Moscow, Russia—UPF-Russia marked International Day of Peace with a webinar focusing on various aspects of international integration and economic cooperation. In the program on September 21, 2023, Dr. Igor Filkevich, a professor of economic sciences, was interviewed by UPF-Russia President Maria Nazarova. Dr. Filkevich is a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, chief researcher of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia in Moscow, and advisor to the Chairman of the Board of the Financial and Banking Association of Euro-Asian Cooperation.
The webinar, titled "Modern Integration Processes, Economic Cooperation, and Shared Prosperity," was held under the auspices of UPF’s International Association for Peace and Economic Development.
Approximately 86,000 people entered the interview, with about 16,000 staying for a significant length of time. Seventeen new subscriptions to the UPF Social Network group resulted from the broadcast.
Here is an overview of the key points discussed:
International Integration Trends: The discussion began with an overview of current international integration trends. It was noted that while some countries are emphasizing the strengthening of national sovereignty, there is also a parallel trend of international integration. This integration involves various regional and international organizations working together on shared goals, often characterized by mutual benefit, respect, and consideration of each other's interests.
Eurasian Integration: Eurasian integration, particularly within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), was highlighted as a prominent example of regional integration. The EAEU consists of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia and aims to promote economic cooperation and integration among its member states. Dr. Filkevich provided insights into the progress and challenges of Eurasian integration.
Union State of Russia and Belarus: Economic cooperation within the framework of the Union State of Russia and Belarus was one of the key topics of discussion. This union represents a closer relationship between Russia and Belarus, including various economic, political, and social aspects. The webinar explored the current state of this union and its implications for both countries.
BRICS Cooperation: The webinar delved into the prospects for economic cooperation within the BRICS group. BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—plus six more countries that will join BRICS from 2024: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates—and represents a major bloc of emerging economies. Economic cooperation among BRICS countries includes trade agreements, investment opportunities, and joint initiatives in various sectors. Dr. Filkevich gave great insights about the developing of BRICS.
Actions for Peace and the Global Goals: The webinar's timing with the UN International Day of Peace, whose theme for 2023 is "Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals," suggests a focus on how international integration and economic cooperation contribute to global peace and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In summary, the webinar provided insights into current trends in international integration, with a particular focus on Eurasian integration, the Union State of Russia and Belarus, and economic cooperation within the BRICS group. It emphasized the importance of cooperation and mutual benefit in today's global landscape.
