By Engr. Iftikhar Ali,
The 65th anniversary of the Peoples’ Friendship University (RUDN) named after Patrice Lumumba, Moscow, Russia was celebrated from 5th to 8th February 2025 in the beautiful city of 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.
