The session Promotion of Russian Culture Among
Foreign Youth was held at the Building Trust Area during the RussiaAfrica Economic
Forum. The programme operator is the Innosocium Foundation the social
platform of the Roscongress Foundation.
Progressive development is impossible in the modern
world without the integration of cultures of different countries. The promotion
of Russian culture among the young people of other countries is a major
priority. After all, members of the new generation are the ones who will
continue to build interaction in society, culture, and business. The goal of
fulfilling the creative potential of young people in science and innovation is
very important for Russia today. The countrys scientific and technological
potential cannot be developed without exchanging experience with colleagues
from other countries. In this regard, it is crucial to integrate Russian youth
into world culture and introduce foreign students to Russias culture,
traditions, and technologies.
Andrey Yegorov, Deputy Chairman of the Coordinating
Council for Youth in the Scientific and Educational Spheres of the Presidential
Council on Science and Education and RussiaQatar Programme Director, moderated
the session Promotion of Russian Culture Among Foreign Youth and outlined the
main focuses of the discussion. What are the goals and priorities of cultural
integration and what specific steps will contribute to this?
The session speakers included: Yaseen Abdulrahman,
General Director of the Centre of African Researches and Studies; Roman Kamaev,
Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh); Veronika
Peshkova, President of the Foundation for the Development of Public Diplomacy
Womens Perspective and Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization (UNIDO); Dr. Ngan Tonye Francois Simon Pierre,
Representative in the Republic of Cameroon and Central Africa Countries of the
Peoples Friendship University of Russia; Prof. Francois Havyarimana, Rector of
the University of Burundi; Konstantin Negachev, Founder of VRCOMM; Shivleta
Tagirova, Vice Rector for International Activity at Pushkin State Russian
Language Institute; Vadim Nekrasov, Team Leader for Africa at Delovaya Rossiya
(Business Russia); and Roman Chukov, Chairman of the Board of the Roscongress
Foundations Centre for International Promotion and Assistant Director for
Youth Policy.
Kamaev noted that major international youth events
contribute to the permeation of cultures and generate interest in Russia among
foreigners. «Without close cooperation with foreign youth, we will not be able
to build the future of our countries. Two years ago in Sochi, we held the World
Festival of Youth and Students, which brought together more than 30,000
participants from different countries. From Africa, we had representatives of
more than 50 countries 1,100 people», Kamaev said. «This event played a big
role in promoting Russian culture around the world. Each year we organize youth
events for foreigners who study Russian and are interested in our culture». He
noted that Russia has numerous organizations and government programmes working
in this area. Serious work is being carried out with African countries in this
regard and there is a high level of mutual interest. In particular, a
memorandum of cooperation concerning youth policy will be signed next year with
South Africa and later with a number of states.
Pierre noted that culture does not solely consist of
traditions and customs, but also sports, science, and language. Tagirova echoed
this sentiment: «Intercultural cooperation starts with knowledge of the
language in particular. Problems with interaction often arise due to improper
communication. When we study a language, we automatically study the culture of
the nation». The participants discussed a number of projects that aim to
increase the level of knowledge of the Russian language in other countries as
well as other initiatives that aim to get young people interested in studying
Russia, its traditions, and modern way of life. Peshkova noted that the
development of business contacts between countries also contributes to the
mutual permeation of cultures. As an example, she cited a project involving the
exchange of delegations of young female entrepreneurs in Russia and other
countries, which UNIDO began implementing together with the Innosocium
Foundation the social platform of the Roscongress Foundation, and the Agency
for Strategic Initiatives.
«A comprehensive approach that takes into account all
aspects culture, education, and business is needed in the integration of
foreign youth with Russian culture», said Yelena Marinina, Deputy CEO of the
Roscongress Foundation and Director of the Innosocium Foundation. «The social
platform that we created serves just this purpose. It creates dialogue
platforms that will facilitate the exchange of experience and increase
foreigners interest in our country».
The RussiaAfrica
Summit and Economic Forum are being held on 2324 October at the Sirius Park of Science and Art in Sochi. The Roscongress Foundation is the event
organizer, and the co-organizers of the RussiaAfrica Economic Forum are
Russian Export Centre and Afreximbank.
Building Trust Area programme was prepared by
the Innosocium Foundation the social platform of the Roscongress Foundation.