On August 25-29, 2016 ISU hosted the 20th ASEF Summer University, the international forum for young leaders from European and Asian countries.

The Forum is conducted by the international organization «Asia-Europe Meeting» (ASEM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok State University of Economics and Service, Transbaikal State University and Irkutsk State University.

#ASEFSU20 explored the concept of "Connectivity" between Asia and Europe from 3 approaches: Human Connectivity, Trade and Economic Cooperation, and Transport. There are lectures and discussions with scientists, representatives of business community and local governing bodies in the program.

47 students and young professional from 46 countries discussed such issues as sustainable development, transport infrastructures, ecological tourism, etc.

At the opening ceremony professor Alexander Arguchintsev, ISU Rector, delivered his welcome speech and presented information about Irkutsk State University’s history and international projects. Sergey Levchenko, Irkutsk region governor, in his speech outlined the importance of the region in developing contacts between Asian and European countries. Dmitry Berdnikov, mayor of Irkutsk, stressed that Irkutsk actively participated in international projects.

Leonie Nagarayan, director of ASEF Education department, told about the main purposes of the 20th ASEF Summer University and thanked ISU for hosting the Forum.