Leading Theme: AI VS Human in the Field of Foreign Languages’ Education
As we move into the future, foreign language education is being reshaped by the growing integration of AI, while the human role as a mediator of languages and cultures remains central, guiding innovation, pedagogy, and the transfer of educational experience across generations.
INAUGURAL FLEC “CONTINENTS” - WISDOM IN UNITY
FLEC CHIEF ORGANIZER
MOSCOW CENTER OF EUROPEAN AND ASIAN LANGUAGES (CEAL)
The Major Language Education Center in Russia
As CEAL Institutions, a brand in language teaching and educational tourism in Russia, the Netherlands, and the UAE with the slogan “Discover the universe of foreign languages, embark on a journey around the globe, and become an Olympiad winner with us”, we invite you to our unique environment of learning foreign languages. Our ecosystem is based on:
Foreign Languages Courses for Schoolchildren
Educational Tours in Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa
Additional Educational Programs in Foreign Languages & Cultures
Special Preparatory Modules for University Admission
All Friday events will take place at Greenwood Business Park (address: Putilkovo, Greenwood area, b19, Moscow, Russia).
Dress code: Smart Casual
Location: Reception Area of Greenwood Business Park
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Welcome Cocktail, Registration of Participants
Location: Reception Area of Greenwood Business Park
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Official Opening of the 1st Foreign Languages' Education Conference “Continents”
Event: Official Part | Open for All Participants
Location: Emerald Conference Hall
Agenda:
Welcome
Official Opening of the Inaugural FLEC by the Director of the Center of Pedagogical Proficiency
Welcoming Speeches by VIP guests
Presentation Venues for FLEC 2026
Concluding Remarks
10:15 am – 11:15 am
The House of Being Has No Server Room: AI, Embodiment and Language Learning
Speaker: Dr. Warwick Powell, Queensland University of Technology, Australia — online
Location: Sapphire Boardroom
10:15 am – 11:15 am
Language, Technologies and the Future: Establishing an Interdisciplinary 'Russian + X' Integrated Training Model to Empower Innovative Talent Development in China and Russia
Speaker: Dr. Ji Hongxu, Shanghai Jinyuan Senior High School, China — onsite
Location: Emerald Conference Hall
10:15 am – 12:15 pm
Workshop for Teachers & Lecturers of Arabic Language “Lingvodidactic space for teaching Arabic as a foreign language in Azerbaijan and worldwide”
Speaker: Dr. Ulviyya Huseynova, Sheikh Zayed Center, Azerbaijan — onsite
Location: Amber Boardroom
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
The Dialogue of Cultures in Conflict Discourse: To Be or Not To Be?
Speaker: Dr. Elena Tareva, Moscow City University, Russia — online
Location: Emerald Conference Hall
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Prof. Vereninova’s Method of Teaching English Pronunciation: an Emotional ‘Portrait’ of Vowels
Speaker: Dr. Zhanna Vereninova, Moscow State Linguistic University, Russia — onsite
Location: Sapphire Boardroom
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Symbolic Artificial Intelligence and Inventive Machine
Speaker: Dr. Aliaksandr Hardzei, Belarusian State University of Foreign Languages, Belarus — onsite
Location: Emerald Conference Hall
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Reflections and Connections between Language, Culture and Identity in the AI use: from the Teaching of Chinese Language and Culture to the Government’s Response to its Application
Speaker: Dr. Gabriel Terol Rojo, University of Valencia, Spain
Location: Sapphire Boardroom
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
The Specifics of Developing Foreign Language Communication Skills in Chinese within the General Education System: Level 3.0
Speaker: Dr. Tatiana Guruleva, RUDN University, Russia — onsite
Location: Amber Boardroom
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Lunch
Location: Emerald Conference Hall
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Modern Theories of Chinese Phonology and Phonetics in the Teaching of Chinese Worldwide
Speaker: Dr. Alexey Alexakhin, MGIMO University, Russia — onsite
Location: Amber Boardroom
3:35 pm – 4:35 pm
Features of Teaching Chinese for Specific Purposes (Based on the Courses “Law” and “Diplomacy”)
