From April 21 to 26, 2025, the Ural State University of Economics (USUE) in Yekaterinburg hosted the XV Eurasian Economic Youth Forum, which focused on the dialogue of civilizations amid global challenges. The event brought together experts, scholars, students, and representatives of educational institutions from Russia and Eurasian countries to discuss pressing issues in economics, technology, and intercultural collaboration.

Mirko Farina, an expert from the Center for Technology and Security Studies, delivered a lecture on the role of modern technologies in ensuring global security. In his presentation, he highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and big data can address global issues such as cyber threats, environmental crises, and geopolitical conflicts. Farina emphasized the need for an ethical approach to technology implementation, stressing the importance of international cooperation to develop sustainable and secure systems.

During the forum, Mirko Farina also held several working meetings with representatives of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Alexander Gorbatov, a representative of the National University of Science and Technology “MISIS” (NUST MISIS). These discussions focused on potential collaboration in developing educational programs aimed at training a new generation of specialists. A key initiative was the proposal to create an interdisciplinary course on artificial intelligence and cognitive sciences. This course is being designed for the “League of Higher Education Instructors,” a Russian professional association supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The League aims to advance educational standards, promote interdisciplinary approaches in teaching, and strengthen academic ties between universities in Russia and BRICS countries (Brazil, India, China, South Africa).

The proposed course on AI and cognitive sciences seeks to integrate knowledge from fields such as neuroscience, computer science, psychology, and philosophy. It aims to equip students with the skills to tackle complex challenges related to AI implementation in various sectors, including economics, healthcare, and social policy. According to open sources, such interdisciplinary programs are increasingly in demand due to rapid technological advancements and globalization. For instance, universities in BRICS countries are actively developing joint educational initiatives to enhance the global competitiveness of their graduates.

The forum also served as a platform for discussing other initiatives aimed at fostering academic and scientific cooperation. Participants highlighted the importance of such events for sharing expertise and developing strategies to help universities adapt to the challenges of the digital era. The XV Eurasian Economic Youth Forum reaffirmed its significance as a vital space for dialogue among young researchers, educators, and government representatives, contributing to innovative approaches in education and science.