Exclusive: Former UNESCO chief calls on China to take a leadership role in global gender equality efforts

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

PARIS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) — As world leaders and senior officials gather in Beijing for the Global Women's Summit (October 13-14), former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova called for a renewed commitment to gender equality and expressed hope that China will continue to play a leading role in this global cause.

“At a time of economic uncertainty, climate crises, conflicts and deepening inequalities, a commitment to gender equality is critical to building a just and sustainable future,” she said in an exclusive written interview with Xinhua ahead of the summit.

The summit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the historic 1995 World Conference on Women, also held in Beijing. The conference adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

I. Bokova, who attended the 1995 conference, noted that the forum was a turning point—it highlighted the role of women in conflicts and crises and paved the way for the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security in 2000.

She also praised the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, calling them a “turning point” that led to the recognition of “the full potential of women and girls as a powerful and essential component of successful and sustainable development.”

Noting China's role in the past as an example for future efforts, I. Bokova said: “I have witnessed China's leading role in the adoption of these key UN documents.”

She highlighted China's recent successes in promoting gender equality, citing the white paper "China's Achievements in All-Round Development of Women's Affairs in the New Era," which reflects "significant progress" in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment.

China has achieved near-complete gender parity in higher education, she said.

However, I. Bokova added, systemic inequalities around the world continue to hinder the participation, leadership, and self-realization of women and girls.

Globally, 10 percent of women still live in extreme poverty, more than 600 million women and girls live in conflict-affected areas, and violence, discrimination, and economic inequality persist, she noted. Furthermore, climate-related threats such as floods, droughts, and extreme heat are worsening, with women often feeling the impact first.

In light of these challenges, I. Bokova expressed hope that the Global Summit for Women “will reaffirm the commitment to the Beijing Platform for Action and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and will re-emphasize the link between women, peace, and security.”

“I believe that this is the purpose of this summit, and I hope that China will continue to play a leading role in many areas where political will, solidarity and action are needed,” she concluded. –0–

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Hamas has begun releasing hostages as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to media reports.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Jerusalem, October 13 (Xinhua) — On Monday morning, Hamas released the first group of hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years. The release is part of a larger exchange under the ceasefire agreement with Israel, according to Israeli state television Kan TV.

The hostages were handed over to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who took them to an Israeli military base in Gaza.

Seven of the 20 surviving hostages have been released. The rest are expected to be released later on Monday.

The Israeli military announced its readiness to accept the hostages. A military helicopter landed at a base near the Gaza border, from where the hostages will be transported to medical facilities in central Israel.

ICRC vehicles arrived at Ofer Prison near Ramallah. Later on Monday, approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held there will be released as part of a prisoner exchange.

US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday morning. During his brief visit, he will address the Israeli parliament and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the families of the hostages.

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A Russian fencing coach is helping children achieve their dreams in Wuhan, China.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Wuhan, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) — In Wuhan, Hubei Province, central China, Russian fencing coach Maria Zaparivnaya has earned recognition among young students and their parents for helping them achieve their dreams.

M. Zaparivnaya began fencing at the age of nine and achieved good results in various competitions in Russia. In 2022, she came to Harbin (Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China) to study Chinese. In March 2025, she moved to Wuhan and began working as a fencing coach and giving lessons to children in fencing halls and elementary and middle schools.

According to M. Zaparivnaya, in addition to teaching skills and strategy, she also hopes that children will develop independence and respect for their opponents in this sport. "This is an important component of fencing," the Russian emphasized.

In recent years, Wuhan has been steadily strengthening ties and humanitarian exchanges with Russia. Last November, the Hubei Provincial Museum hosted the exhibition "Cocoon of Tradition: Silk in the National Cultures of Eurasia" from the collection of the Russian Ethnographic Museum, a key project of the Years of China-Russia Culture. Direct flights between Wuhan and Moscow officially resumed in September of this year.

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This year, 6,000 trains passed through the Alashankou railway checkpoint in Xinjiang on international freight routes between China and Europe.

