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March 31, 2026 At the VuzEcoFest festival, Russian students will learn about the "blue" economy in the protected environment.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

From April 8 to 22, Russian universities will host the 12th annual youth festival on sustainable development, "VuzEcoFest." The project is being organized by the Territory of Sustainable Development Autonomous Nonprofit Organization (ANO). We have been the project's information partner for several years.

"VuzEcoFest" is a youth project aimed at building a community of mentor leaders and, ultimately, professionals in sustainable development who disseminate knowledge and skills and implement concrete sustainable solutions at universities, cities, and countries with the support of stakeholders (university administrations, businesses, NGOs, and government agencies). This year's festival theme is the "blue" economy.

Thirty-four universities participating in VuzEcoFest-2026 from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus will organize themed events, including business games, master classes, quizzes, scientific seminars, lectures, career guidance lessons, film screenings, excursions, and more. A detailed program of events will be available atwebsite.

"The theme of the 12th youth festival 'VuzEcoFest' is 'Blue Economy.' Water is a strategic resource, and preserving its reserves is a matter of national security. We need leaders and professionals who can think outside the box and make innovative decisions, leading people, science, and technology. I hope the 'VuzEcoFest' project will create new opportunities for talented young people and provide a powerful impetus to the crucial task of preserving and rationally using Russia's water resources," said Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.

The official opening of the festival will take place on April 8 at the site of the winning university in the 2025 University Race, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. From April 8 to 22, the 2026 University Race will also take place, during which participating universities will develop profiles on the year's theme, identify challenges in their regions, and propose solutions and projects. This year, special attention will also be paid to environmental education for children: events will be held under the "VuzEcoFest.Children" track to strengthen interaction between students and schoolchildren.

"Undergraduates and postgraduates are the future of our country. Russia is creating opportunities for them to become leading researchers and developers of new solutions and technologies for sustainable development. The theme of the 'blue' economy, chosen for this year's festival, opens up vast opportunities for scientific research aimed at preserving marine resources and utilizing aquatic ecosystems for the benefit of future generations," noted Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia.

More than 300 events are expected. For example, from April 14 to 18, Buryat State University will hostBaikal Online Lecture HallOn April 13, Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev will organize a master class "How to Test the Water in the Volga," and the State University of Management will host an online quiz "Water Patrol: Knowledge to Save the Planet."

"In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to improving and rationalizing water resources, developing a 'blue' economy, and systemically developing industries related to water resources. This is driven not only by the global agenda but also by the national one. In this regard, science and education are of particular importance. It's important to understand what research is being conducted in this area, what technological solutions are being developed, what specialists are being trained at universities, and what ideas universities can offer for the conservation and sustainable use of water resources in the regions where they operate," noted Anastasia Okorochkova, Director of the Territory of Sustainable Development ANO.

The media partners of the VuzEcoFest festival are Nauka Mail.ru, the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation, Helpingver, EcoDao, ECOTEKA, the National Hydrogen Union, HLB, NIA Ecology, SHER, Ecodictation, ESG Media, AGN Moscow, 100%_Green, Moskovskie Novosti, Ecograd, Elek.ru, Vesti Podmoskovya, Energiya, and Ubirator.

About the festival:

VuzEcoFest is a cultural and educational project that annually hosts events dedicated to sustainable development at universities in the Russian Federation and the CIS. The mission of VuzEcoFest is to improve the environment by implementing the concept of green universities and integrating sustainable development principles into the activities of universities, cities, and countries by unlocking the leadership potential of young people in implementing sustainable development initiatives.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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March 27, 2026. The jury selected the finalists for the 3rd National Award in Environmental Education and Nature Photography "RASSVET." Our project "Protected Dictation" was among the winners.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation

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March 31, 2026 Saving those who almost disappeared forever!

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

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We save those who almost disappeared forever!

March 31, 2026

The Ecology Foundation is launching a fundraiser for the Reintroduction Center at the Orenburg Nature Reserve. Our goal is 250,000 rubles. This money will provide Przewalski's horses with oats and essential veterinary care. Why is this important?

The Przewalski's horse is one of 17 priority animal species in Russia, targeted for conservation and reintroduction under the national project "Ecological Well-Being." This horse has a "zero" rarity status. In the mid-20th century, the species completely disappeared from the wild, and only thanks to scientists was it brought back. Today, the future of these wild beauties is literally in our hands. Every contribution counts!

How to support the project: https://ecologyfund.ru/help

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The Moscow metro has launched a themed train to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Bolshoi Theatre.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Moscow, 2026 – A themed train dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the State Academic Bolshoi Theater of Russia has begun operating on the Moscow Metro. The train will operate on the Circle Line for six months.

