WINDOW TO BIG DIPLOMACY

Moscow’s Griboyedov School 1529 recently marked its 120th anniversary. The successor to the renowned School 29, it has for decades been actively engaged in international activities as a UNESCO Associated School. This status not only confirms the high quality of education but also underscores the importance of global thinking and cultural exchange among its students. Under this programme, the school implements educational initiatives aimed at fostering critical thinking, respect for cultural diversity, and active participation in international affairs.

The school regularly takes part in Churkin Moscow International Model UN at MGIMO University—one of the largest events of this kind in the world. Traditionally held in April, the country’s leading diplomatic university welcomes over 1,500 high school and university students from across the globe. The Model UN is an engaging role-playing game where participants—delegates, observers, chairs, and experts—simulate the United Nations and discuss the agenda, assuming the roles of official representatives of UN member states and international organisations. Participants speak not in their own capacity but on behalf of the countries they represent. The goal of each Model UN committee is to adopt a resolution on the agenda item. Each year school and university students take an active part in the work of various committees, delivering speeches in Russian, English, and French.

Annually, Griboyedov 1529 hosts Russia’s largest school Model UN, supported by the Russian Association for the Assistance of the United Nations (RAS UN), the UN Information Centre in Moscow, and experts from MGIMO. The event draws students from across Russia, offering them a platform to simulate the United Nations. Participants gain firsthand experience in international decision-making, drafting resolutions, and debating global issues—such as climate change, human rights, and sustainable development. Identifying and nurturing gifted young people remains a cornerstone of the country’s youth policy. A key goal is to create a space where students can acquire upto-date knowledge in diplomacy and international relations, gain practical experience and supraprofessional skills, and pursue self-realisation—all while championing Russia’s sustainable development agendas.fff

A cornerstone of the school’s international engagement is its Young Diplomat Club which offers students a unique opportunity to develop their skills in diplomacy and public speaking. Club members prepare for global conferences representing the Russian delegation and tackling pressing international issues in their mock versions. This not only deepens their knowledge but also builds self-confidence and improves teamwork. The Club also explores the history of Russian diplomacy, the state protocol, and business etiquette.

Moreover, the school has long been proactive in arranging international study trips to the Russian diplomatic missions and the headquarters of international organisations. Visits to Paris, Strasbourg, Geneva, New York, Dubai, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore enable students not only to observe the work of international bodies firsthand but also to put their knowledge into practice. These journeys enrich their educational experience and broaden their understanding of global politics.

A significant milestone in the international work of Griboyedov School is its participation in one of the oldest and finest educational networks of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)—the Associated Schools Network (ASPnet). The project aims to promote education aligned with the goals and activities of the UN and its specialised agencies, as well as the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Participation in the Network enables the creation of cohesive projects aimed at preserving historical, natural, and cultural heritage. ASPnet members are tasked with advancing the Organisation’s mandate, promoting the values and ideals enshrined in its covenant and the UN Charter. Membership in ASPnet significantly broadens opportunities to engage in global campaigns, events, and competitions aligned with UNESCO’s priorities.

Griboyedov School has taken part in numerous international projects using the foreign languages taught at the school. These efforts led to cooperation agreements with two schools in Italy, a Chinese school and an Indian school. The formalisation of these ties was followed by memorable meetings between the principles, exchanges of student and teacher delegations, participation in joint projects, international competitions, forums and conferences, and the exchange of best practices in language teaching.

The school’s fruitful and diverse international contacts with educational institutions abroad instill in students a respect for the history and culture of other nations, while also fostering a sense of national identity and pride in Russia’s achievements.

On June 6, 2025, a video prepared by the school was shown at UNESCO in Paris during events marking the Russian Language Day.

Joint programmes and projects with partner schools from various regions of the country are a source of keen interest for both teachers and students. In the fall of 2025, for instance, a team of students took part in the Kazan “Youth Changes the World—Volunteerism Unites Everyone” international forum festival of young volunteers held by UNESCO Associated Schools.

The school was a partner in the contest “I Am an Artist. Peace, Dignity and Equality on a Healthy Planet,” marking the 80th anniversary of the UN and its SDGs. Our representatives sat on the contest’s expert panel. The works by entrants were displayed in the school, followed by the award ceremony.

UNESCO is tasked with promoting cultural exchange through modern methods of disseminating knowledge about the cultural heritage and its sites. To extend its reach, the school put forward a large scale project—an exhibition space where any student or visitor could immerse in the world of art.

From November 29, 2025, to February 1, 2026, the school hosted the exhibition “He Tosses Them into the Air, and Catches Them at Once. Twelve Balls.” The co-authors and organisers of the event were Yulia Vizgalina and Natalia Grabar. The title refers to the children’s poem by Agnia Barto, where the underlying idea is the image of the sphere as the starting point of the heliocentric system, at the centre of which lies the ball—a basic geometric shape. The exhibition sparked genuine interest among students.

Each February, the school hosts its annual Diplomacy Week. This year’s event, timed to coincide with Diplomats’ Day, kicked off with a grand launch of the 16th Model UN. The presentation took place in the legendary International Multimedia Press Centre of the media group “Russia Today.” It proved to be a truly impressive event, bringing together over 150 participants from Moscow schools and MGIMO.

The young participants were not merelylistening—theywerefullyimmersed in the game. They learned about the structure of the Model UN, its committees, agenda items, and registration procedures. But most importantly, during an interactive trial session, each participant had the chance to step into the shoes of a diplomat—drafting resolutions, defending national positions, and striving for the very compromises that underpin global peace. It was a day of inspiration, fresh insights, and a profound sense of responsibility. Participation in the event also served as a unique preparation for the main highlight—the Model UN, held on March 11–13. The entire school community takes great pride in its students and wishes them every success!

The country’s premier diplomatic celebration was marked by the exhibition “Lessons of Life and Resilience,” dedicated to the outstanding diplomat Vitaly Churkin, who served as Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN until his untimely passing. Members of the Young Diplomat Club prepared a display charting the key stages of Churkin’s diplomatic career. Unique photographs from the family archives, kindly provided by his wife Irina Churkina, revealed not only his professional journey but also his personality— his love for homeland, family, sport, and life itself. Irina spoke movingly of the role of a diplomat’s wife, the power of love, the depth of emotion, and the man who stood behind every state affair. It was a heart-to-heart conversation.

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to learn more about the man who was—and remains—a source of pride for Russia. It is not merely a collection of photographs—it is a living history.

Today, Griboyedov School plays a pivotal role in shaping a new generation of diplomats and leaders, equipped to engage effectively on the global stage. Its international activities help develop the skills essential for success in an interconnected world, while underscoring the importance of education as a tool for forging peace and mutual understanding between nations.