Representatives of the CIS countries discuss possibilities of close cooperation, ways of settlement of inter-ethnic problems and propose their projects at the Moscow forum “CIS Youth: Future of Public Diplomacy.”
MSU tutor Tigran Manasyan
Separation by borders and absence of communication lead to establishing of false stereotypes in societies of the former Soviet republics. If a man is from the Caucasus, he is called “a Transcaucasian national,” which is absolutely not politically correct. If a person from the Central Asia, he is called “a guest worker.” It is stereotyped thinking. Communication is needed for elimination of stereotyped thinking. Only communication won’t let us lose heritage accumulated for several centuries and will enable us gain new and preserve cultural heritage.
At the moment we have no united state like the Soviet Union, and the CIS is a formless organization. Public diplomacy should contribute to settlement of conflicts in the former Soviet space. The History Department of the MSU the division of the Former Soviet Republics exists. Students study history, policy, economy, social sphere and culture. It is the most tolerant division of the MSU. We suggest establishing summer schools on the basis of the History Department, so people could visit various countries and discuss relevant problems.
The deputy chairman of Russian Unity Dmitry Polonsky (Ukraine)
Only history and respect can consolidate peoples of the CIS. Discussion of old issues won’t lead to anything effective. Instead of organization of another forum it is better to hold arrangements on support of certain veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Only certain projects with certain objectives and results should exist. For example, the project “Roads of Victory,” was started in 2010 and aimed at revival of patriotism and general perception of common history of the former Soviet peoples. The project was started in Crimea. The participants followed the rout of freeing Crimea during the war. Material support was given to veterans, memorials to heroes of the War were reconstructed. In 2011 the project became all-Ukrainian.
The head of the Institute of Demography, Migration and Regional Development, Natalya Belova
The most relevant aim is establishing of new information platforms, where young people will study being newsmakers. It is important to show that it is necessary to work with information space and be responsible for it. There is no understanding of it in contemporary society. Today any person can register his web-site and write there anything he wants without ideological basis and sufficient level of education. Today youth information platforms appear, but they need support of experienced colleagues.
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Russia Polad Bul-Bul Ogly
This meeting is only a beginning. We plan to extend cooperation of young people to make them learn about each other. In the USSR the motto “people’s friendship” was very popular. What does it mean? It means that based on friendship of certain people friendship between whole nations can appear. We understand we live in the common space. To live in peace we should find common language. To settle inter-ethnic conflicts in Russia, contacts between representatives of various ethnic groups are necessary.
The deputy of the State Duma, Ramzan Abdulatipov
Culture and cultural space of people is the key to peoples’ success. Many countries of the CIS separate their cultures from Russian and classic cultures. However, national culture is impossible without basic classic culture.
The deputy head of Rossotrudnichestvo, Igor Morozov
Skolkovo is ready to finance projects costing less than 15 million rubles and promote young people in the former Soviet space. National contact centers are ready to consider any ideas. Rossotrudnichestvo is presented in 76 countries of the world. Participation of young people in the program will develop and support innovative art and scientific contacts. Talented youth should consolidate its efforts for modernization of the world.
