The grand opening of the Center of the Russian Geographical Society took place in Australia on December 14. It began working with the assistance of the Russian Australian Friendship, the Youth Council of Russian Compatriots of Australia, as well as the Consulate General of the Russian Federation.
The opening ceremony traditionally began with the greeting of the guests by representatives of the indigenous population in the land of their ancestors. After that, the Consul General of the Russian Federation Zarina Gabieva made a speech. In particular, she stressed that the opening of the RGS Center on the continent would give an impetus to bilateral cooperation in the field of popularization of geography and related sciences, preservation of Russia's historical and cultural heritage and involvement of young people in scientific creativity.
Participants of the opening ceremony of the RGS Center in Australia. Photo: Press service of the Russian-Australian Friendship
The participants of the opening ceremony had the opportunity to get acquainted with the exhibition “Miklouho-Maclay — the Brave Explorer of New Guinea and Oceania", created on the basis of archival materials of the Russian Geographical Society. The guests were also able to take a virtual trip to the most attractive corners of Russia.
According to Svetlana Vorobyeva, Deputy Director of the Department of Expert, Analytical and International Activities of the Russian Geographical Society, the new Center of the Russian Geographical Society will be a support indeed for Australian scientists and students. They will be able to use the rich libraries and funds of the Russian Geographical Society or will have a unique opportunity to travel to Russia for research activities.