Moscow, Russian Federation—On April 16-23, 2018, the “The Digital Economy: Man, Technology, Institutes” was held at the Faculty of Economics of Lomonosov Moscow State University. This prestigious academic symposium was organized in the framework of the annual “Lomonosov Readings” conference by the Lomonosov Moscow State University. Selected scholars from different countries were invited to introduce their research օn the “The New Silk Road” Section. Mher Sahakyan(PhD in International Relations, Research Fellow at the National Defense Research University, MOD, Armenia, member at the International Political Science Association) was among them.

He presented his research on “The One Belt, One Road Initiative from the Perspective of China’s National Security”.Invited speakers included Lapidus L. V. (Advanced Doctor in Economics, Prof., Head of Center for Social and Economic Innovation, Faculty of Economics, Lomonosov MSU), Dadabaeva Z.A.,(Advanced Doctor in Political Science, Lead Researcher, Institute of Economics, Russian Academy of Sciences), Turaeva M.O.,(Advanced Doctor in Economics, Lead Researcher, Institute of Economics, Russian Academy of Sciences), Vardomskiy L.B., (Advanced Doctor in Economics, Prof, Principal Researcher, Institute of Economics, Russian Academy of Sciences), Dai Liyan, (PhD in Economics, Assoc. Prof., Institute of International Relations, Liaoning University, China), Glinkina S.P., (Advanced Doctor in Economics, Prof., Institute of Economics, Russian Academy of Sciences),  XuexiHuo, (Prof., NorthWest A&F University, China), Sharipov F.F., (PhD in Economics, Assoc. Prof., State University of Management), Dyakonova M.A., (PhD in Political Science, Assoc. Prof., State University of Management), Eszterhai V.,(Senior Researcher, Pallas Athene Innovation and Geopolitical Foundation, Hungry), Dai Liyan, (PhD in Economics, Assoc. Prof., Institute of International Relations, Liaoning University) and others.

The Academic Seminar was chaired by Buklemishev O.V.,(PhD, Assoc. Prof., Vice Dean for International Relations, Head of the Center for Economic Policy Research, Faculty of Economics, Lomonosov MSU).

Mher gave a detailed analysis on security factor of the OBOR in modern International Affairs and made recommendations on improving cooperation between Armenia and China on security issues in the context of harmonization of the EAEU and OBOR. The presentation was followed by a discussion on both the topic of research and the methods used by the speaker.

The Lomonosov Moscow State University is the leading university of Russian Federation. The National Defense Research University (NDRU), MOD Armenia was opened on January 28, 2016. Lieutenant General Hayk Kotanjian (Advanced Doctor in Political Studies, Prof.) developed the Project of NDRU during his academic fellowship at the U.S. National Defense University. The goal of this unique research university in the region is to increase the efficiency of the Armenian defense security system through bridging research and educational activities. Among the tasks of the NDRU is the research in the areas of regional security dynamics, cybersecurity and ICT, strategic gaming, as well as developments targeted at the effective management of cyber-digital resources. Based on these studies, relevant analyses and recommendations are submitted to the political-military leadership of Armenia contributing to the enhancement of their knowledge in the field of security policy.

With multiple crises forcing millions of people away from their homes, United Nations agencies, Governments and partners have launched a set of measures to strengthen protection of internally displaced persons as well as find solutions to address their problems.

“Addressing the protection needs of the forcibly displaced and seeking solutions to their plight contribute to greater stability for countries and whole regions,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in a news release announcing the three-year Plan of Action.

“The consequences of our failure to resolve internal displacement can be devastating,” he stressed.

The framework, formally called the Plan of Action for Advancing Prevention, Protection and Solutions for Internally Displaced People (2018-2020), calls on all relevant actors to step up efforts to prevent, respond to and resolve internal displacement.

It also proposes concrete activities to strengthen the participation of internally displaced persons in decisions concerning them, and expand national laws and policies on internal displacement as well as actions to improve data collection and analysis on displacements globally.

By the end of 2016, more than 40 million people were displaced within their own countries due to insecurity or rights violations. An additional 24 million were driven from their homes due to disasters. Every year, an estimated 15 million people are also displaced by development projects.

Bold and ambitious steps needed

Given this complex conundrum, “bold and ambitious” steps are needed, underscored Cecilia Jimenez-Damary, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons.

“The Plan of Action seeks to galvanize a strategic dialogue, concerted action and adequate resources to address the plight of the internally displaced, while engaging them in the decisions that affect them,” added the independent expert.

In the same vein, Mark Lowcock, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs committed that the Organization will continue to work with affected Governments and displaced persons to ensure that their needs are addressed.

Leave no one behind

“The international community has pledged to leave no one behind,” stressed Mr. Lowcock, who is also the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, noting that this promise must extend to all those displaced.

The Plan of Action was drafted under the leadership of the Special Rapporteur, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Its launch coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, widely accepted as being the global standard for protecting and assisting internally displaced people.

Singer and Actor Wang Junkai, or Karry Wang, best known for his leading role in the box office blockbuster film Miracles of the Namiya General Store and the hit single “KarryOn” was designated as UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador today in a ceremony in Beijing.

In his role as goodwill ambassador, Wang will connect with China’s youth on some of the most urgent
environment issues of their generation, including pollution, air quality, wildlife protection, ecosystems, and more.

As a young actor and singer, I greatly appreciate UN Environment giving me this opportunity to be National Goodwill Ambassador. We youth have the responsibility to protect our environment and secure our future, and I am looking forward to learn from and work with the UN family on key environmental issues. Youth are no longer merely onlookers when it comes to environmental action, nor should they be. I will spare no effort to do everything I can to take care of our earth, and I invite everyone to join me in generating a wave of positive action.

It’s inspiring to hear a strong and determined voice of Chinese youth on environmental issues. When young people set their mind to change, incredible things can be accomplished,” said Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment. “We’re very excited to work with Wang Junkai to create even more awareness about environmental issues and, more importantly, the solutions to these challenges.”

The 18-year old performer is a superstar of the highest ranks in Asia. Known for his leading role in the film Namiya General Store, top roles in various TV series – among which “Finding Soul” and “Qingyun Zhi “ – and solo music career, he has amassed more than 40 million followers on Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter. Both in China and the rest of South-East Asia, Wang has been one of the leaders of the online conversation on the environment.

In 2016, Wang widely shared the #wildforlife Campaign, reaching 400 million viewers. A year later, he publicly spoke out on the urgent need to protect endangered wildlife, naming them the “superstars of the planet.”

Beyond drawing attention to wildlife, he called upon his followers to pledge to reduce their e-waste, with the hashtag #beatpollution. Within 24 hours, his post was retweeted by 1.67 million times and more than 400,000 followers signed the pledges.