On December 12, 2025, the 10th National Scientific Conference “Innovation: A Factor of Socio-Economic Development” was held in Cahul, organized by “Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu” State University of Cahul. The anniversary conference served as an important platform for discussing current challenges and development opportunities in the fields of economy, education, and research in the Republic of Moldova and the region as a whole.
During the plenary session, a presentation entitled “Strengthening Intercultural Dialogue and Inclusion in the University Environment” was delivered by Alla Levitskaia, Dr. Habil., Professor at Comrat State University. The presentation placed special emphasis on the long-term partnership between universities in southern Moldova, which has evolved not formally, but through joint research, academic exchanges, implementation of applied projects, and the active involvement of students and young researchers.
It was emphasized that innovation should be viewed not only in technological terms, but also through social, institutional, and educational dimensions. Such partnerships make it possible to transform scientific ideas into practical solutions that respond to regional development needs.
A particular focus was placed on the importance of an inclusive and intercultural approach within the university environment. Joint initiatives of Comrat State University and Cahul State University demonstrate that dialogue, cultural diversity, and academic solidarity are key resources for improving the quality of education and research, as well as for strengthening trust between regions. The project whose results were presented at the conference confirms the strong partnership between the two universities, supported by the Sergio Vieira de Mello Academic Chair (SVMAC) Grant Program and the Law Center of Attorneys.
The plenary session also confirmed that sustainable development is impossible without coordinated efforts among universities, local authorities, researchers, and practitioners. The presentations covered a wide range of topics—from digitalization and the green economy to social inclusion and technology transfer—once again highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of modern innovation.
