Moscow, Russia—UPF commemorated International Day of Human Fraternity and World Interfaith Harmony Week with a webinar titled "The Important Role of Cultural Heritage and Strengthening Interreligious Dialogue."
The event on February 7, 2022, also acknowledged that 2022 is the Year of the Cultural Heritage of the Peoples of Russia, as announced by a decree signed by the president.
The webinar was intended to show, on the one hand, the great diversity of nationalities that live in Russia and, on the other hand, the spiritual principles that enable people of different nationalities and religions to live together.
The 12 speakers represented traditional religions of Russia and the republics of the Russian Federation.
Cultural performances by two folk ensembles emphasized the beauty and diversity of the peoples living in Russia.
The webinar received about 10,000 views on social networks.
The moderator was Maria Nazarova, the president of UPF-Russia. The speakers were:
- Konstantin Krylov, UPF secretary general for Eastern Europe
- Nikolai V. Kizimov, head of the “Great Country” spiritual and moral center
- Archpriest Vladimir Fedorov, a Russian Orthodox clergyman and professor as well as the scientific director of the Institute for the Study of Peacekeeping and Missiology
- Khadzhimurat-haji (Kharumovich Gatsalov), a mufti and the chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania
- Yonten-gelung, the senior administrator of the central khurul (Buddhist monastery) of the Republic of Kalmykia
- Farit-khazrat (Mirzagitovich Mingaleev), mufti of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Irkutsk Region (Baikal Muftiate)
- Zorigto Lama, head of the Ust-Orda District Datsan (university monastery) of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha (monastic community) of Russia, and a member of the Public Chamber of Irkutsk Region
- Vadim Polyansky, chairman of the Community of Modern Progressive Judaism and the Community of Conservative (Traditional) Judaism of St. Petersburg
- Alfred Khazrat (Amirovich Davletshin), imam of the Ikhlas Mosque, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan
- Muhammad-hazrat (Mustafovich Gallyamov), chairman of the Majelis (council) of the Ikhlas Mosque, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan
- Said Abdul-Aziz-Khazrat (Alexandrovich) Dyatko, a mufti and the imam of the Muslim community of the Republic of Karelia
- Maryam Kovaleva, head of the educational department of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Karelia
The “Steppe Tunes” state song and dance ensemble, Republic of Buryatia, and the "Ilyakhilyar" choir of the Ikhlas Mosque, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, performed, giving examples of Russia’s diverse nationalities and cultures.