In the development of the provisions of the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation, approved by the President of the Russian Federation on July 12, 2008, the content, principles and main directions of Russia’s activities in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation are hereby defined. International cultural and humanitarian cooperation includes relations in the field of culture and art, science and education, mass media, youth exchanges, publishing, museum, library and archival affairs, sports and tourism.
The following system of views on the content, principles and main directions of Russia’s activities in the sphere of international cultural cooperation is a concept of the policy of the Russian Federation in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
I. The objectives of the international policy
cultural and humanitarian cooperation
In the implementation of Russia’s foreign policy strategy, culture has a special role. The positions and authority of the Russian state in the world are determined not only by its military-political weight and economic resources, but also by the cultural heritage of the peoples of the Russian Federation. Expressing the spiritual identity of the nation, Russian culture simultaneously embodies the universal values of the entire world community and is part of the global cultural and historical heritage of mankind. At the same time, the rich spiritual and cultural potential of Russia, accumulated over the centuries, predetermines its unique place in the world cultural space. At the same time, due to the peculiarities of historical development, Russian culture is distinguished by openness and sensitivity to the cultures of other countries and peoples.
The policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation is an integral part of the policy of the Russian state in the international arena. Mutually beneficial international cultural and humanitarian cooperation can make a significant contribution to the achievement of the fundamental goals and increase the effectiveness of Russia’s foreign policy.
New challenges of the beginning of the 21st century and large-scale tasks in the sphere of international relations in the context of globalization give the cultural and humanitarian ties of Russia growing importance. This, first of all, is connected with the assertion of multipolarity in the world. It is becoming increasingly clear that global competition is acquiring, among other things, a cultural and civilizational dimension. Between the major players in the international arena, the struggle for cultural influence is intensifying, and new centers of power appearing in the world are becoming increasingly involved in it. Globalization entails not only the interpenetration and mutual enrichment of national cultures, but also often endangers the cultural identity of countries and peoples.
In the face of the threat of an inter-civilizational break, collective efforts to establish intercultural dialogue acquire special significance. The potential of culture as an effective tool for smoothing disagreements between states is growing.
This direction of foreign policy activity in modern conditions requires innovative approaches. The policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation should contribute to the solution of the task of modernizing the country.
Recently, the nature of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation has undergone serious changes. Culture is increasingly becoming a kind of commodity, and many states are striving to make the best possible for its promotion to the world market, and the rivalry in this area is visibly exacerbated.
Culture is becoming a significant factor in the economic development of the country. To solve the relevant tasks, the state should aim for significant material and financial resources, actively support the competitiveness of the domestic cultural industries and fight for markets for cultural products.
In the context of globalization and taking into account the increasing attempts to split the world along a civilizational basis, the comprehensive and effective use of the spiritual and cultural potential of the Russian Federation is able to contribute to the formation of an objective and favorable image of our country. Effective actions in this area meet the interests of increasing the number of friends of Russia, opposing the implementation of new dividing lines, neutralizing anti-Russian sentiments of political and ideological origin.
At the current critical stage of world development and, in particular, in the context of efforts to actively oppose propaganda campaigns under the slogan of “deterring” Russia, cultural diplomacy becomes increasingly important. Using specific forms and methods of influencing public opinion, cultural diplomacy like any other instrument of “soft power” is able to work to strengthen the international authority of the country, to serve as a convincing evidence of the revival of the Russian Federation as a free and democratic state.
The main efforts in the field of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation should be focused on the support and popularization in the foreign states of the Russian language and culture of the peoples of the Russian Federation, which make a unique contribution to the cultural and civilizational diversity of the modern world and to the development of the partnership of civilizations. It is important to develop, including using the resources, the potential and initiatives of civil society institutions in the field of public diplomacy, international cultural and humanitarian cooperation as a means to establish an inter-civilization dialogue, to achieve harmony and mutual understanding among peoples, paying special attention to interreligious dialogue.
The core task of Russia’s policy in this area is to build and strengthen relations of mutual understanding and trust with foreign countries, develop an equal and mutually beneficial partnership with them, increase the country’s participation in the system of international cultural cooperation, and integrate Russia into the world cultural space. The Russian cultural presence in foreign countries, as well as the foreign cultural presence in Russia, should contribute to the establishment of a worthy, comparable to its history, geopolitical position, cumulative power and resources on the world stage for our country.
The policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation should be planned and built in such a way that abroad the most complete picture of Russia is formed as a country where the rich historical traditions of the national culture are carefully preserved and at the same time a dynamic cultural life is developing in the conditions of diversity and freedom of creativity and pluralism opinions, absence of censorship restrictions. Cultural ties should reflect the federal structure of the Russian state, which recognizes the equal dignity of the cultures of all peoples inhabiting it. Carrying out an effective policy in this area requires the coordination of the interests of the center and the regions, while respecting the sovereignty and state integrity of the Russian Federation.
Cultural exchanges are designed to promote the establishment and maintenance of sustainable and long-term relations between states, public organizations and people. Such contacts should contribute to the establishment of interstate interaction not only in the sphere of culture, but also in other areas, including the economy.
International cultural and humanitarian cooperation is designed to promote the implementation of the state cultural policy of the Russian Federation in the field of culture. It should be aimed at strengthening the spirituality of Russian society, building up its intellectual potential, preserving the cultural and moral values and spiritual unity of the peoples of Russia.
II. Priority tasks in the field of international
cultural and humanitarian cooperation
The basis of ties in the field of culture is artistic and artistic exchanges in their traditional forms of touring and concert activity. The rich historical traditions, high authority and uniqueness of the domestic performing school ensure a stable international demand for performances by Russian masters. We should strive for the widest possible representation abroad of the best achievements of Russian culture – musical and theatrical art of all kinds and genres, including opera, ballet and drama theater, song and dance creativity of the peoples of Russia, circus and variety art. In this case, we are talking about both classical and modern art, professional and amateur artists, artists and art groups with a worldwide reputation and creative youth, representatives of all Russian regions and nationalities.
The task of state significance should be the work to perpetuate the memory of Russia’s historical ties with foreign countries, to identify, preserve and popularize cultural monuments and other cultural heritage sites abroad, connected with the historical past of Russia, the life and activities of its outstanding representatives abroad. Special attention should be paid to organizing events in connection with the memorable dates of Russian history, rendering assistance in the return of historical relics to the Russian Federation. An important aspect of this work is efforts to improve military and civil graves and to maintain in a worthy manner monuments to the defenders of the Fatherland who died on the territory of foreign states, ensure proper care for them and other objects that symbolize Russia’s military glory, to take effective measures in contacts with the competent authorities of other countries on their protection and counteraction to the commission of unlawful acts in relation to them.
In practical terms, the tasks of promoting the national culture abroad can be carried out in the form of large-scale, including long-term actions, as well as individual events. A solid basis in this regard is the practice of exchanging the national years of the Russian Federation with foreign states, the cultural component of whose programs occupy a significant and sometimes prevailing place. It is also necessary to encourage the holding abroad of the Days of Russian Culture and other complex events, organization of mutual trips of cultural figures for the development of creative contacts, exchange of experience, participation in conferences, symposiums and other thematic events.
An important task is to ensure the worthy participation of Russia in relevant international events, such as festivals, exhibitions and competitions in the field of literature and art, other cultural, as well as educational and scientific events of a multilateral nature.
Exchanges with art exhibitions should give the fullest possible idea of the classical cultural heritage of Russia, as well as contemporary art. It is necessary to promote in every possible way abroad the products of folk handicrafts. It is necessary to expand our participation in book exhibitions and fairs abroad, to support translations of Russian literature into foreign languages by domestic and foreign publishers and translators, as well as to promote the acquaintance of the Russian public with the best achievements of foreign culture.
Cooperation should be encouraged in the field of preservation, restoration and protection of cultural property, develop reliable guarantees for the return of museum exhibits sent abroad for temporary display to the Russian Federation, take measures to prevent the illegal import, export and transfer of ownership of cultural values of Russia. In contacts with the competent authorities of other countries, it is necessary to seek restoration of ownership of the identified items of the state cultural heritage from the number of illegally exported outside the country and their return to Russia.
It is necessary to implement measures to protect the copyright of Russian citizens to use works of literature, art, science, performing artists and creative teams in the implementation of projects within the framework of international cultural cooperation. This issue should be given special attention in the context of bilateral interaction with foreign countries and participation in the work of leading international organizations.