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

URUMQI, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) — On Sunday, a train loaded with clothing and household goods left the Alashankou railway crossing in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the border with Kazakhstan, heading for Małaszewicze, Poland, on the China-Europe international freight route. The train's successful departure marks the 6,000th freight train that has passed through the Alashankou crossing this year.

As the customs service in Alashankou noted, with the further development of the joint construction of the "Belt and Road," China-Europe international freight transport routes have already transformed from a purely "transport corridor" into an "integrated service platform" encompassing logistics, trade, and manufacturing.

To ensure highly efficient train operation, local customs officials have made ongoing efforts to optimize the customs clearance model, reducing the time it takes to clear imported goods from 2-3 days to 16 hours. The average time for each train to switch tracks is 2 hours.

A telephone line has been established between the railway checkpoint and the Kazakhstan railway service, through which the parties maintain constant communication to resolve all issues in order to ensure the normal operation of trains.

Currently, 127 international China-Europe rail freight routes pass through the Alashankou checkpoint, linking 26 provincial-level regions of China with 21 foreign countries. Trains primarily transport automobiles and their parts, clothing and household goods, and electronics.

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Wuhan City handled a total of 100 China-Central Asia freight trains.

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) — The total number of freight trains served by Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, in the China-Central Asia international freight rail service has exceeded 100 since the service was launched. These trains have carried a total of more than 70,000 tonnes of cargo valued at 1.25 billion yuan (about 176 million U.S. dollars).

According to the Hubei Daily newspaper, citing a source in the Hubei branch of China Railways, a train loaded with solar modules, mechanical components, and chemical materials departed from Wuhan's Wujiashan station for Uzbekistan last Saturday, becoming the 100th freight train registered in the city since the launch of China-Central Asia freight services.

According to statistics, the number of China-Central Asia trains served by Wuhan has increased by 339 percent this year compared to the same period last year. The monthly frequency of these trains has increased to one every two days, and in September, the city even recorded a record number of 20 China-Central Asia trains.

As a reminder, on May 20, 2021, the first freight train departed Wuhan for Almaty, Kazakhstan, and on July 28 of the same year, the first service departed for Tashkent. In 2024, 25 freight trains departed from Wuhan for Central Asia, and 10 arrived in Wuhan. On April 12, 2025, the China-Central Asia rail freight route began operating regularly. This service currently covers 25 cities in Central Asia and several other countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

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Science 0 Festival: SMU scientists held master classes for schoolchildren and students

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Source: Official website of the State –

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On October 10, master classes for schoolchildren and students were held at the State University of Management as part of the activities of the Student Design Bureau "Innovative Solutions" in conjunction with the International Festival "Science 0".

The training in "3D scanning" and "Prototyping and 3D printing" was conducted by Vladimir Filatov, a leading researcher at the Reverse Engineering Laboratory at the State University of Management and Culture, and Ilya Nefelov, a researcher at the Reverse Engineering Laboratory.

During a 3D scanning workshop, middle school students and their parents learned about scanners for creating 3D models of real-world objects in various fields and went through all the stages of 3D scanning, from equipment preparation and calibration to creating a digital model of the object. Participants tried their hand at scanning a real part and competed in the accuracy of their resulting models.

At an event dedicated to prototyping and 3D printing, students from the Institute of Industrial Management learned about modern technologies for creating prototypes and the nuances of the prototyping process. Participants learned about the specifics of preparing a prototype for printing, the materials used, and the use of finished parts in production.

The popular science workshops were timed to coincide with the International Science Festival "Science 0," which took place from October 10-12 and celebrated its twentieth anniversary this year. The festival is one of the key events of the Decade of Science and Technology of the Russian Federation.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: October 13, 2025.

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St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU) graduates were awarded prizes from the Government of St. Petersburg.

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Five graduates of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU), who completed their diploma projects on assignment from the executive bodies of state power (EGG) of the Northern capital, were awarded prizes from the Government of St. Petersburg.

