Russia's first department of public diplomacy has been established at Tambov State University named after G.R. Derzhavin. The new structure was announced on June 19 during the "Hablemos con Rusia" (Let's Talk with Russia) summer school for young leaders from Latin America.
Natalia Burlinova, a member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, a PhD in political science, and a leading expert in public diplomacy, will head the department. The new division will focus on research, teaching, methodological and informational work, as well as hosting relevant events. Plans include offering a course on "Public Diplomacy of Russia" for students majoring in international relations, political science, and journalism, as well as launching continuing education programs for municipal employees and international participants.
Derzhavin University Rector Pavel Moiseev noted that the establishment of the department is a logical continuation of the university's systematic work in the field of international humanitarian cooperation. The project will be implemented jointly with experts from the Creative Diplomacy NGO. The university also plans to become a federal center for training municipal specialists in public diplomacy.
"Derzhavin University has established the first public diplomacy department among Russian universities. Plans include extensive academic and practical work, including training specialists for government agencies," Pavel Moiseev emphasized.
