SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov sends 60th anniversary greetings to Vladimir Filippov, Rector of the People’s Friendship University of Russia

SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov has sent a message of greetings to the faculty, staff and undergraduate and postgraduate students of the People's Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) on the occasion of the university's 60th anniversary.

Vladimir Norov wrote in his message that the University had come a long way since its establishment, with its multifaceted and effective work. It is notable that the university has over 200,000 graduates from around the world, including Asia, Africa, America and Europe, and is rightfully considered one of the best international education centres offering training, refresher courses and advanced training for top professionals in a wide number of specialties.

The SCO Secretary-General pointed out that the University's mission, "to unite people of different cultures through knowledge in order to create leaders who will make the world a better place, is an apt description of the philosophy, world outlook and conceptual framework of the modern system of education."

He writes that the RUDN is noted for its concerned and creative approach to the training of international groups of students, as can be seen from the fact that its curricula take into account the requirements of the countries and regions from which its students and post-graduates come. Thanks to this, its graduates are capable of effectively applying their knowledge back in their home countries.

In the current circumstances, this innovative approach helps to enhance the quality of education and also sets the RUDN apart in the global education services market. University graduates are working in 165 countries and many of them have won broad recognition as politicians, government officials and public figures.

The People's Friendship University is willing to share its experience, competences and capabilities, promote international cooperation and develop closer ties with foreign universities. The RUDN has the largest number of associations of alumni and friends in foreign countries among Russian universities and they are united by respect for their teachers, love for their alma mater and strong friendship.

SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov noted that "it is symbolic that President of Russia Vladimir Putin proposed using the RUDN as the basis for the SCO University during the SCO Heads of State Council meeting held in Bishkek on 16 August 2007. The SCO member states appreciate the RUDN's activities aimed at promoting the SCO countries' cooperation in education, its efforts to improve the quality of education and create favourable conditions for strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, and establishing contacts between the universities of the large and ever growing SCO family." Vladimir Norov expressed confidence that the RUDN, in its capacity as SCO

University, would make a solid contribution to the strengthening of cooperation between the SCO countries in the field of education.

The People's Friendship University was established on 5 February 1960 by decision of the Soviet Government. On 22 February 1961, it was named after Patrice Lumumba.

On 5 February 1992, a Government resolution renamed it as the People's Friendship University of Russia (RUDN).