Dear Members of the staff and students of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Ladies and Gentlemen, Greetings - (Dobriy den' - this is the Russian word for "Greetings")
It gives me great pleasure to address you this morning on the occasion of my visit to the Great Russian Federation and to this world-renowned Institution. The Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), with nearly eight decades of renowned programs and excellent alumni, has undoubtedly created a remarkable international footprint and a legacy that has changed lives around the world. MGIMO was ranked the 8th best University Policy Think Tank in the world by the 2020 Pennsylvania University Survey, commissioned by the United Nations. This ranking is a testament to the unparalleled quality of its programs, from undergraduate to postgraduate (Masters, Executive MBA, and Doctorate).
According to the institute's website, "[The institute] prides itself on its unique language learning opportunities, with 53 foreign languages taught full-time, earning it a Guinness World Record for the most languages taught at a university. MGIMO is known for the prominent role of teamwork, analytical thinking, critical reasoning and strategic planning as key aspects of its training methodologies." This is truly a remarkable achievement that should be applauded. Alumni of this Institution are pursuing successful careers in various fields in many countries around the world. I have it on good authority that they continue to give back to the Institution through various initiatives and Foundations that support good causes around the world. This is a testament to the global citizenship that the Institution instills in its graduates.
I am deeply encouraged by the caliber of alumni that this Institution has produced over the past 78 years. I wish to turn my attention to the current cohort of students. I want to tell them that you are extremely fortunate to have been accepted into MGIMO. It goes without saying that you will maintain the excellence for which MGIMO is internationally renowned. You will carry its legacy wherever you go, and through you, the world will appreciate where you have been trained in your various programs and professions that you will pursue.
Remember the ethics that have made MGIMO an International Institution and put them into practice. Above all, remember to become global citizens who embody humanity and compassion, who focus on the qualities that bring us together as human beings rather than those that separate us. The world is beautiful in its diversity, and peace is achieved by seeing the common humanity in everyone.
At the African Union Commission, we are proud to partner with the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. The range of programs offered and the financial assistance facilities put in place by the Institution correspond exactly to what the African Continent, through its 55 Member States, 5 regions and 8 Regional Economic Communities, wishes to do as a call for Partnership. The Commission has designed an ambitious Roadmap, called Agenda 2063. The guiding vision of this framework is articulated as follows: "...to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, led and managed by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force on the world stage."
It is within this vision that we realize the importance of forging partnerships with countries like Russia, which share values such as a commitment to peace, development and improving the livelihoods of their people, the rule of law, environmental awareness, and a commitment to fighting Climate Change.
The African Union Commission is committed to achieving the vision articulated above and the ideals espoused in its Implementation Plans. Over the years, it has contributed to the liberation of the Continent, as evidenced by the fall of Apartheid in Africa in 1994 and the admission of many African states into the Union. Although we still face challenges, we are determined to "silence the guns" in the rest of the Continent, which can only be done through peaceful means of negotiation and through the African spirit of Ubuntu - translated freely, at the individual level, to demonstrate that as a human being, I am because you are, you are because we are, summed up in the spirit of interdependence of the Regional Economic Communities, cooperation and bilateral relations currently enjoyed by the Member States and Russia.
In conclusion, I would like to ask MGIMO to open its doors to more African students. If you are willing to accede to this request, the competent organs of the AUC, namely the Department of Science and Education, the Pan-African University and the Partnership Directorate stand ready to engage with you in the implementation of the technical and legal modalities that will guide these arrangements.
Finally, the PanAfrican University, which currently has campuses in five (5) different countries, each campus having a particular focus and specialization, is committed to initiating collaborative projects and exchange programs. These projects will focus primarily on research and innovation. We are ready to embark on this great adventure with you.
With these few remarks, I would like to thank you for attention.