The St. Petersburg Government Prizes have been awarded annually since 2007 to winners of the competition for completing final qualifying theses as assigned by the Executive Directorate of the City Government. They recognize outstanding achievements in addressing pressing socioeconomic development issues in the city, with the goal of improving the quality of specialist training and their competitiveness in the labor market. The most important criteria for winning the competition are the relevance and originality of the research, as well as its practical significance for the city.

The winners from our university included: Margarita Ivanova, a graduate of the Faculty of Automobile and Road Construction, with her final qualifying work "Project for the Overhaul of the Officer's Bridge in Sestroretsk"; Tatyana Rebenchuk (also from the Faculty of Automobile and Road Construction) with her final qualifying work "Project for a Standard Bridge Made of Innovative Materials"; Polina Viktorova (Faculty of Economics and Management) with her final qualifying work "History of the Housing and Utilities Sector in St. Petersburg, Creation of a Housing and Utilities Museum"; Anastasia Zhurlova, a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Management, with her final qualifying work "Ensuring and Carrying Out Sanitary Maintenance of Intra-Block Territories"; and Margarita Rusanova (also from the Faculty of Economics and Management) with her final qualifying work "Problems and Prospects for Using Elevators in Apartment Buildings".

Congratulations and we wish you success in your professional endeavors!

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Student Design Bureau "Power Machines – Polytech": A New Level of Engineering Education

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The annual meeting between students and representatives of JSC Power Machines was held at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Participants were briefed on the Student Design Bureau's (SDB) work and the requirements for the sixth intake of the program.

This year the project reached a new level: after winning the federal competition for subsidies in the Student Design Leadership track at SKB Power Machines – Polytech became part of the SKB "System Engineering" ecosystem. This structure unites student teams working on engineering problems with the primary goal of training motivated and qualified engineers. The ecosystem was presented to the students by the head of the Student Design Bureau "System Engineering." Alena AleshinaShe emphasized that the project includes several areas and cross-cutting trajectories for teams from different fields.

Compared to last year, the scope of work at SKB Power Machines – Polytech has significantly expanded. Three key areas have been established: SKB Power Engineering (gas and steam turbines, as well as hydraulic machines); SKB Electrical Engineering (a turbogenerator area has been expanded to include a hydrogenerator area, and a new area has been established for the development of electrical apparatus and electrical insulation); and SKB Mechanical Engineering Technologies (electrical and power machine production technologies for the Electrosila and LMZ plants).

This year, 21 students from the "Power Machines" program joined the program. They are studying programs in steam and gas turbines, electrical machines, and design and engineering support for mechanical engineering production. In their third and fourth years, they master vocational skills, after which they move on to more in-depth design and calculation problems. In 2025, the total enrollment across all programs will be approximately 40 students.

Each participant is assigned two mentors: from SPbPU – graduate students and faculty with experience in R&D, from Power Machines – active engineers and experts.

This is a unique opportunity for students to work on real-world problems in a professional environment, utilize modern educational facilities, and receive support in their research and practical work. Participants become part of the company's corporate culture and have the opportunity to accelerate their career development at one of the country's leading power engineering companies.

"We don't just invite students to the project; we give them the opportunity to launch a career as a future engineer," says Darya Lycheva, the project coordinator for Power Machines. "Here, they'll solve real-world problems, make mistakes, and correct them under the guidance of experienced mentors. This is the kind of experience that can't be gained from university lectures alone, and it's precisely this that helps our graduates quickly develop into professionals."

The next stage of the program officially begins in November 2025 and will last two years. Each year, SKB participants will complete a corresponding professional training program, eventually receiving diplomas upon successful defense of their final projects before the heads of relevant departments at Power Machines.

Each student signs an employment contract with JSC Power Machines for the duration of their participation. This allows them to combine study and work, taking into account their class schedule. From the first few months, participants receive a stable salary and additional performance-based bonuses. Additionally, a benefits package is provided, including voluntary health insurance, meal reimbursement, and a hybrid work arrangement—students spend part of their time at the university and part of their time at the company's production facilities.