The new train has become a true chronicle of the country's main stage. The exhibits housed in the carriages introduce passengers to the theater's history, its prominent figures, and its contemporary development.

Passengers will be able to:

Learn about the history of the Bolshoi Theatre's founding; meet legendary artists, directors, conductors, and choreographers through archival photographs; read about iconic productions from the current repertoire; take a look behind the scenes and learn about the intricacies of theatre life; and see how the theatre is developing today, including the changes of recent years.

"I congratulate the Bolshoi Theatre company on its 250th anniversary—a significant milestone not only for the capital but for the entire country. Along with the Moscow Metro, which has served Muscovites and visitors for over 90 years, the Bolshoi Theatre remains one of the city's most important symbols. To mark the anniversary, we launched a themed train, which will run on the Circle Line for six months. I am confident it will become a true ambassador for the Bolshoi Theatre in the metro and allow millions of passengers to rediscover its rich history. We are implementing cultural and educational projects in line with the objectives of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin," noted Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

"We are proud to operate in Moscow, one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Our collaboration with the Moscow Government is yielding tangible results. Today, we are jointly launching a train dedicated to the Bolshoi Theatre, and we hope it will be a pleasant and unexpected gift for Moscow Metro passengers.

"We strive to enrich the capital's cultural life: our program is becoming increasingly rich and diverse. The culmination of the Bolshoi Theatre's 250th anniversary celebrations is scheduled for December—we will mark this anniversary with particular grandeur," emphasized Valery Gergiev, General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia.

The project was implemented by the Moscow Metro in collaboration with the Bolshoi Theatre as part of the development of cultural and educational initiatives in urban transport.

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Ukraine: UN-supported renovations allow thousands of families to qualify for compensation

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 30, 2026 Humanitarian aid

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is helping Ukrainians restore common areas in war-damaged apartment buildings. This allows families to qualify for state compensation and begin rebuilding their homes.

Since 2023, UNHCR has carried out or supported renovations in over 100 apartment buildings. As a result, over 7,500 families have become eligible to apply for compensation under the state-run "iVidnovlennia" program.

Removing barriers

According to the regulations, apartment owners can apply for compensation only after common areas—such as roofs, stairwells, entryways, or windows—have been restored and deemed safe. In many war-damaged buildings, the cost of repairing these spaces is prohibitive for local residents.

UNHCR is removing this barrier to receiving payments. Repairs are carried out both by contractors and by providing building materials to local authorities, complementing the efforts of residents themselves.

In 2025 alone, the UN Office provided repair assistance in the Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv regions, enabling more than 1,700 families (3,250 people in total) to apply for compensation.

An integrated approach

This activity is part of a wider approach aimed at ensuring that internally displaced persons and war-affected Ukrainians can receive payments under the state scheme.

Together with local NGO partners, the Office provides legal consultations, helping people restore their housing, land, and property rights, obtain key documents, confirm ownership, and complete inheritance procedures necessary for filing applications. In 2025, UNHCR provided 39,000 legal consultations, helping Ukrainians navigate procedures and overcome administrative obstacles; over 2,200 cases of restoration of documentation or property rights were successfully resolved.

“Through our comprehensive approach to shelter and protection measures, we ensure that no one is left behind and that people receive the support they need to access the government’s vital compensation programme, which we know is a lifeline for many families whose homes have been damaged by Russian attacks,” said Bernadette Castell-Hollingsworth, spokesperson for UNHCR’s Ukrainian office.

The humanitarian agency also promptly provides people with materials for emergency housing repairs (such assistance has been provided to more than 565,000 people since 2022) and supports major repairs (since 2022, approximately 55,000 homes have been repaired).

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Top Stories | Monday: Lebanon, Ukraine, Yemen, Somalia

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 30, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: three UN peacekeepers were killed in Lebanon, a maternity hospital in Odessa was damaged by shelling, the UN called on the Houthis to refrain from further escalation, and clashes in Somalia are worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Death of peacekeepers in Lebanon

This morning, two Indonesian peacekeepers with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were killed in an explosion near the mission's convoy in the Bani Haiyan area; two others were injured, according to UN Undersecretary for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix. The previous day, an explosion at a UN base Another Indonesian soldier has died., while another was critically injured and evacuated. An investigation into both incidents is currently underway. Lacroix emphasized that peacekeepers remain in their positions and continue to carry out the tasks assigned to them by the UN Security Council, under extremely dangerous conditions.

Shelling of Odessa

As a result of the shelling last weekend A maternity hospital in Odessa was damagedThis is the fifth Ukrainian hospital supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to be shelled this year. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that the attacks on Odesa killed two people and injured 12 others, including one child. Residential buildings and critical infrastructure were also damaged in the city. UN humanitarian agencies and their partners provided emergency assistance to the victims, including materials for urgent home repairs.

