Expert: Belarus retains best practices of university education

Oleg Leshenyuk – who heads the Centre for International Studies of the Belarusian State University’s Foreign Relations Department – believes this approach is highly appreciated by Iran’s students

Belarus-Iran co-operation in the cultural and educational spheres is based on the memorandum of understanding in the field of culture, science, education, sports and tourism signed between the governments of Belarus and Iran in 1995.

According to Mr. Leshenyuk, Days of Belarus’ Culture are regularly held, and similar events are hosted by Belarus as well. “We organise film screenings and performances of cultural and art figures, master classes and exhibitions. For example, Belarusians get acquainted with the folk art of Iranians, as well as their traditional costumes, pantomime, calligraphy, and dancing. The Iranian side organises exhibitions of Persian carpets, paintings and photos, as well as workshops on certain types of art. In 2019, the Literary Bridge translation contest was held for the first time in Tehran under the leadership of the Embassy of Belarus in Iran,” he explained.

According to the expert, Iran is interested in such areas of co-operation the field of education as medicine, energy, microbiology and agriculture, and environmental management (landscaping of desert territories).

Belarusian-Iranian co-operation is registered at various levels — including research institutes and certain individual universities.

Mr. Leshenyuk added that modern higher education faces serious challenges on a global scale, and many universities are transforming into large corporations. Various platforms providing educational services are developing, and digitalisation is also making its contribution. Actually, consumer attitudes towards this area are increasingly observed.

“Belarus preserves the best practices of university education in its classical and traditional understanding. The Iranian side sees and appreciates this. In the 2022-2023 academic year, we have about 1,000 Iranian students and postgraduates at Belarusian universities," the expert said.