The first seminar of the Geopolitical Observatory on Key Issues of Russia "G.O.R.K.I."

The Geopolitical Observatory on Russia's Key Issues ("G.O.R.K.I") hosted the first seminar on "Russia's Relations with North Africa and West Asia based on Oil Market Studies". The key speakers at the event were Karin Kneissl, Head of the G.O.R.K.I. Centre at SPbU, energy analyst, professor, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Viktor Titov, Deputy Head of the G.O.R.K.I. Centre, First Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics at SPbU, and a guest speaker from Ankara University, Professor Hasan Unal. Professors Stanislav Tkachenko and Nikita Lomagin of SPbU took part in the briefings.

During the seminar, the experts held a number of briefings on the development of the energy market in the context of globalisation, as well as a discussion of West-East relations in a multipolar world.

On the last day of the seminar, an OPEC+ Ministerial Meeting Business Game was held, where students had the opportunity to try on the roles of representatives of oil exporting countries and have an exciting and intense discussion in order to reach a favourable consensus.  "I am very proud of the result of the simulation game and the whole workshop. Everyone played their roles with dignity, using various communication techniques that emphasised the individual country's personality," said Karin Kneissl. 

The participants emphasised the interactive format of the event. They also said that participation in the seminar allowed them to gain new useful experience, develop practical language skills and professional competences in the field of negotiation, which will be useful for further international activities.