On October 24, 2025, the conference hall of the Caspian Institute of Sea and River Transport named after general-admiral F.M. Apraksin hosted a Model United Nations titled “Meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development.”

The event was organized by the Consulate of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation (Astrakhan) with the support of the Ministry of External Relations of the Astrakhan Region and the Caspian Institute of Sea and River Transport named after general-admiral F.M. Apraksin. The central theme of the session was “The Caspian — a Bridge between East and West.”

Participants discussed the prospects for regional development, focusing on transport and logistics potential, environmental security, the expansion of trade and economic cooperation, and the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties. Special attention was given to Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development — a platform aimed at promoting peace and sustainable development through the principles of neutrality.

A key feature of the event was the active involvement of students. Within the Model UN framework, university students from Astrakhan represented member states of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development. Acting as young diplomats, they presented national positions, engaged in debates, and worked together on joint resolutions, demonstrating practical skills in diplomacy and international relations.

The event was also attended by the General Consuls of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Russia Federation (Astrakhan), as well as representatives of the Astrakhan regional authorities.

The Model UN in Astrakhan served as an important platform for open dialogue, fostering new approaches to multilateral cooperation in the Caspian region and strengthening mutual understanding among nations.

ORIENT