Special attention was paid to targeted contracts at the meeting. For students who successfully complete the probationary period and demonstrate their commitment, the company guarantees a monthly stipend for the entire duration of their studies and subsequent employment as a Category 3 design engineer. In exchange, graduates agree to work for the company for two to three years (depending on their year of entry into the program). This approach ensures that the knowledge acquired at SKB is relevant to real-world engineering practice.

Success stories were a key focus of the meeting. One example: Polytechnic University graduate Alexander Yemelyanov began his career at SKB and, in three years, rose from a program participant to a second-category software engineer at the control software development bureau. Alexander noted that his experience at SKB helped him quickly adapt to the profession, taught him how to solve complex applied problems, and laid the foundation for his rapid career advancement.

The organizers emphasized that participation in the program is much more than just studying and working. Power Machines traditionally focuses on employee development and fostering a positive corporate environment. Young professionals participate in engineering competitions, scientific and technical conferences, leadership schools, and sports and creative events. All this not only develops professional competencies but also fosters the team spirit essential in a large industrial company.

Meet Day became the starting point for a series of events. On October 7, students completed an online career intensive, and on October 10, One Day Offer was held at the Leningrad Metal Plant—a day when you can receive a job offer immediately after an interview. Participants will then undergo three months of practical work, and in February 2026, an interim Demo Day will be held, where the students will present their projects and results to company experts.

SKB Power Machines – Polytech is an example of successful collaboration between university and industry, enabling students to launch their careers while still studying and take a confident step into the future.

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Polytechnic University and leading Chinese universities have agreed on joint internship programs.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education Dmitry Tikhonov and Head of the Department of International Educational Programs and Academic Mobility Olga Yemelyanova paid a working visit to the SPbPU Representative Office in Shanghai. The purpose of the trip was to expand international academic and scientific cooperation, promote international internship programs for professional development, and present the new project "SPbPU International Internship Center" to leaders in the Chinese educational market.

The Polytechnic University delegation held several meetings and negotiations with potential partners, including Ambright Education Group, the China-SCO University of Trade and Economics, the Shanghai University of Science and Technology, and the Harbin Institute of Technology.

The partners discussed current areas of cooperation, the situation in the Chinese education market, and presented the SPbPU International Internship Center project. The productive dialogue resulted in concrete agreements.

An agreement has been reached with the Shanghai University of Science and Technology to launch a joint international professional development program with an internship module in Technological Entrepreneurship. The agreement and terms of the cooperation are currently being finalized.

The parties agreed with the China-SCO University of Trade and Economics to begin developing an international professional development program for employees of Chinese industrial companies.

We are pleased that the idea of a continuing education program in the form of international internships, implemented with the support of the Priority 2030 program, has resonated with our partners. During the trip, we were able to discuss the launch of new tracks, as well as the potential format for internships for employees of foreign companies," commented SPbPU Vice-Rector Dmitry Tikhonov.

"With the support of the Priority 2030 program, we were able to implement the International Internship Center project, which aims to attract talented international researchers to SPbPU, thereby developing the university's international scientific and educational cooperation and promoting SPbPU as one of Russia's best scientific schools abroad. Our discussions with our Chinese colleagues confirmed that we are moving in the right direction—demand for such programs is constantly growing," added Olga Yemelyanova, Head of the International Educational Programs Department. "Through these meetings, we were able to develop specific projects that, I hope, will be implemented as early as 2026."

Collaboration with leading Chinese universities and companies, such as Ambright Education Group, is strategically important for SPbPU. It opens up new opportunities for academic exchange, joint research, and strengthening the position of Russian education on the international stage.

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Financial news: 13.10.2025, 10-03 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the LSNGP (RSetiLE-p) security were changed.

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Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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October 13, 2025, 10:03 AM

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the NCC (JSC) on 13.10.2025, 10-03 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 191.8) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 144.459 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 41.25%) of the LSNGP (RSetiLE-p) security were changed.

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