"INTER-UNIVERSITY": Foundation for International Business Communications has launched a unique platform for dialogue between universities, business, and government

"INTER-UNIVERSITY": Foundation for International Business Communications has launched a unique platform for dialogue between universities, business, and government

The inaugural "International Municipal Forum – Dialogue Platform" conference, structured in the novel "INTER-UNIVERSITY" format, convened in Moscow on December 23. At the Moscow Polytechnic University, representatives of six leading universities, leaders of business associations, and NGOs joined together to generate joint projects. The outcome included signed agreements and the establishment of new initiatives.

MOSCOW, December 23. The Foundation for International Business Communications (FIBC) successfully held the first conference in the "INTER-UNIVERSITY" format, creating a unique space for dialogue between higher education, business, the non-profit sector, and municipal authorities. The event at the Moscow Polytech was held with the support of "MinOrg" LLC and brought together experts, students, and teachers from leading universities of the capital (Moscow State University, RUDN University, RANEPA, Moscow State Linguistic University, Pirogov University, Moscow Polytechnic University), young professionals, heads of NGOs, and business associations.

Elena Belyakova, Managing Director of FIBC, presented the International Municipal Forum (the Forum) as a key independent platform for open interaction. Ekaterina Zueva, Deputy Directorate Head of the Forum for Project Activities, outlined specific formats of cooperation: from long-term projects and event production to convention and exhibition activities. Guzel Sharipzyanova, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Development of Continuing Professional Education, and Cooperation with Partners of the Moscow Polytechnic University, also addressed the Conference participants with a welcoming speech.

The conference programme included three key blocks.

The dialogue with industry leaders – heads of business and socially oriented communities – took place in an "open microphone" format, moderated by Tatyana Borisova, Deputy Directorate Head of the Forum for Business Programme Preparation. The discussion was attended by: Artyom Asatur, Co-Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the "Aluminum Association"; Vladimir Balakin, President of the "National Compliance Association"; Tatiana Fleganova, Director of "SOCIO" ANCO and Head of the "Special People" Association; Veronika Nelen, Executive Director of "Open Village" LLC.

The participants shared the key events of 2025 and plans for 2026. A significant part of these initiatives will be implemented by FIBC together with partners.

The second session of the conference, which focused on the interaction of science and practice, was dedicated to the BRICS Network University, an international association of BRICS universities established for the purpose of sharing knowledge and facilitating the cross-border education of specialists. Maria Kurka, Director of the Department for International Scientific and Educational Cooperation at RUDN University and an official representative of the Rector's Office of the BRICS Network University, spoke about its role and capabilities. The second key topic was an invitation to practical cooperation from the Department for Natural Management and Environmental Protection of the city of Moscow. Elena Zharkova, Head of the Department of Environmental Education and Enlightenment, called on university teams to get involved in developing solutions to the city's current environmental needs.

This part of the event ended with a small strategic session, where representatives of municipal authorities, NGOs and universities exchanged specific ideas and projects.

The third session addressed community energy, examining the roles of youth, volunteer, and professional organisations, including parliamentary, municipal, student, women's, corporate, and professional bodies, with a focus on their missions, objectives, and municipal projects. The session was opened by Ainur Sadykova, a 1st-year graduate student of the RUDN Foreign Language Institute, with a report on gender issues in student communities of universities in Kazakhstan. An active exchange of experience was initiated by: Olga Sorokina, Deputy Directorate Head of the Forum for Cooperation with Universities and NGOs; Alina Barinova, President of the "Centre for Development and Interaction of Regional Communities" ANCO; Alexander Levit, Head of the State Unitary Enterprise "Mosvolonter". Violetta Ermak, Deputy Head of the Department for Work with Regions at "ArtMasters" ANCO, and Anton Kryukov, Vice President of "Technadzor IHC" ANCO of FVE, also joined the discussion. The expert opinion on the format of parliamentary youth communities was sent by deputies from the Chamber of Young Legislators at the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

The most significant outcome was the generation of concepts for new collaborative projects in the "INTER-UNIVERSITY" format, which occurred during the Conference.

Within the framework of the Conference, the Foundation for International Business Communications and the National Compliance Association signed a cooperation agreement. FIBC and Moscow Polytechnic University have also agreed to sign a cooperation agreement.

The pilot "INTER-UNIVERSITY" conference proved the relevance and effectiveness of the format combining academic knowledge, entrepreneurial initiative and social responsibility at the Forum site. The success of the first meeting lays the foundation for a systematic dialogue aimed at achieving concrete practical results.