The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Russian Federation, has announced the launch of the prestigious 'Open Dialogue: The Future of the World' international essay competition, offering a unique opportunity for Pakistani scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students.

The competition is a call for innovative ideas and perspectives on critical global issues, with the top 100 essayists set to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Moscow in April 2026 to network with leading global policymakers and experts.

Competition Details and Themes

The essay contest invites participants to share their vision for the future across four main thematic categories:

• Human Capital: Focusing on Education, Youth, and Social Wellbeing.
• Technology: Exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, and Healthcare.
• Environment: Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
• Connectivity: Discussing global issues related to Trade, Finance, and International Cooperation.

The initiative aims to promote cross-cultural exchange and facilitate meaningful discussions between emerging young leaders and established international experts on pressing global challenges.

Also Read: Russian scholarships open for Pakistani students - Apply now for fully-funded offer

Opportunity for Pakistani Talent

The competition provides a significant platform for Pakistani scholars and researchers to showcase the country's intellectual strength on an international stage and contribute to a global report compiled from the selected proposals. The competition follows a successful previous edition that attracted nearly 700 essays from participants across over 100 countries.

Key Submission Information

Interested Pakistani scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students must register and submit their entries online at dialog.russia.ru.

The submission deadline for the 'Open Dialogue' essay competition is December 26, 2025.