An International conference at Altai State University opened the celebration of the Day of Russia in Altai Krai
The participants of the conference are representatives of different regions of Russia, researchers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Mongolia joined remotely. Svetlana Maksimova, Doctor of Sociological Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Social and Youth Policy of Altai State University, said:
“Our conference is dedicated to the study and presentation of national cultural associations, study of ethnicity, interethnic, and interfaith relations. How should national unity be built? How is civil, ethnic identity formed? This is the agenda of this conference. Altai State University has a scientific school that deals with issues of interethnic relations and migration issues. Altai Krai is a border region, a lot of nationalities live here, and it is important for us to see how the processes of adaptation, adjustment, integration of various nationalities in the region are taking place.”
Maxim Gerasimyuk, Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation and Media Communications of Altai State University, welcomed the participants on behalf of Rector Sergey Bocharov:
“The significance of this event in the current geopolitical context cannot be overestimated. Undoubtedly, within the framework of the Eurasian space, the interaction of ethnic groups is always built in various directions: diplomatic, political, economic, trade, etc. But let me suggest that interaction on the basis of interlingual, intercultural dialogue is fundamental in terms of maintaining the integrity of this territory, its development and the well-being of the peoples who inhabit it. Within the framework of the scientific conference, very important issues have been announced for discussion: media literacy and mass media, state-confessional policy, migration policy, cultural exchange, from clothing to language aspects. Real experts in their fields of activity are taking part in the conference. And this is very important for solving some complex border problems. Only by interacting with each other, engaging in education, you can find an effective solution to any complex problem. This is the practical benefit of our conference.”
The conference "Social Integration and Development of Ethnic Cultures in the Eurasian Space" launched the X Anniversary All-Russian Festival of Traditional Culture "Day of Russia at the Turquoise Katun." It is held by the government of Altai Krai with the support of the Federal Agency for Nationalities.
The welcoming speech was delivered by Head of the Department of the Administration of the Governor and the Government of Altai Krai on domestic policy issues Yuri Proskurin:
“It is well-known that Russia is a multinational country, it has been true for centuries, and it will be the same in the future. This is a natural process, subject to transformations, including the interpenetration and mutual influence of many cultures. This does not always happen smoothly, sometimes balancing at the junction of a clash of cultures, but nevertheless we solve all issues. We are perfectly able to do this on the territory of Altai Krai, with more than 140 nationalities and peoples living here.
Yuri Proskurin said that there are 62 national-cultural public associations in Altai Krai, in which 23 peoples of Altai Krai take part.
He also shared data on which social groups, in terms of national composition, live in Altai Krai.
“The first category is diasporas or communities of representatives of peoples that make up the population of the states that were part of the Soviet Union, but now live outside their country of origin. The second category of non-indigenous ethnic groups in the region is formed mainly as a result of internal migration. It can be attributed to the community as ethnically marked groups that have a common origin from another Russian region. Diasporas and communities as representatives of various national groups, along with the rest of the local population, are active subjects of regional societies and significantly influence all aspects of life in the regions, including in Altai Krai. Hence, today it is extremely topical to identify the features of the interaction of various national groups with the local population,” Yuri Proskurin emphasized.
Since 2015, sociological monitoring of interethnic relations has been carried out in Altai Krai, and its results are promising, as was told by the representative of the regional administration.
“The research findings allow us not only to characterize the state of interethnic relations, but also to give reasonable forecasts of their development based on the opinions of the inhabitants of Altai Krai and experts, leaders of public ethnic associations. In general, in Altai Krai, despite the presence of individual manifestations, consistently high rates of positive assessment of relations between residents of both nationalities and different religions are recorded annually. A broad scientific discussion of the topic of ethno-social development of the relevant social processes is necessary to deeply understand and evaluate the effectiveness of the directions of state national policy,” Yuri Proskurin concluded his speech.
Scientists, representatives of authorities, mass media, cultural institutions, and public figures participated in the plenary session. They presented the research findings by leading scientific organizations, the best practices of non-profit organizations in the field of ethno-cultural development. Three sections were working in parallel, dedicated to ethno-social, ethno-confessional, migration processes in the Eurasian space, social integration in modern society and youth studies of integration and communication processes.
The work of visiting sections of the conference will continue on June 11 at the All-Russian festival "Day of Russia at the Turquoise Katun." This is a meetup "Resources for the integration of migrants: institutional and social practices", project sessions and PechaKucha "Research practices in the ethno-cultural sphere - getting rid of the routine and resources of self-identification", where participants of the youth summer schools "Altai - a place of power" will present the results of their research and "Ethnic Cultures, Integration and Development Practices."