Speaker: Dr. Jiagu Richter, Austrian Institute for China and Southeast Asian Studies, Austria — online
Location: Amber Boardroom
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Section “Linguodidactics of Foreign Languages”
Location: Pearl Conference Hall
4:45 pm – 5:45 pm
Methodology of Competitive Events in Chinese Language and Culture: Experience, Trends, and Prospects
Speaker: Dr. Tatiana Lobanova, Association “Teachers of Chinese Language”, Russia — onsite
Location: Amber Boardroom
4:45 pm – 5:45 pm
An Unfulfilled Convergence Between Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and Literacy Education in China
Speaker: Dr. Joël Bellassen, European Association of Chinese Teaching, France — online
Location: Sapphire Boardroom
4:45 pm – 5:45 pm
The Impact of Language Learning on a Child’s Cognitive Development
Speaker: Dr. Anna-Maria Nikolaeva, English Nursery & Primary School, Russia — onsite
Location: Pearl Conference Hall
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Gala Concert | Open for General Track’s Participants
Location: Emerald Conference Hall
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Banquet | Open for VIP Invited Participants
Location: Emerald Conference Hall
All Saturday events will take place ONLINE!
Platform: Zoom
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Workshop for Teachers & Lecturers of Arabic Language “Methodological foundations for teaching Arabic from scratch”
Speaker: Dr. Ahmed Al-Rubhan, Akdemistanbul Language Center, Turkey — online
Workshop for Teachers & Lecturers of Arabic Language “Modeling exercises and games in the context of developing the four main skills in learning Arabic as a foreign language”
Speaker: Dr. Ahmed Al-Rubhan, Akdemistanbul Language Center, Turkey — online
A researcher at University of Valencia, specializing in the East Asian Studies’ knowledge area, his interest focuses on Intellectual Literature, Comparative Philosophy, Daoism but also Chinese Culture & Language Learning and Teaching in all areas and its related applications or derivations to the Transcultural Studies. His latest publication “Filosofía, intelectualidad y sinidad” adds to more than a dozen books and his latest research article for specialized journals “Nacionalismo y política en la sinización: desde el Fukoku Kyohei hasta el Soft Power chino” adds to more than sixty articles and book chapters. For nearly 20 years, he has been taking charge of teaching Chinese language and culture in the Unit Teaching in Language and Culture of the East Asia at the University of Valencia and has been its coordinator since 2018.
DR. GABRIEL TEROL ROJO
Assistant Professor, University of Valencia, Spain
Dr. Ji Hongxu is a leading Chinese educator and school leader, currently serving as Principal of Shanghai Jinyuan Senior High School. He holds a PhD in Educational Economics and Management and has extensive experience in secondary education leadership and curriculum development. He is a member of the National Education Examination Guidance Committee and a mentor in China’s national program for outstanding school principals. Dr. Ji has led major educational research projects focused on student development and school improvement, receiving multiple municipal awards in Shanghai. He has been honored with several prestigious distinctions, including the Shanghai Model Teacher Award and the Shanghai Labor Medal, for his contribution to education reform and school leadership in China.
DR. JI HONGXU
Principal, Shanghai Jinyuan Senior High School, China
Dr. Elena Tareva is a leading expert in foreign language education and intercultural communication with over 40 years of academic and teaching experience. Her research focuses on foreign language didactics, intercultural education, educational discourse, and innovative approaches to language teaching. She is the head of a recognized scientific school in intercultural foreign language education and serves as Chair of the Dissertation Council in language education. Dr. Tareva is the author of more than 300 academic publications, including works indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, and has led numerous national research projects. In 2021, she was awarded the title Honorary Worker of Education of the Russian Federation, and in 2024 she received the Dean of the Year Award in the field of pedagogical education.
