You pass on the accumulated knowledge and experience to students, you nurture in them the ability to think critically, find non-standard solutions, form the desire for continuous learning, and help them to fulfil themselves. Each of you makes a significant contribution to the development of national science and education, contributes to the achievement of economic and technological sovereignty of the country.

The President of the Russian Federation declared this year as the Year of the Teacher and Mentor in order to strengthen the prestige of the profession, to emphasise the social importance of the role of teachers in improving the system of higher education and training highly qualified personnel to meet the needs of modern production.

The Government pays special attention to this area. The national project "Science and Universities" and the academic leadership programme "Priority-2030" are being successfully implemented. Much is being done to support research activities, the infrastructure of laboratories, technoparks and business incubators are being built and modernised. Pedagogical innovations are being developed and implemented, digital platforms and communication tools are actively used. Interaction between universities and enterprises ensures the fulfilment of the main task of higher education - to provide graduates with the level of professional competences that will allow them to be in demand and competitive. The future of our country directly depends on such specialists.

Your noble labour, patience and warmth of heart, which you share with your students every day, deserve the most sincere respect. I wish you further success, good health and prosperity.