On June 9, Altai State University hosted the opening of the expert platform "Ethnocultural Development and Interethnic Harmony in the Region: Scientific Research and Practice."
This event, organized to coincide with Russia Day, has been held for the thirteenth consecutive year as part of the All-Russian Festival of Traditional Culture, "Russia Day on Turquoise Katun." The platform brought together scientists, public figures, representatives of government bodies and local authorities, leaders and members of national and cultural associations, as well as students.
The main topics of discussion included the preservation of the historical memory of the Great Patriotic War, the strengthening of civil unity and Russian identity, social integration, interethnic cooperation, and the social and cultural adaptation of foreign citizens.
At the opening ceremony, welcoming remarks and reports were delivered by Yuri Abdullaev, Deputy Chairman of the Government of Altai Krai; Sergey Bocharov, Rector of Altai State University; Elena Zhalybina, Head of the Department for Interaction with Federal Government Bodies within the Administration of the Governor and the Government of Altai Krai; Roman Raikin, Vice-Rector for the International Affairs Development; and Larisa Nekhvyadovich, Director of the Institute of Humanities at Altai State University. The meeting was moderated by Ivan Nazarov, Director of the Institute of History and International Relations at Altai State University.
In his address, Yuri Abdullaev, Deputy Chairman emphasized that the expert platform "Ethnocultural Development and Interethnic Harmony in the Region: Scientific Research and Practice," which also hosts the XIII International Scientific Conference "Social Integration and Development of Ethnocultures in the Eurasian Space," marks the commencement of the XIII All-Russian Festival of Traditional Culture, "Russia Day on the Turquoise Katun."
— Altai Krai is a region renowned for its rich historical and ethnocultural heritage. Its distinctive folklore and ethnographic groups, artisans dedicated to reviving traditional crafts, and the Kumandins — an indigenous minority of Russia who diligently preserve and protect their culture—are recognized far beyond the borders of the region.
Rector of Altai State University Sergey Bocharov thanked the government of Altai Krai and the House of Peoples of Altai Krai for choosing Altai State University as a platform for such a meaningful and important agenda today. Sergey Bocharov emphasized:
— This year, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, a triumph made possible by the unity of all the peoples of our great Motherland and the support of friendly nations. This achievement ensured global stability for seventy years. Today, our country faces a similar challenge. The agenda set forth by the President of the Russian Federation remains unchanged: equality of states and peoples in international relations.
What role should universities play in this context? They must engage extensively with young people to raise their level of understanding, awareness, and education. Universities are called upon to take the initiative in organizing discussion platforms, conferences, and international and interethnic scientific projects. A major undertaking by our university is the project "The Turkic World of the Greater Altai in History and Modernity." Today's event unites a diverse group of participants — scientists, leaders of ethnocultural organizations, government specialists, religious figures, journalists, students, and all those who care deeply about their region and value its cultural and creative heritage. I wish everyone productive communication, fruitful exchange of experience, engaging discussions, and fresh ideas. Happy upcoming holiday—Happy Russia Day!
The platform’s program was truly extensive and addressed some of the most significant issues. The Head of the Department of the Administration of the Governor and Government of Altai Krai for Interaction with Federal Government Bodies delivered a report titled "Preservation of Historical Memory of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 as a Factor in Strengthening All-Russian Civil Unity: Regional Experience in Implementing the Strategy of State National Policy."
Ivan Nazarov, Director of the Institute of History and International Relations at ASU and Chairman of the Board of the Altai Branch of the Russian Historical Society (RHS), spoke about the substantial work carried out by the Altai branch of the RHS in preserving objective historical knowledge. This includes conferences, motor rallies, archaeological and ethnographic expeditions, exhibitions, films, book publications, and educational online projects.
The meeting participants also discussed the challenges of migrant adaptation in Altai Krai, Russia’s search movement, and patriotic youth media projects.
It is worth noting that, according to the 2020 census, representatives of 130 large and small ethnic groups reside in our region, each with its own unique culture, which they carefully preserve while developing traditional folk crafts and trades. Over several centuries, the Altai land has become home to Russians, Germans, Ukrainians, Kazakhs, Chuvash, Tatars, Mordvins, and many other ethnic communities.