Addis Ababa, March 19, 2025 (FMC) – The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University) hosted the International Youth Forum “Russia-Asia: Human Resources Potential of the Nuclear Industry of the Region”.
Leading industry experts from Russia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and other countries spoke at the plenary session, TV BRICS reported.
Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, emphasised in his video address that about 60 new nuclear reactors are currently under construction in the world, and most of them are located in Asia. He also noted the success of the development of the nuclear industry in Russia.
“The domestic nuclear industry is one of the most advanced and knowledge-intensive industries. […] The share of nuclear generation in total electricity production is about 20 per cent. That is, every fifth light bulb in Russia shines thanks to the work of nuclear power plants. At the same time, even more ambitious goals lie ahead: by 2045, this figure is expected to reach 25 per cent,” Kosachev said.
In turn, Russian Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky said that cooperation with Asian countries in this area is based on unity and pragmatism, and the ministry’s main task is to provide students with quality training and knowledge exchange.
The forum programme also included seven thematic sections – “Nuclear Reactors”, “Radiation Safety”, “Agrotechnologies”, “Ecology”, “Nuclear Medicine”, “Industrial Partnership”, “Youth and Public Movements and Organisations” and «”Graduates’ contribution to the development of the region”. The latter centred on sustainable development. Yusriani Mardhiyyah Arifin, a participant from Indonesia, in her report spoke about changes in vegetation and development indicators around tectonic faults in the area of Bandung city. The student analysed how urbanisation is affecting the ecological state of the region using satellite images.
Participants from Myanmar, Ye Yan Naing and Htun Htun Aung, presented safe and environmentally friendly methods for synthesising polymer sulphur using high-energy chemistry, while Hossain Sijan from Bangladesh introduced digital tools for environmental education.
During the “Nuclear Medicine” section, experts shared ideas on neutron therapy (a form of radiotherapy that uses neutrons to kill cancer cells), the potential of nuclear medicine in the treatment of glioblastoma and the concept of nuclear energy rehabilitation centres.
This is the first international youth forum of its kind. It is held to popularise and promote Russian nuclear education in the world, to increase interest and trust in nuclear technologies. The forum“Russia-Africa: Nuclear Education – Potential for Successful Regional Development” has also been held since 2020.