DR. ELENA TAREVA
Professor, Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages, Moscow City University, Russia
Dr. Joël Bellassen is a leading European expert in Chinese language education and a former Professor at INALCO (Paris). He was the first Inspector General for Chinese Language Teaching at the French Ministry of Education. He is widely known for his contribution to modern Chinese language pedagogy and as the co-author of the influential textbook Méthode d’initiation à la langue et à l’écriture chinoises, widely used in European schools. His work focuses on language education, intercultural studies, and innovative teaching methodologies. Over the course of his career, he has authored more than 40 books and numerous academic articles and has played a key role in shaping Chinese language education policy in Europe. He is also actively involved in international academic cooperation and teacher training initiatives.
DR. JOËL BELLASSEN
Honorary President of the European Association of Chinese Teaching, Former Professor at INALCO, France
Dr. Alexey Aleksakhin is a Doctor of Philology, Professor, and Honorary Worker of Higher Professional Education of Russia, regarded as a leading expert in Chinese linguistics. He is Professor at MGIMO University and Honorary Scientific Consultant at the Institute of Linguistics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He is also a member of the World Council of Sinologists at Beijing Language and Culture University. Dr. Aleksakhin is the author of a modern universal theory of the phonological and phonetic systems of the Chinese language, which has gained significant recognition among scholars in China. His monograph Chinese Phonological Systems in Intercivilizational Contact between East and West has been translated into Chinese and included in the national register of linguistic works in China. He is the author of numerous academic publications and a regular participant in major international scientific conferences.
DR. ALEXEY ALEKSAKHIN
Professor, MGIMO University, Russia
Dr. Kamal Bendjafer from Algeria holds a PhD in Linguistics and Language Education. He currently works as a lecturer at Marmara University and as a radio presenter and correspondent for Algerian International Radio in Istanbul, Turkey. Dr. Bendjafer has participated in numerous international conferences and scientific seminars in various countries around the world. He has also published several academic articles in specialized scientific journals. In addition to his work in teaching and academic research, he works as a broadcaster and journalist correspondent for Algerian International Radio in Istanbul and has made many media contributions through various media outlets and social media platforms.
DR. KAMAL BENDJAFER
Lecturer, Marmara University, Turkey
Dr. Gatitu Kiguru is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Literature, Linguistics and Foreign Languages at Kenyatta University, Kenya. His research interests span applied linguistics, discourse analysis, legal linguistics, language as communication, intercultural communication and language in education. His work combines qualitative and participatory research methods to explore how language functions and adapts in communication, particularly in contexts of asymmetrical power relations. Dr. Kiguru has published research articles and book chapters, and organised sessions for numerous international conferences. He is a member of Research Committee 25 of the International Sociological Association and the Language Association of Eastern Africa. Dr. Kiguru serves as an editor for the Journal of the Language Association of Eastern Africa and as a thematic editor for Language Discourse and Society.
DR. GATITU KIGURU
Senior Lecturer, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Tatiana Guruleva is a Doctor of Sciences (Pedagogy). Her research interests include Chinese language theory, comparative studies of the Chinese language, translation theory, intercultural communication, theory and methods of teaching Chinese, China's educational policy, and China's language policy. She is a member of the Dissertation Council in language education and the head of the professional retraining program for translators and Chinese language teachers at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. She is also a member of the editorial board of the scientific journal "Problems of the Far East" of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dr. Guruleva is the author of over 250 scientific and academic papers. In 2019 she was awarded the title Honorary Worker in Education of the Russian Federation.
DR. TATIANA GURULEVA
Professor, RUDN University, Russia
Dr. Warwick Powell is an Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology and Chair of the Smart Trade Networks Group. Dr Powell is a sought-after analyst of global affairs, and the evolving dynamics of multipolarity. He provides geopolitical and economic analysis and commentary across multiple media platforms. He is an experienced executive, researcher, and policy advisor specializing in the intersection of economics, technology, and global trade systems. His academic and professional work focuses on regional socio-economic development, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems, with particular expertise in blockchain, fintech, supply chain finance, information theory, and behavioral economics. Dr. Powell has extensive experience working across industries including agribusiness, finance, ICT, logistics, energy, and international trade. He has advised government leaders, including Prime Ministers and State Premiers, and has worked extensively across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, contributing to the development of international trade, investment, and innovation strategies.