Crisis in Yemen

The UN urges the Houthis in Yemen to refrain from any actions that could draw the country into the regional conflict and instead focus on diplomatic efforts, including through the mediation of UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg. Grundberg warns that escalation will further complicate efforts to resolve the internal crisis in the country. The UN also emphasizes the need for strict compliance with Security Council Resolution 2768 and other relevant resolutions regarding attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.

Clashes in Somalia

The UN Mission in Somalia is calling for the protection of civilians in the city of Baidoa. Over the past week, clashes in the Southwest State, where the city is located, have forced approximately 45,000 people to flee their homes. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Somalia, George Conway, warned that without urgent action, the humanitarian situation in Baidoa, where approximately 430,000 people are already displaced, will worsen. The UN Secretary-General calls on the Federal Government of Somalia and its constituent states to resolve existing differences through constructive dialogue.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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UN calls for global review of credit rating system

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 30, 2026 Economic development

"Credit ratings and assessments paint a bleaker picture of developing countries than their economic reality warrants," said Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General at a special meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Monday.

A credit rating is an assessment of a country's solvency, determining the interest rate at which it can borrow money on global markets. A low rating makes loans expensive or completely unavailable, hindering economic development.

Today's meeting at ECOSOC is being held within the framework of the commitments set out in the Seville Agreement: countries, rating agencies and other participants in the financial system must hold such discussions regularly.

According to Mohammed, debt servicing is becoming an increasingly unbearable burden for many developing countries today. It amounts to nearly $1.4 trillion per year.

She noted the critical situation for the population: “More than 3.4 billion people live in countries that spend more on debt interest than on health care or education.”

The conflict in the Middle East, which has triggered a rise in fuel and raw material prices, is further undermining the financial stability of developing countries and their access to credit.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that current assessments often fail to take into account the long-term potential of states. "These ratings and assessments systematically overstate risk, often failing to reflect the fundamentals, progress, and long-term potential of these countries," the First Deputy Secretary-General emphasized.

“Too often, these ratings are static, short-term focused, and often based on incomplete information, limiting a country’s ability to access financing at affordable rates,” she added.

The UN proposes three approaches to system change, starting with a transformation of thinking. "We must transform our thinking, moving from long-term speculation to long-term investment," urged Mohammed, adding that risk analysis should include scenarios and probabilities, capturing not only vulnerabilities but also opportunities.

The second approach involves rethinking success metrics beyond GDP. "GDP tells us the cost of everything and the value of very little. Financial decisions—including credit ratings—shouldn't be based solely on profit and loss figures," she noted.

Mohammed also proposed reviewing the "sovereign ceiling," which limits private sector ratings within the country. According to Mohammed, "it's time to review the sovereign ceiling, which could unfairly limit the credit rating of private sector debt, distorting risks and deterring investment."

The third pillar of reform must be accountability of all parties, including agencies and investors.

In conclusion, Mohammed emphasized that credit ratings must become a tool for progress: “The time has come to transform credit ratings from barriers into a tool for long-term financing and sustainable development.”

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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March 27, 2026, World Water Day: The Russian Agricultural Bank and the Russian Geographical Society opened the improved Agoy spring in the Krasnodar Territory.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

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World Water Day: The Russian Agricultural Bank and the Russian Geographical Society opened the improved Agoy spring in the Krasnodar region.

On March 18, the Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank and the Russian Geographical Society ceremoniously opened the improved Agoy spring in the Tuapse District of Kuban. The event coincided with Water Resources Day, celebrated on March 22.

The Agoy Pass is part of the Agoy Pass Outcrops natural monument, located along the Sochi-Novorossiysk federal highway in the Nebugsky district forestry. The pass is a 10-kilometer-long wall consisting of a chain of cliffs reaching 40 meters in height. Oaks, beech stands, and occasional pine trees grow at the summit of the Agoy Pass.

The Ecology Foundation, together with the Russian Geographical Society, carried out a comprehensive project to improve the spring: they took water samples, created a comfortable recreational area around it, installed benches, and set up an information board. Local residents who came to collect spring water expressed their gratitude for the work done.

The opening ceremony was attended by Elmira Morozova, Director of the Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank; Sergey Boyko, Head of the Tuapse Municipal District of Krasnodar Krai; Mikhail Kuzora, Deputy Director of the Krasnodar branch of the Russian Agricultural Bank; and Artur Latypov, Director of the Regional Development Department of the All-Russian Public Organization Russian Geographical Society.

