2022 took place. During the meeting, the Rector of Mining University Vladimir Litvinenko held a presentation of infrastructure capacities of the St. Petersburg University, where the youth part of the event will take place.
He said that the Nedra Consortium, which unites domestic institutions of higher education that train specialists for the mineral sector, includes three universities from Tatarstan. Joining this collaboration gives them an opportunity to take part in international UNESCO projects connected with increasing academic mobility. We are talking, in particular, about the exchange of students and professors, double degree programs and some others. Now this work has slowed down a bit, but it will return to its previous volumes after the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Preparations for the session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee brought together people for whom the ideology of this organization, aimed at inter-ethnic dialogue, tolerance, preservation of cultural patrimony of peoples is not an empty sound, but a philosophy of life. Our institution of higher education strives for progressive development and is always looking for partners who are also ready to move forward. Such as the Republic of Tatarstan,” Litvinenko emphasized.
He also drew the audience’s attention to the fact that Mining University has experience in holding events of the highest level. Including those related to hosting large numbers of young people. Last year, for example, the University held a gathering of future leaders of the World Petroleum Council in its congress hall. Students, graduate students and young professionals working in fuel and energy companies from all over the world attended.
In addition, two years ago, the International Center of Competences in Mining Engineering Education was created on the basis of the university under the auspices of UNESCO. It’s supporting universities and partner companies are located in such countries as Austria, Great Britain, Germany, China, South Africa, and many others. And one of the tasks is just to increase academic mobility.
President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov noted that he had heard a lot of positive things about St. Petersburg Mining University. But the presentation given by the rector exceeded his utmost expectations. That is why on his first visit to the city on the Neva he will definitely visit the oldest technical university of Russia to see for himself what was shown on the screen.
“We are now building a new campus for Almetyevsk Oil Institute. And in order for its infrastructure to meet modern standards, of course, we need to have an idea of the best practices. We will rely on your experience and knowledge,” said Rustam Minnikhanov.
It should be noted that the meeting was attended by Grigory Ordzhonikidze, Executive Secretary of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO, Mintimer Shaimiev, UNESCO Special Envoy for Intercultural Dialogue, representatives of the Government of the Russian Federation and Tatarstan, as well as public organizations responsible for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee anniversary session in 2022.
