On August 1, 2023, the opening of the international educational and training program on energy "Changing Energy Landscape: New Energy Paths and Global Carbon Neutrality" took place at St. Petersburg State University of Economics (SPbGEU). Leading specialists of major energy companies, relevant ministries and research centers from the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations became participants in the program organized on the initiative of the Russia-ASEAN Business Council.

The program is implemented on the basis of the Platform for Collective Energy Security of Russia and ASEAN with the support of the SPbGEU, the A.M.Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Foundation and the Russian Energy Agency (REA) of the Ministry of Energy of Russia.

The program aims to expand Russia's economic, scientific and technological ties with the ASEAN countries. One of the key objectives of the program is to talk about significant competencies that allow domestic enterprises to participate in both the exploration and development of oil and gas fields, and in large infrastructure projects, including a range of works to expand the use of LNG, nuclear power, hydropower, and the development of renewable energy sources.

In his welcoming speech to the participants and organizers of the program, the Rector of St. Petersburg State University Igor Maksimtsev noted that ASEAN energy specialists will have lectures and seminars, case studies, meetings with leading experts and heads of departments, visits to energy infrastructure facilities and a rich cultural program in St. Petersburg and Moscow. "The focus of scientific and practical attention is on international energy security, current and long–term trends in global energy markets, the Russian oil and gas sector in an international context, the strategy of a low-carbon economy in Russia," the rector of the University said.

Sergey Romanov, Deputy Director General of the Russian Energy Agency noted that according to the data of the 7th ASEAN Energy Review until 2050, the economic and industrial growth of the ASEAN states entails a significant increase in the consumption of energy resources in the countries of the association. According to the basic scenario of this document, energy consumption in the ASEAN countries will triple by 2050, while such sectors as industry, transport and housing and communal services will become the drivers of growth. "Russia is ready to share its experience and contribute to the development of the energy sector of the ASEAN member countries," Sergey Romanov said.

In 2023, Russia and the countries of the Association celebrate the fifth anniversary of the increase in the level of relations to a Strategic Partnership. At the Russian Energy Week forum held in October 2022, Russia and the ASEAN countries spoke about the need to deepen energy and technological cooperation, strengthen industrial cooperation, and launch educational programs aimed at strengthening dialogue between industry specialists.

According to the representative of the Gorchakov Foundation, significant changes have taken place in the region and in the world in recent years, which significantly change the geopolitical landscape and give a special meaning to the movement of Russia and ASEAN towards each other. Following economic interests, the center of political activity is shifting towards the Southeast Asian region. A powerful resource, financial and technological potential is concentrated here. The implementation of this internship program is extremely important for both sides and will become the basis for fruitful cooperation between our countries.