KBSU Hosts MGIMO Delegation as Part of the IV OECONOMICUS Summer School

Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M.Berbekov is hosting a delegation from MGIMO. The visit by students and faculty from the Moscow university is part of the IV OECONOMICUS 2026 Summer School, which is being organized by the MGIMO OECONOMICUS Economic Club named after A.V. Makarenko in partnership with KBSU.

The official welcome ceremony for the guests took place at the Altair Student Center. Zalina Gergova, Head of the KBSU Department of Educational Work, addressed the delegation.

«We are sincerely pleased to welcome future diplomats, economists, and opinion leaders to our university. This visit is not just an educational trip, but an important step toward building a strong dialogue between our universities. «I am confident that the time spent in Nalchik will not only be professionally beneficial for MGIMO students, but will also leave them with vivid impressions of our republic,» noted Zalina Gergova.

The first day of the delegation’s stay was devoted to developing effective communication skills. Timur Aramisov, Director of the Center for Social and Political Research at the Kabardino-Balkarian State University’s Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities, conducted a practical master class for MGIMO students, «Words That Persuade: Public Speaking, First Impressions, and Negotiations.» The meeting was held in an active, interactive format: participants analyzed excerpts from speeches by famous government officials, practiced techniques for confidently opening a speech, and worked with their voice and nonverbal behavior. A separate section was devoted to negotiation strategies: students worked in teams to identify the positions and interests of the parties, formulate arguments, and seek mutually acceptable solutions.

«It was important for me to structure the meeting as a space for live practice, where each participant could test a specific technique in action and receive immediate feedback. «MGIMO students demonstrated a high level of preparation, analytical thinking, and a willingness to engage in open professional dialogue. Their active participation in the exercises and case discussions added a special dynamic to the master class,» emphasized Timur Aramisov.

Following the master class, guests went on a tour of KBSU’s Unified Service Center—a modern digital platform operating on a one-stop shop principle. Here, students and staff can quickly obtain certificates, clearance forms, and resolve other administrative issues both in person and online through their «Personal Account.» The MGIMO delegation was delighted to learn about the center’s operations, appreciating the convenience and speed of service delivery.

The second day of the program, July 21, will be devoted to exploring KBSU’s Elbrus Educational and Scientific Complex, located in the village of Elbrus at an altitude of 1,850 meters above sea level. The program includes interactive patriotic events, as well as an introduction to the region’s natural and cultural attractions.

The visit will conclude on July 22 with a lecture in English given by Albert Shapsigov, Head of the Strategic Programs and Projects Department at KBSU. A closing ceremony will follow.

As a reminder, the 4th Summer School «OECONOMICUS 2026» is dedicated to economic development and youth entrepreneurship in Russia’s regions. In 2026, Nalchik will host the educational intensive program. The program includes training sessions, expert lectures, meetings with partners, visits, and excursions. Its goal is to transfer knowledge, exchange opinions, and develop professional competencies. Previous OECONOMICUS Summer Schools were held in Kazan (2023), Minsk (2024), and Nizhny Novgorod (2025).