DR. WARWICK POWELL
Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
Dr. Aliaksandr Hardzei is a Professor and Doctor of Philology, Head of the Department of Theory and Practice of the Chinese Language at Belarusian State University of Foreign Languages, Professor in the Department of Oriental Studies at Belarusian State University, and Chief Researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. He is a leading expert in Chinese linguistics, artificial intelligence, formal semantics, cognitive science, and Asian studies, and the author of over 80 scientific publications. He is the creator of the Theory for Automatic Generation of Knowledge Architecture (TAPAZ). Professor Hardzei is the founder of key institutions in Belarusian Oriental Studies, including the Belarusian Association of Orientalists and the Republican Confucius Institute of Sinology. His research bridges linguistics, AI and knowledge systems, contributing to the development of modern language technologies and intercultural studies.
DR. ALIAKSANDR HARDZEI
Professor, Head of the Department of Theory and Practice of the Chinese Language, Belarusian State University of Foreign Languages, Belarus
Dr. Yashodhara Pant is an Associate Professor at the Central Department of Curriculum and Evaluation, Faculty of Education, Tribhuvan University (Nepal). She serves as a Master Trainer and National Certifier of Critical Thinking Strategies in Nepal and is a member of the National Examination Board assessment framework team. She has authored numerous research articles and books and has coordinated national and international teacher training programmes and academic conferences, including the International Success Story Conference for Teachers. Dr. Pant is Vice President of the Teachers Educators Society of Nepal (TESON), Founder Trustee of LRI School (Kathmandu), and a board member of several educational institutions.
DR. YASHODHARA PANT
Associate Professor, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Throughout her 62-year academic career with Moscow State Linguistic University, Dr. Vereninova wrote dozens of research articles and textbooks on English phonetics. Most of her major studies address teaching English pronunciation to the learners of different age groups. The landmark books by Prof. Vereninova include “The Phonetic Basis of the English Language in Comparison with the Phonetic Basis of the Russian Language”, first published in 1996 and “English Pronunciation for Fun and Education”, first published in 2023.
DR. ZHANNA VERENINOVA
Professor, Moscow State Linguistic University, Russia
Dr. Ahmed Al-Ruhban is a researcher specializing in Applied Linguistics and the teaching of Arabic to non-native speakers. Since 2009, he has been engaged in teaching, authorship, academic supervision, and professional training. He is an expert trainer at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and an educational consultant for several institutions. Moreover, Dr. Al-Ruhban is the author of numerous books and studies on teaching Arabic as a foreign language, including Assessment in Programs for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers and A Practical Guide for Teachers of Arabic for Non-Native Speakers, and has contributed to educational series such as Miftah Al-Arabiyya.
DR. AHMED AL-RUHBAN
Researcher, Ibn Khaldun University, Turkey
Dr. Anna-Maria Nikolaeva is a leading specialist in the field of early childhood bilingualism and its impact on cognitive development. Her research focuses on harnessing bilingual environments to enhance intellectual development in young learners. As the Founder and Head of English Nursery & Primary School since 2004, Dr Nikolaeva has been instrumental in shaping the school’s long-term development and educational vision. Now marking more than two decades of operation, ENS runs five modern campuses under her leadership, offering a continuous educational pathway based on international best practices and tailored cognitive development strategies.