"Save the Springs" is an important project of the Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank. This is a joint effort by the bank's employees and clients, who have become true environmental activists and sponsors of the transformation of this natural wonder. The funds raised have made it possible to preserve a source of clean water and develop a beautiful place that will delight visitors and residents of the region for a long time to come. This is our shared concern for our small homeland," noted Mikhail Kuzora.

"Since 2023, the Ecology Foundation has been giving new life to springs across the country. Each restored spring is not only a cleared source and a strengthened riverbed, but also a landscaped area. The project is made possible by the sale of "Save the Springs" certificates: over 3,000 people supported the project at bank branches in 2025! The Foundation thanks everyone who helps preserve our country's natural resources!" added Elmira Morozova.

The Ecology Foundation expresses its sincere gratitude to the customers of S7 Airlines. For over two years, members of the S7 Priority and S7 Corp loyalty programs have been donating their accumulated miles and points to the Foundation. This partnership allows the Foundation to optimize its resources and implement more significant environmental initiatives.

The event concluded in the conference hall of the Karavella Business Center in Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai. Sergey Boyko, Head of the Tuapse Municipal District of Krasnodar Krai; Artur Latypov, Director of the Regional Development Department of the All-Russian Public Organization (VPO) Russian Geographical Society; and Elmira Morozova, Director of the Ecology Foundation at Rosselkhozbank, delivered a ceremonial speech. Anastasia Masterova, an expert at the Ecology Foundation, delivered an environmental education lecture, "Understanding Materials: Polymers and Microplastics," for schoolchildren in Tuapse. Approximately 100 students from various schools and environmental councils in the city participated in the event.

The Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank is contributing to the conservation of Russia's water resources: since 2023, the "Save the Springs" project has been implemented in partnership with the Russian Geographical Society. Seven springs have already been improved as part of the project in the following regions: the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Republic of Tatarstan, the Chechen Republic, the Chuvash Republic, the Volgograd Region, and the Krasnodar Krai. The improvement and conservation of springs is a key project in Rosselkhozbank's environmental program. They are an important natural resource, a source of fresh, potable water that feeds reservoirs and impacts the planet's ecosystem. The disappearance of springs can lead to the shallowing of rivers and lakes, thereby reducing freshwater reserves. Spring water improves soil quality, which is essential for the survival of many plant and animal species. Protecting and improving springs helps maintain a natural balance.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Ukraine: Civilians killed and injured in attacks over the weekend

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 30, 2026 Peace and security

A maternity hospital in Odesa was damaged by Russian shelling last weekend. This is the fifth Ukrainian hospital supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to be shelled this year.

According to the foundation, patients with newborn children and staff were forced to take refuge in the basement.

"Hospitals should never be targeted. Attacks on hospitals violate international humanitarian law," the UNFPA stated.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that two people were killed and 12 were injured as a result of the attacks on Odessa, including one child.

Residential buildings and critical infrastructure were also damaged in the city.

According to UNICEF, a 13-year-old boy was killed in the attacks in Kramatorsk, and a 13-year-old girl was killed and seven other children were injured in the village of Voskresenskoye in the Mykolaiv region. A school and other infrastructure were damaged.

"Stop the attacks and senseless destruction of young lives. Protect every child," the foundation stated.

UN humanitarian agencies and their partners provided emergency assistance to those affected, including materials for urgent home repairs.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Middle East: UN investigates death of peacekeeper in Lebanon

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 30, 2026 Peace and security

A month after the conflict in the Middle East began escalating, reports continue to emerge from the region of new strikes and rising casualties, including among personnel of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

UN peacekeeper died, another was seriously injured on Sunday as a result of a shell hitting the mission's base in the Adchit al-Qusayr area in the south of the country.

UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardiel told the UN News Service that an investigation into the incident is currently underway. It has not yet been determined who is responsible.

Death of a medical worker in Lebanon

Additionally, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on Sunday that another medical worker had been killed as a result of Israel's escalating military operations in southern Lebanon. The medic was killed in an attack on an ambulance in the city of Bint Jbeil. A medical warehouse was also destroyed in the attack.

According to the WHO, at least 51 health workers have been killed in Lebanon since March 2, including nine paramedics – in just one day.

"Attacks on health facilities must stop immediately. This cannot become the norm. Health workers are protected by international humanitarian law and must not be targeted," the WHO chief emphasized.

Attack on a facility in Iran

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the heavy water plant in Khondab, Iran, has suffered "severe damage" and is no longer operational. Such plants are used to produce water enriched with deuterium, a naturally occurring, non-radioactive isotope of hydrogen.

According to the agency, based on an independent analysis of satellite images and technical information, the facility was attacked on March 27. However, according to Iran's declarations, no nuclear materials were present there.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.