№ 45, 2024. The results of the 1st Russian-African Forum of Young International Relations Professionals on Security and Development, сoncluded in Moscow

MOSCOW. OCTOBER 29, 2024. PIR PRESS. «I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the team of PIR Center, Rossotrudnichestvo, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia for their warm hospitality and the invaluable opportunity to participate in the Forum. I am deeply thankful for the chance to engage with such dedicated professionals and for the attention given to all participants throughout the event. The kindness and support of the entire PIR Center team made my visit truly unforgettable. I was glad to exchange ideas and thoughts with passionate experts, and I sincerely hope we can maintain our communication and explore opportunities for future collaboration», – Samson Edward Kobello, Career and Recruitment Consultant, Greenlight Universal Agency (Tanzania).

From October 1 to 6, Moscow hosted the first Russian-African Forum of Young International Relations Professionals on Security and Development, organized by PIR Center in partnership with Rossotrudnichestvo and MGIMO University. The event brought together diplomats, military personnel, politicians, and representatives from science, education, technology, and media from various African countries, including the Republic of Congo, Somalia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, and others. Among the participants were also students of the International Security master’s program, jointly implemented by PIR Center and MGIMO.

In a welcome note addressed to the Forum participants, Vladimir A. Orlov, Founding Director of PIR Center, emphasized the significance of the Forum in fostering a sustainable future and the importance of turning discussions into practical solutions. He shared that PIR Center, founded 30 years ago, has a logo that resembles a rhino, an endangered African animal, which, in security terms, simultaneously heralds strength and vulnerability. “This is a unique opportunity for all of us to discuss the most pressing issues of international and regional security constructively, where the keyword is “development.” Another key word is “sovereignty,” because only when we are truly independent can we achieve development and progress. We established this Forum to address reality – to have solutions-oriented discussions, not just to list problems,” – Vladimir A. Orlov noted.

The Forum provided a unique opportunity for attendees to attend lectures from leading Russian experts and engage in discussions, sharing their diverse perspectives on critical security issues that impact Africa and the world. The official opening ceremony occurred at MGIMO, where Andrey A. Baykov, MGIMO Vice-Rector for Science and Research, expressed hope that the Forum would become a platform for developing collaborative approaches to international security challenges. “Our main goal is to outline the framework for cooperation between Russia and African countries, develop joint solutions, and raise overall awareness of the complex challenges we face together,” – Andrey A. Baykov emphasized.

One of the key highlights of the Forum was the seminar led by Mikhail V. Margelov, Head of the UNESCO Department at the Institute of Asian and African Studies, Moscow State University, and PIR Center Advisory Board member. This session centered on conflict resolution, using the peace process and the end of the civil war in Sudan as a case study. Mikhail V. Margelov mentioned that significant issues in Africa, such as resource shortages, terrorism, and radicalization, require comprehensive solutions. He pointed out successful examples of peaceful negotiations, such as those in South Sudan, where diplomacy proved more effective than military interventions. He also discussed the prospects for expanding economic cooperation between Russia and Africa, particularly in resource-based projects, highlighting opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties.

At the Forum, participants also attended the lecture by Dmitry V. Polikanov, Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for CIS Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo). He highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between Russia and African nations, particularly regarding security issues. Additionally, Dmitry V. Polikanov noted the growing interest from African countries in Russian IT applications and healthcare technologies. His remarks set the stage for further discussions led by Vladimir A. Orlov, Founding Director of PIR Center, who analyzed contemporary international security threats while comparing Russian and African approaches to shaping a multipolar world order. His presentation provided insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by countries seeking a new order.

One of the key aspects of the Forum dealt with digital development and associated risks. Leonid V. Tsukanov, PIR Center Consultant, discussed the primary challenges faced by countries south of the Sahara, emphasizing that the rapid advancement of digital technologies necessitates a comprehensive approach to security issues. Furthermore, Sergey V. Kostelyanets, Head of the Center for Sociological and Political Research at the Institute of Africa, Russian Academy of Sciences, addressed the significant topic of neocolonialism and its impact on Africa’s political and economic development. He particularly underscored that the continent’s dependence on external investments remains a major obstacle to sustainable growth, positioning Africa as a strategic source of raw materials for global economies.

Africa’s energy independence was also a major theme at the Forum. Vsevolod Y. Sviridov, Deputy Director of the Center for African Studies at HSE University, emphasized the importance of developing sustainable energy sources, such as natural gas and nuclear power, to ensure stable economic growth. These issues received particular attention, as many African countries strive for energy sovereignty. Sviatoslav A. Arov, Research Fellow-Executive Assistant to Director of PIR Center, followed up on this topic. He shared his ideas on the prospects for cooperation between Russia and African countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and outlined the current situation in this area.

One of the Forum’s pivotal sessions involved African participants sharing their views on key security threats. They analyzed the continent’s most pressing issues and proposed potential solutions, fostering deeper intercultural dialogue, and strengthening cooperation between Africa and Russia.

The Forum culminated in a case management game titled “Operational State Administration: How to Get the Country Out of Crisis?” where participants developed strategies for stabilizing crisis situations while practicing negotiation skills and critical thinking. The most engaged participants received printed editions of the Security Index Yearbook and the newly released PIR Center: Selected Works. 1994–2024 Anthology. All participants were awarded certificates recognizing their contributions to the Forum discussions.

Throughout all days of the Forum, PIR Center and colleagues from Rossotrudnichestvo actively interviewed participants who shared their impressions of the event and their professional views on the issues raised at the Forum. We invite all our readers to visit the PIR Center’s Telegram channel, Russian Security Index, where all the collected interviews can be viewed!

We are also pleased to share with you the feedback received from the participants:

“Your team and colleagues are absolutely exceptional, and I am sincerely glad to seize an opportunity to participate in this program,” – George Ridley Londoloza Bhema Gaboo, Geopolitical Analyst, Arcfyre International (South Africa).

“On behalf of the experts from Africa who participated in the Forum, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to PIR Center, MGIMO University, and Rossotrudnichestvo for executing the New Generation program and inviting us to this important convention. Your eagerness to contribute to Russia-Africa cooperation and understanding the importance of international ties is commendable, and we are grateful for the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions. Thank you for your hospitality and dedication to promoting collaboration between Africa and Russia,” – Abdi Abubakar, Chairman, Kesnyi Youth Empowerment Initiative (KYEI) (Somalia).

“I want to thank PIR Center team for your generous hospitality and my colleagues from Africa for exceptional time and meaningful interaction in Moscow. I am confident that we learnt a lot from each other.Thank you once again for everything,” – Alemseged Teshome Eshetu, System Software Developer, Information Network Security Administration (INSA) (Ethiopia).

Key words: Africa; Education; International Security

ISMA, AFR

F4/SOR – 24/10/29