The First International Scientific and Practical Student-Conference organized at the Belarusian State University (BSU) under the auspices of the GCRF COMPASS project (in Minsk on April 25-27, 2019)

The delegation of representatives from UWED participated in the official launch of the First International Scientific-Practical Student-Conference organized at the Belarusian State University (BSU) under the auspices of the GCRF project COMPASS (Global Challenges Research Fund - Comprehensive Capacity-Building in Eastern Neighbourhood and Central Asia) in Minsk from 25 to 27 April 2019. The delegation of the UWED was presented by 1^st year PhD student Muminov Ilhomjon, 2^nd year Master’s students Rajabov Bekzod and Kirgizbaeva Feruza, 1^st year Master’s student Yodgorov Shakhboz and final-year undergraduate student Akramov Otabek.

The launch conference took place at the Belarusian State University and was attended by over 800 participants, including 17 representatives of students COMPASS from the UK universities of Cambridge and Kent, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED, Uzbekistan), Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA), the Belarusian State University (BSU, Belarus) and Tajik National University (TNU), with participation of 1^st year PhDs, Master’s and final year students. The conference focused on the theme "Integration of integrations: status quo, challenges and prospects", considering the wider Eurasian region. The conference was opened with a welcoming speech by Her Excellency Fiona Gibb, British Ambassador to Belarus, Professor Victor Shadursky, Dean of the faculty of International relations (BSU), Professor Elena Korosteleva (University of Kent), Artsiom Nazarenka, senior lecturer at the School of history (BSU) and National Team Leader of the COMPASS project. This was followed by three parallel panel discussions of student presentations, and intensive question and answer sessions (Q&A). Along with that, within the framework of the cultural program, students visited many historical and cultural places in Minsk, including the National library of Belarus, the Great Patriotic War Museum and the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater, as well as the Niesvizh Palace and Mir Castle, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Proposed by the University of Kent (UK), in collaboration with the University of Cambridge (UK), the GCRF project COMPASS aims at the development of cooperation between universities UK and partner universities – the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED, Uzbekistan), Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA, Azerbaijan), Belarusian State University (BSU, Belarus), and Tajik National University (TNU, Tajikistan).

The main purpose of the project – the formation of new integration studies, assistance to the country's leadership and contribution to the development of sustainable scientific and educational community in the modern world.