Plekhanov University in Dubai Joins “Education Without Borders” Roundtable Discussion
17 December 2025
Dr. Svetlana Malkarova, Director of Plekhanov University in Dubai, represented the university at the roundtable discussion “Education Without Borders: EdTech and Entering Foreign Markets. New Skills for Specialists at the Intersection of IT, Finance, Taxes, and International Cooperation,” offering the university’s rich perspective on successfully entering and operating within a competitive foreign education market.
The roundtable discussions – joined by education professionals and leaders of Russian educational institutions – explored identifying models for building an international presence, with a focus on scalable EdTech solutions and hybrid education formats that combine global reach with local engagement. Dr. Malkarova shared practical insights on integrating into foreign educational markets and preserving the strengths of the Russian educational tradition. Drawing on the university's experience establishing its presence in the UAE, she outlined the key priorities that guided the branch’s development and success thus far. Within its first year of operations, the university has:
• Signed strategic partnerships with 10+ national and international partners
• Established a presence in the local research community with two new research centers
• Built a high-level international faculty on par with global educational standards
• Aligned academic programs and research activities with the strategic priorities of the UAE and the needs of the global job market
• Established 16 courses specifically aimed at professional development
• Developed its academic and institutional presence by actively participating in and holding regional forums and conferences
Moderated by Vasily Zudin, Deputy Director at the Center for Global IT Cooperation, the roundtable also focused on EdTech as a key driver for accessibility, scalability, and personalized learning, and its role in overcoming geographic, linguistic, and cultural barriers. With the concept “Education Without Borders” as the central theme, participants agreed that the future of Russian continuing education in the technology field lies in open, technologically advanced education systems designed for a global digital society.
The roundtable discussion highlighted the growing importance of international collaboration, EdTech, and practice-oriented education in shaping the future of continuing professional education. Plekhanov University in Dubai was proud to contribute experience-backed insights to the discussions on international academic development and looks forward to continue its international engagement and further advancing education without borders.
The roundtable discussions – joined by education professionals and leaders of Russian educational institutions – explored identifying models for building an international presence, with a focus on scalable EdTech solutions and hybrid education formats that combine global reach with local engagement. Dr. Malkarova shared practical insights on integrating into foreign educational markets and preserving the strengths of the Russian educational tradition. Drawing on the university's experience establishing its presence in the UAE, she outlined the key priorities that guided the branch’s development and success thus far. Within its first year of operations, the university has:
• Signed strategic partnerships with 10+ national and international partners
• Established a presence in the local research community with two new research centers
• Built a high-level international faculty on par with global educational standards
• Aligned academic programs and research activities with the strategic priorities of the UAE and the needs of the global job market
• Established 16 courses specifically aimed at professional development
• Developed its academic and institutional presence by actively participating in and holding regional forums and conferences
Moderated by Vasily Zudin, Deputy Director at the Center for Global IT Cooperation, the roundtable also focused on EdTech as a key driver for accessibility, scalability, and personalized learning, and its role in overcoming geographic, linguistic, and cultural barriers. With the concept “Education Without Borders” as the central theme, participants agreed that the future of Russian continuing education in the technology field lies in open, technologically advanced education systems designed for a global digital society.
The roundtable discussion highlighted the growing importance of international collaboration, EdTech, and practice-oriented education in shaping the future of continuing professional education. Plekhanov University in Dubai was proud to contribute experience-backed insights to the discussions on international academic development and looks forward to continue its international engagement and further advancing education without borders.