From November 1 to 7, a seminar on international collaboration in higher education was held in China, bringing together representatives from Kazakhstan, China, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Organized by Xinjiang University, the event offered a valuable platform for sharing experiences and exploring new areas of collaboration in higher education, science, and culture.
Altai State University was represented by Irina Rekhtina, Head of the Department of Labor, Environmental Law, and Civil Procedure and Director of the International Program "Law and Business in Russia," alongside Yulia Lysenko, Head of the Greater Altai Research and Educational Center for Altaic and Turkic Studies and Head of the Department of Oriental Studies.
The seminar was conducted under the auspices of Xinjiang University's Institute of Foreign Languages, led by Director Zhu Xiaojun. Xinjiang University, which is rapidly developing, is actively strengthening its international partnerships, particularly with universities in Russia and Central Asia.
The primary objective of the event was to establish conditions for enhancing international cooperation among universities, research institutes, and the business community. Seminar participants exchanged specific proposals for joint educational and research projects, reflecting a strong interest in fostering long-term cooperation.
Irina Rekhtina delivered a presentation on "Modern Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Humanities Education in Russia and China," highligting the significance of international cultural and professional interaction.
"The Law Institute has long-standing ties with the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and has been collaborating with Xinjiang University (Urumqi) since 2015. In 2016, the first summer law school was organized at the Altai State University Law Institute. Currently, students from the XUAR are studying at the Department of Labor, Environmental Law, and Civil Procedure in the Master's program "Law and Business in Russia," as well as in postgraduate studies in specialty 5.1.3 - "Private Law (Civil) Sciences," noted Irina Vladimirovna.
Mutual interest is expressed through various educational projects, including undergraduate and graduate programs, double degree programs, advanced training and continuing education, postgraduate (doctoral) programs, and training of highly qualified personnel. Irina Rekhtina noted that joint humanitarian projects aim to strengthen interaction between Russia and China, reflecting a shared policy of alliance and dialogue, demonstrating a focus on working with the younger generation and a long-term perspective on cooperation.
This focus is particularly relevant given the Russian leadership's support for the initiative by President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping to designate 2026–2027 as joint years of education. By decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, 2026 has been declared the Year of Education in both Russia and China.
In her speech, Yulia Lysenko emphasized Altai State University’s long-standing cooperation with Xinjiang University.
"For over 25 years, the Department of Oriental Studies at Altai State University has been training specialists in the program "Foreign Regional Studies," which includes Chinese language studies. During this time, fruitful cooperation has developed with Xinjiang University in China, including faculty and graduate student exchanges. Three Confucius Institutes, initiated by Xinjiang University, operate in Russia, with which the department actively collaborates: classes are taught by native Chinese speakers, and the partner university regularly directs qualified faculty and interns to Altai State University for advanced training and postgraduate studies. Currently, two graduate students from Xinjiang University are studying at the Department of Oriental Studies at Altai State University, reflecting the growing integration of educational processes between the universities," Yulia Alexandrovna emphasized.
Yulia Lysenko also discussed the research and projects conducted by the Greater Altai Research and Educational Center for Altaic and Turkic Studies. She proposed that the directors of Xinjiang University's relevant institutes develop scientific collaboration and organize joint expeditions and summer schools for young Turkic scholars.
The seminar also emphasized the interaction between educational institutions and Xinjiang's business community. During the roundtable discussion, business representatives introduced their companies and invited Russian and Central Asian universities to join scholarship programs and internships. Companies in logistics, trade, and product distribution expressed readiness to host students for internships and employment, highlighting the importance of close ties between science and the economy.
The comprehensive excursion program allowed participants to explore the region's educational and cultural sites. Visits were organized to Xinjiang Normal and Agricultural Universities, the Xinjiang University History Museum, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, and the YEMA Foreign Economic and Trade Association.
The seminar showcased the educational programs and research areas of the participating universities, identified areas for further collaboration.
Following the seminar, specific plans for expanding cooperation were formulated, including developing faculty and student exchanges, implementing joint research projects, and expanding partnerships with the business sector.
Participants received certificates confirming their commitment to advancing partnerships, demonstrating the event’s successful completion of the event and its contribution to fostering a broad international network in education, science, and culture.
