"In order to understand ITMO University better, and why it is referred to as non-classical, it’s important to see it with your own eyes, to talk to the directors of the international laboratories, to the students and to our colleagues. We want to expand our cooperation with the CIS countries and are looking for new ways of interacting, additional communication channels, all in order to make life and studies at our University better." explained Daria Kozlova, the Vice Rector for International Relations.
According to the participants of the delegation, the mission of the trip was to exchange experience with members of the YIA, and to discuss further development of the organization. Some delegates noted that it was important for them to know how ITMO University made such a breakthrough in its development. In addition to visiting the leading IT University in Russia, YIA members visited RANEPA (The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration) and signed a cooperation agreement with them. Note that the Youth Interparliamentary Assembly already has an agreement with Saint Petersburg State University and Herzen State Pedagogical University.
"We need to understand what is happening in nearby countries, what innovative ideas they have. Our advantage is unity, and we should help each other develop. ITMO University can truly be called non-classical: and the spirit of innovation is alive here alongside the rich history of the University buildings, as we saw on Birzhevaya. You can see that students are enjoying studying here," - said Gulmira Yeskendirova, Executive Director of the Public Association "KazAlliance"
Askhat Oralov, a Deputy of Astana’s local government, noted that the yearly YIA event is a platform where young parliamentarians can come to a consensus in relation to the ongoing joint projects, and to hear each other’s ideas.
"Here, everything needed for young scientists to implement breakthrough ideas can be found starting from their first year of study. Also, ITMO has over 10,000 students and the University is considered one of the best in Russia, and this is impressive. Therefore, together with the resources of the Youth Interparliamentary Assembly we want to improve academic mobility between the CIS countries, organize exchange programs and internships for scientists. I hope that the outcome of our collaboration will be a good result."
According to the Secretary of the Belarusian Republican Public Organization "Union of Youth" Andrey Yesin, who was in St. Petersburg for the first time, the meeting helps young parliamentarians carry out a comparative analysis of the success of CIS countries in Science, Youth Policy and International Work. The delegate is sure that all the decisions of the YIA will focus on the integration of youth policy and cultural interaction, despite the differences in traditions and approaches.
"The Assembly is comprised of deputies and representatives of public associations, who actively offer their ideas at the state level. We have common interests, and on these trips we find like-minded people not only from our country, but also others", — said the Belarusian representative.
A delegate from Azerbaijan, Alekper Mustafayev agreed with the thoughts of his colleagues. According to him, the outcome of the current session of the YIA is to strengthen communication between countries, and form an understanding on how the CIS are developing. As Mr. Mustafayev explained, he received his education in the field of applied mathematics, so for him, the innovation that has emerged over the last few years at ITMO University is evident.
"Modern education is important not only in theory, but also practice. In the walls of ITMO University it is especially felt. This is evident in the laboratories and amongst the leadership of the University", — said Mr. Mustafaev.
