News|Event date: October 7, 20264 min readSpecial Affairs Editor
"The 7th International Environmental-Space Dictation 'EcoToc 2026' in Moscow... Dr. Hussein Aref is the guest of honor"
"What scientists do, with or against nature, will determine our future and the future of generations to come"
In a festive atmosphere that blended the spirit of science and exploration, the Vladimir Zhirinovsky University of World Civilizations in Moscow, Russia, hosted the official launch ceremony of the 7th International Eco-Space Dictation (EcoToc 2026) on October 7, 2026. This year's theme was "The Unity of the Elements: Water, Air, and Space."
Dr. Hussein Arif, President of the International Development Fund, was the guest of honor at this international event, responding to an official invitation from the organizing committee (letter No. 453/E-26 dated October 6, 2026). He graced the gathering with his presence and delivered a distinguished address to an audience of approximately three hundred students, scientists, astronauts, explorers, environmental experts, and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to the Russian Federation.
The Guest of Honor's Address... A Message to the World and Scientists Together
After exchanging greetings and introducing himself and the International Fund for Development, Dr. Aref presented a comprehensive vision of the core of the environmental crisis, stating:
“Environmental problems are numerous, but the primary cause is human behavior. Nature and its resources coexist in a healthy and intelligent dynamic, and it is human behavior towards nature and its resources that leaves positive or negative impacts.”
Dr. Aref then turned to the diplomatic dimension of environmental action, declaring:
“I call upon the international community, through conferences like this, to amplify our voice to everyone. Diplomacy is the language that creates a positive climate, and consequently, positive results.”
He then addressed a special message to the leading minds in the world of innovation, asking them to:
“Prioritize the environment and nature, designing and inventing without harming or damaging them.” In any case, we are the consumers, consuming and using what scientists and inventors create and design. Our future, and the future of generations to come, will be determined by what they produce—whether in harmony with the environment and nature or against it.
The speech resonated deeply with the audience, as it cleverly combined environmental awareness, the responsibility of innovation, and the power of diplomacy—the very foundation upon which the Environmental Dictation has been built since its inception.
About the Environmental Dictation: An Educational Initiative Opening Doors to the Future
The Environmental Dictation is not merely a trivia test; it is the largest international educational-environmental initiative, organized by the EcoTalk Association to promote environmental education and awareness in partnership with the University of World Civilizations. It combines the culture of protecting the planet with the spirit of space exploration and has been held for years under a timeless motto: “The Environment—A Platform for International Cooperation and People’s Diplomacy”—a motto faithfully embodied in the guest of honor’s speech.
From this dictation platform, the proceedings of the "Fifth International Scientific-Practical Youth Conference: Youth Diplomacy and the New Challenges of Our Time" were officially launched, in a highly symbolic gesture: a generation learning today how to protect the Earth, and preparing tomorrow to lead bridges of cooperation between nations.
In a visual snapshot that encapsulated the entire concept of the event, a full orange spacesuit with its helmet—symbolizing the unity of the three elements of life: the water in which we immerse ourselves, the air we breathe, and the space to which we aspire—stood on stage amidst the admiration and photographs of the audience.
Participating Individuals and Institutions:
EkoTolk® Association—an association of citizens and organizations promoting environmental education and awareness; the organizing body;
V.V. Zhirinovsky University of World Civilizations—the host and official launch venue in the heart of Moscow;
Ms. Elena Anatolievna Yesina—Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee of the International Environmental Dictation "EkoTolk" and member of the Expert Council of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection of the State Duma of the Russian Federation; Ms. Olga Fyodorovna Afanasyeva – Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee and Founder of SpaceZero;
Approximately 300 students, scientists, astronauts, explorers, and environmental experts;
Representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to the Russian Federation;
The International Development Fund – with its President as guest of honor, representing the active Arab and international presence.
The Significance of Participation: Dr. Hussein Aref's presence was not a mere formality; rather, it underscored the International Development Fund's role as a bridge for public and environmental diplomacy between Russia and its partner countries. His central message – that innovation must be designed with nature, not against it – is a principle that research and development institutions worldwide can adopt.
The International Development Fund's management affirms its commitment to continuing its support for environmental education and youth diplomacy initiatives, and to fostering the spirit of partnership embodied by this friendly gathering in the Russian capital.
Video
"The 7th International Environmental-Space Dictation 'EcoToc 2026' in Moscow... Dr. Hussein Aref is the guest of honor"