Master’s Student from the History Department Presents at Conference in Turkmenistan

From May 12 to 14, 2025, the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted an international scientific-practical conference titled “Foreign Policy and Diplomacy of Turkmenistan: Cooperation for Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development” and the 2nd International Competition “International Relations: Culture of Peaceful Dialogue”.

Participants included three universities from the Russian Federation: Samara National Research University, MGIMO University, and RUDN University, as well as representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Mexico, China, Germany, Iran, and the United States.

Dodikhudo Gulrukhovich Bakhtuljamalov, a master’s student from the History Department of Samara University, specializing in “Socio-Political Structures and Interstate Relations in World History”, represented Samara University at the conference and competition. He delivered a presentation titled “The Role of Women and Youth in Strengthening Peace, Trust, and Security”. His academic advisor was Alexander Anatolyevich Beltser, Candidate of Historical Sciences and Associate Professor at the Department of World History, International Relations, and Documentation Studies.

In his presentation, Bakhtuljamalov highlighted that 32% of Turkmenistan’s diplomats are women, reflecting progress in gender balance. Their participation in projects led by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Silk Road initiative fosters intercultural dialogue and reduces radicalization through educational programs.

He also addressed international cooperation with Russia. Joint participation in forums of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Eurasian Movement of Russia, including the “Eurasian Women” event in Moscow in 2023, facilitated discussions on sustainable development. A notable example of collaboration was the March 2025 conference in Moscow, where representatives of Turkmenistan and Russia emphasized the importance of gender equality for regional stability.

Regarding youth as drivers of security, Bakhtuljamalov noted that 45% of Turkmenistan’s population is under 30. Among them, 67% actively use social media to promote tolerance, while 40% engage in volunteer projects focused on environmental issues and refugee support.

Educational and cultural programs with the Russian Federation and its universities play a key role in advancing these initiatives. It is also worth mentioning that Samara National Research University has educated—and continues to educate—numerous outstanding students from Turkmenistan in philology, international relations, and economics.