By Engr Iftikhar Ali
The 65th anniversary of the Peoples’ Friendship University (RUDN) named after Patrice Lumumba, Moscow, Russia was celebrated from 5 th to 8 th February 2025 in Moscow, Russia. A series of beautiful and informative events were organized by the University on the occasion. The conference hosted and headed by the President of the University Filippov Vladimir Mikhaylovich along with his team was a large-scale international scientific conference focused on the theme "The mission of the modern university in the challenges of transformation in a multipolar world," bringing together over 120 experts from various countries including scientists, ministers, university rectors, and ranking agency heads to discuss
the role of universities in navigating today’s global landscape. The event highlighted RUDN’s
commitment to international collaboration and education, marking a significant milestone in its
history. The key points about the 65th Anniversary celebration included, focus on global
challenges which theme directly addressed the complex issues facing higher education
institutions in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, with discussions on adapting
curriculum, research priorities, and international partnerships to meet these challenges. The
diverse participation of the event included prominent speakers from various fields, including
scientists, government officials, and university leaders from around the world, fostering a rich
exchange of perspectives. The conference featured presentations on various academic topics,
including modern education models, research advancements in different disciplines, and the
role of universities in fostering innovation. The event not only commemorated the past
achievements but also looked ahead to future directions for RUDN, outlining strategies to
remain a leading international university in the face of evolving global needs.
During a meeting with the representatives of Alumni Associations of different countries, the
Rector of RUDN Mr. Yastrebov Oleg Alexandrovich, delivered a comprehensive presentation
and briefed the participants on the history and future development of the University. He shared
that since its establishment on February 5, 1960, RUDN University has contributed thousands of
scholars to the world including over 13,000 international students from more than 160
countries of the world, including many Pakistani students. The university aims to provide
educational opportunities to students of different nationalities and cultures and to promote
international friendship. Mr. Yastrebov also shared the process and steps of the international
Olympiad the university holds each year to award scholarships to the successful international
students. The university has achieved many important milestones in its 65-years journey,
including international cooperation, research projects, and cultural exchange partnerships. On
this occasion, the university administration also outlined plans for future development, which
will focus on modern educational methods and world-class research.
The Rector and President of the University along with other staff welcomed the guests during a
colorful reception followed by a delicious dinner organized by the University. Both Mr.
Yasterbov and Mr. Filippov mingled with the guests and amused with the songs and cultural
dance. The guests also photographed with the administration of the university.
The events also featured various cultural programs, panel discussions, and speech contests, in
which students and faculty shared their experiences and ideas. On the occasion, a grand
ceremony held in the beautiful hall of the State Kremlin Palace in which local and international
students showed their beautiful performance on famous Russian songs. In addition to
university officials, the event was attended by the Russian Minister of Education and
government officials, diplomats from various countries, alumni, and education experts. The
event highlighted the university’s achievements, its role on the global stage, and the
outstanding performance of its students. The anniversary celebration emphasized RUDN's
founding principle of providing education to students from diverse countries, promoting
intercultural understanding and global cooperation. The university aims to provide educational
opportunities to students of different nationalities and cultures and to promote international
friendship. The events were grand celebration of Moscow Friendship University’s achievements
and its international role.
The delegation of the Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia and CIS (APGR & CIS)
attended the event on the invitation of the RUDN administration. The delegation included Dr.
Shahid Hassan, Chairman APGR & CIS and Russian Ambassador for Education and Science in
Pakistan, Engr. Iftikhar Ali, General Secretary, Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia
and CIS, Dr. Ashraf Nizami, President Pakistan Medical Association, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shah,
Former Rector, Government College University, Dr. Najam Butt, Pushkin Award Holder and Dr.
Saqib Khan. The Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia and CIS extend heartfelt
gratitude to the Rector of Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice
Lumumba (RUDN University), Mr. Yastrebov Oleg Alexandrovich, President Mr. Mr. Filippov
Vladimir Mikhaylovich, Ms. Gurova Anastasia Vladimirovna and other management and
administration of the University for the special invitation to attend the grand celebration of the
university’s 65th anniversary at the Kremlin and warm welcome. Wishing RUDN University and
its community all the very best for the future.
