The New East: New Horizons for Intercultural Exchanges
This session focuses on fostering a dialogue between the cultures of Russia and countries of the East. In this era of globalization, preserving national identity and promoting mutual understanding have taken on increasing importance. The participants will discuss the roles of language education, academic exchanges, and joint projects in the humanities and sciences. Key topics will include the teaching of Russian in the Middle and Far East (and of Eastern languages in Russia), the development of bilateral cultural initiatives, and professional training in intercultural communication. Real-world formats of cooperation will also be examined, such as summer schools, internships, the activities of cultural centres, joint publications, literary translations, and conferences on cultural studies, cinema, and the arts.
Discussion topics:
• Amidst the multipolar world that is taking shape, strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between Russia and Eastern nations is becoming a crucial factor in fostering an inter-civilizational dialogue and mutual trust.
• Growing economic and political cooperation requires the training of specialists who can interact effectively in multicultural environments, have language skills, and understand their partners’ cultural codes.
• Digitalization and various other global challenges are driving the search for new ways to preserve and transmit cultural heritage, as well as the formulation of shared approaches to identity, education, and values.