MGIMO Journal: new edition of the English Digest is out

4 June 2026

The New Digest blends the main stories of university life: from technological leadership and visits of foreign delegations to historical recollection, sports diplomacy, regional development and personal stories of alumni.

The digest features:

• Interview with MGIMO Rector and Academician Anatoly Torkunov

The issue features an interview with MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov entitled “Our Goal is Technological Leadership.” The Rector addresses the University’s current development phase, the role of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the transition from academic to technological leadership.

• MGIMO International Agenda

The issue covers the visit to the University of the Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, during which he was awarded the degree of Honorary Doctor of MGIMO. The programme of his visit included a speech to students, faculty, and invited guests, and a lecture entitled “Bridging Worlds in a Fractured Age,” as well as a meeting with the university’s senior management.

One of the articles is dedicated to the visit of renowned economist and sustainability expert Professor Jeffrey Sachs to Russia. In the interview, he comments on the global agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the role of universities in addressing the challenges of today’s world.

• New Stages of the University's Development

The Digest presents material on key aspects of MGIMO development: opening of the MGIMO-Astana branch, digital transformation of the University, sports diplomacy, participation of MGIMO in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and new international initiatives.

The reorganization of the Diplomatic Academy through its accession to MGIMO is a significant institutional development marking the new stage in the University’s expansion.

• MGIMO's Historical Recollection

Special attention is given to historical materials dedicated to figures, without whom it is impossible to imagine the history of a domestic international school and timed to important anniversary dates of 150 years since the birth of Yevgeny Tarle and 140 years since the birth of Ivan Udaltsov.

The essays continue the preservation of the historical and diplomatic legacy of the University and show the continuity of the MGIMO school - from its founders to contemporary research and educational projects.

• Vietnamists

One of the major sections is dedicated to Vietnamese studies at MGIMO. Alumni and faculty members share their insights on choosing Vietnamese as a language of study, diplomatic service, their professional paths, and the University’s role in fostering Russian‑Vietnamese relations.

This is particularly symbolic in view of the growing cooperation between MGIMO and Vietnam and the development of new educational initiatives.

• MGIMO Regions

Nizhny Novgorod is a region that today offers promising professional opportunities for MGIMO graduates.

Among the key figures in this digest is Dmitry Starostin, MGIMO graduate and Deputy Chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Government for International and Foreign Economic Relations.

• University alumni, partners and friends

The digest also includes materials about MGIMO alumni and friends whose professional careers illustrate the breadth and diversity of the University’s community.

Among them are Patokh Chodiev, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and MGIMO graduate, and Anna Chernova, a University alumna who has become one of the most prominent Russian‑speaking stand‑up comedians in Dubai.

A special attention is given to MGIMO Rector’s Golf Cup held in Zavidovo, which brought together over 250 alumni and friends of the University.

The English‑language MGIMO Journal digest portrays MGIMO as an international community where academic tradition is combined with the technological agenda, historical recollection with new projects, and where graduates continue to strengthen the University’s position in Russia and abroad.

MGIMO Journal is published with support of the MGIMO Endowment Fund.

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