Yekaterinburg, Russia - UPF-Russia held meetings in Yekaterinburg on Oct. 11 and 12 to discuss the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures, 2013-2022, established by the UN General Assembly. Yekaterinburg, a city in the Ural region, lies on the border between Europe and Asia and has historically been a meeting point of cultures.
Local television and radio stations had carried announcements about the Oct. 11 meeting in the Municipal Center of National Cultures. Among the participants were Lyudmila Agapova, director of the Municipal Centralized Library System; Tatyana S. Fomina, head of the Center of National Cultures; representatives of the Chuvash, Bashkir, Tatar, Ukrainian, Udmurt and Jewish national-cultural associations; and reporters from the city newspaper Kamensky Worker and the TV channel Gong, which also covered the meeting.
The topic of rapprochement of cultures has been very close to the hearts of all the participants, as reflected in their activities and personal beliefs. Maria Nazarova, secretary-general of UPF-Russia, spoke about recent UPF programs and activities in Russia and in other nations, about the UPF approach to building a sustainable peace community, and about the values that guide UPF.
During a lively discussion of issues relevant to the Kamensk-Uralsky district and the Sverdlovsk region, participants came up with a variety of solutions. “Many proposals, but the key to success is the sincere interest of each and close cooperation at all levels” was the conclusion reached by the participants. It is worth noting that this attitude can be seen in the team at the Center of National Cultures, the leader and the soul of which is Ambassador for Peace Tatyana S. Fomina, who is also the head of Municipal Library No. 16.
Svetlana V. Zairova, a teacher at School No. 9, whose many years of successful professional and social activities serve as good examples of peacemaking, was appointed an Ambassador for Peace.
The following day, peacemaking enthusiasts in Yekaterinburg met with the Secretary General of UPF-Russia, Maria Nazarova. With great interest they listened to reports about recent events which UPF initiated or collaborated in. Mrs. Nazarova described the upcoming International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures and why UPF is paying considerable attention to intercultural and interreligious dialogue. Participants were inspired about the potential for Russia as a whole and each of them as individuals to make an impact.
The event was attended by representatives of civil society organizations as well as ordinary citizens who are peace activists. There was an enthusiastic discussion about what activities might be developed and how various individuals can take part.
A calendar was made of future events, and participants exchanged personal information in anticipation of working together.