DR. ANNA-MARIA NIKOLAEVA
Head of English Nursery & Primary School, Russia
Dr. Jiagu Richter, a former diplomat in multilateral diplomacy for 15 years, has been working in academic research and teaching for the last two decades. She has taught legal language, diplomatic language, multilateral diplomacy, international law, and the Chinese legal system at the University of Vienna, the University of Kiel, the Technical University of Berlin, and Southwest University of China. She is a special researcher at Tsinghua University, a member of the Law Faculty at the University of Kiel, and a senior researcher at the Austrian Institute for China and Southeast Asian Studies. Dr. Richter is the author of numerous publications, including Legal Language, Diplomatic Language and Oral History of German and Austrian Sinologists.
DR. JIAGU RICHTER
Senior Researcher, Austrian Institute for China and Southeast Asian Studies, Austria
Dr. Tatiana Lobanova is a sinologist, linguist, and educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. She is the Director of the Regional Center for Chinese Language and Sinology and President of the Association of Chinese Language Teachers of the Moscow Region. Her research focuses on media linguistics, Chinese studies, political linguistics, media communication, and Chinese media. She is also involved in developing Russian-Chinese educational centers and joint academic programs. Dr. Lobanova is the author of over 150 academic publications in Russian, English, and Chinese. She supervises graduate and postgraduate students, participates in international conferences, and organizes academic events, including the round table Asian Media Studies (2022–2025).
DR. TATIANA LOBANOVA
President, Association “Teachers of Chinese Language”, Russia
Dr. Ulviyya Huseynova is a distinguished expert in Arabic linguistics, Oriental studies, philology, and translation. She has extensive pedagogical experience, having taught Arabic at leading institutions such as Azerbaijan University of Languages, Baku Eurasian University, and ADA University, and provides specialized language training for diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. She is actively involved in international scientific cooperation, serving as the Scientific Director of the Saudi Arabia Center (the official representative of the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language) and as Project Manager and Director of the Sheikh Zayed Arabic Language Center, established by the UAE. Professor Huseynova is the founder and director of Sultan STS LLC and represents international scientific organizations in Azerbaijan. She is the author of numerous academic publications and a regular participant in global conferences in Oriental studies and intercultural communication.
DR. ULVIYYA HUSEYNOVA
Associate Professor, Academic Director, Project Manager, and Specialist in Arabic Studies and Philology, Azerbaijan
GREENWOOD BUSINESS PARK
LOCATION
Our main location is Greenwood Business Park, address is Putilkovo area, b19, Moscow Region, Russia. Greenwood Business Park, the largest Chinese commercial investment project in Russia and a leading Russia–China business platform, will serve as the official venue for FLEC 2026, hosting both days of the Conference sessions, the Welcome Cocktail, and the Gala Concert.
The business park is home to more than 480 companies from 14 countries, including Russia, Turkey, Germany, Kazakhstan, and others.
Enjoy The Best Tour & Experience in Moscow
Additionally, we are preparing a special programme to extend your Russian experience. Moscow stands as a dynamic world capital where centuries of history meet bold modern ambition, creating a city that is both grand and constantly evolving.
Famous for its iconic architecture, expansive boulevards, green parks, and rich cultural life, Moscow offers an extraordinary mix of tradition and innovation. From the timeless beauty of Red Square to cutting-edge art spaces, theatres, and contemporary districts, the city reveals many layers to those willing to explore.
Whether wandering through historic neighbourhoods, enjoying world-class museums and performances, or discovering its diverse culinary scene, visitors experience Moscow as a city of scale, energy, and depth.
This unique balance of heritage and modernity makes Moscow a place of constant discovery, where every visit brings new impressions and unforgettable moments.
DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAMME
Organizing Committee
DR. VLADISLAV KRUGLOV
Moscow Center of European and Asian Languages (Russia)
REGINA SALMANOVA
Educational Company CEAL Space (The Netherlands)
ANTHONY CHEBE KANG’ARA
Kenyatta University (Kenya)
DR. MUHAMMED AĞIRAKÇA
AkdemIstanbul Language Center (Turkey)
SUN BOHUI
China Chengtong International Investment Co., Ltd. (China)