Pivovar sees big multiculturalism traditions of Azerbaijan and Russia

Yefim Pivovar, head of the Russian State University for the Humanities, said at the International Humanitarian Forum in Baku that Azerbaijan had made the right choice by approving formation of the forum initiated by Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Vladimir Putin. He noted that there were no other humanitarian forums on the post-Soviet space.

Pivovar reminded that a Bulgarian ex-president proposed expansion of the forum to include Black Sea and Caspian states.

The RSUH head believes that multiculturalism is a realizable idea. He criticized the traditional US model where people’s differences are mixed into common culture.

Pivovar denied skepticism about excess of education. He agrees with Ilham Aliyev that education reflects the quality of life. Standards of life will improve together with the quality of education.

Regarding Russia’s achievements in multiculturalism, the RSUH head insists that Russia’s experience should be analyzed with its numerous positive factors. The Russian society was formed 1150 years ago with arrival of Rurik to rule Scandinavians and Finno-Ugrians. Pivovar noted that Islam has existed in Russia for centuries.

The Baku International Humanitarian Forum is a platform to discuss global challenges of the 21st century, dialogues, exchange of opinions and discussions of some of the most topical problems of humanitarian cooperation. About 600 officials from about 100 states arrived for the talks. Over 10 of them are Nobel Prize winners and over 15 ex-presidents, prime ministers and ministers.