Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
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Representatives of the Polytechnic Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade participated in two key events of the BRICS International Municipal Forum, held at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Center. Expert presentations covered topics such as workforce development in the tourism and hospitality sector and creating an inspiring environment for youth initiatives.
Olga Voronova, Director of the Higher School of Service and Trade at SPbPU, and Natalia Muizinik, Dean of the Faculty of International Relations and Political Studies at Northwest Management University of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, moderated a panel discussion on developing human resources in tourism and hospitality, with an emphasis on cross-cultural competence.
The event brought together leading experts, representatives of the academic community, government agencies, and the tourism industry from the BRICS and CIS countries. Participants discussed current issues related to professional training, the implementation of innovative teaching methods, and enhancing the industry's investment attractiveness, striving to develop practical solutions for developing the tourism potential of participating countries. One of the key speakers at the section was Tatyana Khnykina, head of the Tourism and Hospitality Management programs at SPbPU, who presented a paper on "Adapting Professional Training for the Tourism Industry in the Context of International Labor Market Trends." She emphasized the growing demand for specialists with intercultural communication skills, digital competencies, and innovative thinking, and proposed innovative approaches to modernizing university and college curricula aimed at training specialists capable of adapting to dynamic market conditions, mastering new technologies, and managing the quality of tourism services. Tatyana Khnykina discussed the prospects for integrating digital technologies into the educational process, developing critical thinking and creativity, and introducing new practical training formats through internships and participation in real-world projects with international companies.
The participation of representatives from BRICS, CIS, and friendly countries in the section facilitated constructive dialogue and the development of effective mechanisms for advancing international cooperation in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The event focused on current methodological aspects of human resource development, cross-cultural competence, and the implementation of innovative solutions, facilitating the exchange of best practices and strengthening collaboration between science, business, and government agencies, as well as the formulation of strategies for developing the tourism potential of participating countries.
Olga Voronova commented on her participation in the event: "Organizing the section 'Developing Human Resource Potential in Tourism and Hospitality in the BRICS Region' plays a key role in strengthening international cooperation and developing effective mechanisms for training highly qualified specialists. We see particular value in jointly exploring solutions that contribute to the creation of a unified educational space that meets global trends and the unique cultural characteristics of each BRICS member state. Through such collaboration, we will be able to ensure the professional growth of our students and strengthen the position of our countries in the global tourism market."
In addition, a strategic session entitled "Creating Youth Spaces: How to Form Safe and Inspiring Spaces for Ideas and Projects?" was held, organized by the Committee on Youth Policy and Interaction with Public Organizations.
The speaker was Aik Aghajanyan, a management student at SPbPU's Institute of Mechanics and Technology and the head of the Polytechnic University Model UN student association. In his presentation, he shared practices for creating and developing youth platforms for intercultural interaction and public diplomacy in St. Petersburg. He also presented his own projects: St. Petersburg International Diplomatic Festival (SIDF) and the BRICS School of Mayors, which demonstrated high results in the field of international youth cooperation and became shining examples of successful initiatives in line with the session's theme.
The event brought together participants from across the BRICS countries and served as a platform for the exchange of experiences between youth leaders, government officials, NGOs, and educational institutions.
The projects presented by Ike were noted by participants as successful examples of strengthening international dialogue, developing youth diplomacy, and creating a sustainable community of young leaders.
"It's important to me that Polytechnic University student projects are becoming part of the international dialogue. "Youth initiatives today aren't just ideas; they're tangible tools for strengthening intercultural cooperation. Our projects demonstrate that students can create sustainable platforms for diplomacy, partnership, and positive change," Ike shared.
Ike's speech emphasized the active role of the SPbPU student community in forming international initiatives, developing cultural dialogue, and strengthening youth leadership.
Polytechnic University is strengthening its status as a key player in the BRICS international agenda by serving as a platform for expert dialogue, training, and promoting youth initiatives, creating conditions for the implementation of ambitious student projects, and supporting the participation of young leaders in international programs, discussions, and the development of a new youth policy model.
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