In the context of solving the task of modernizing the country, the international cooperation of the Russian Federation in the field of science and education is of particular importance. Effective interaction with foreign partners in this area should contribute to the flow of investment, new technologies and advanced ideas. One of the priorities is to create conditions for training domestic and attracting foreign highly qualified specialists in the interests of innovative development of the Russian economy.
It is necessary to achieve greater inclusion of Russia in the international educational space, to promote in every way the export of Russian educational services, to expand the training of foreign specialists in Russian educational institutions through the allocation of state scholarships, and also on a commercial basis, to increase the attractiveness of education in the Russian Federation as a whole. An important element is systemic work with graduates of Russian universities, a large part of which makes up the political and intellectual elite of states and can contribute to the formation of their friendly relations with Russia.
It is necessary to assist in the establishment and maintenance of mutually beneficial relations between educational institutions of the Russian Federation and foreign countries through exchanges of specialists, scientists, teachers, trainees, as well as scientific and methodical literature, information materials. In this context, the creation of educational institutions outside the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as preparatory structural divisions and branches of Russian educational institutions, is of great importance.
It is necessary to continue the line on connecting Russia to the international system of unification of norms and standards of the quality of education and, accordingly, scientific diplomas and degrees with the aim of achieving recognition of Russian educational documents in other countries.
It is necessary to encourage contacts of scientists with the purpose of joint preparation of textbooks and teaching aids in the interests of an objective coverage of the history of relations between Russia and individual states. Particular attention should be paid to the purposeful work on countering the falsification of history, the interpretation of historical events in favor of political conjuncture and anti-Russian propaganda.
One of the priority activities is the preservation, strengthening, development and dissemination of the Russian language as an important means of integration of the CIS member states, Russia’s entry into the world economic, political, cultural and educational space, expanding its use in international communication, including in the sphere of activities of international organizations. It is necessary to promote in every possible way the study of the Russian language abroad, the training of Russian teachers. The Russian language should remain the most important instrument of familiarizing other peoples with Russian and world culture, a serious factor in the formation of a positive perception of Russia in the world community. In the framework of the opportunities provided by international law, it is necessary to adequately counter any attempts to infringe or discriminate the Russian language abroad.
It is necessary to promote contacts between museums, archives and libraries in Russia and other countries for the purpose of exchanging specialists, information materials and copies of documents, as well as using museum and library funds for scientific interests by ensuring the greatest possible access to them in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation and international practice. It is necessary to promote the formation of a positive image of Russia, using historical and historical archival materials in the exhibition, publishing and media activities.
It is necessary to promote the best domestic films to the foreign market, encourage the holding of Russian film festivals abroad, the participation of Russian cinematographers in international film festivals. It is necessary to promote joint film production and other forms of communication with the aim of expanding the presence of the Russian Federation on the world cinema screen.
Broad perspectives are exchanges between radio and television broadcasters, news agencies, and press and publishing relations. It is necessary to promote the creation and dissemination of joint products, to seek mutual support for the protection of copyright and intellectual property. Of great importance is the strengthening of state support for the domestic media, popularizing the culture of Russia abroad and providing information support for various Russian cultural events. Due attention should be given to the implementation on foreign television and radio channels of the projects of Russian TV and radio companies that promote the promotion of Russian culture and the Russian language, the formation of a positive image of Russia in foreign countries. To this end, it is necessary to provide additional measures in relation to the media and the Internet, in particular, to support the broadcast of Russian TV channels abroad; creation and operation of satellite broadcasting systems in Russian; dissemination of the Russian press abroad; creation and distribution of print media in Russian, targeted, including, to a foreign audience, including compatriots.
Cultural cooperation should include contacts in the field of architecture and town planning, as well as contribute to the preservation of architectural heritage, historical and traditional ensembles, cultural and natural landscapes.
An important means of strengthening mutual understanding, expressing good will and developing people-to-people contacts is to serve as links in the field of physical culture and sports. Sport relations should be considered as an integral and full part of the strategy of action in the international arena, because they are able to make a significant contribution to strengthening intercultural dialogue, to promote the growth of Russia’s international prestige. In this context, it is particularly important to support the international Olympic and Paralympic movement, the wide participation of representatives of Russian sports in major international competitions. To further strengthen cooperation with international, regional and national sports federations, organizations, clubs, societies and government institutions, regular exchange of delegations, athletes, teams, coaches and specialists in the field of sports training, their participation in international competitions of various levels and training camps , held both in Russia and abroad.
An important element of work in the sporting field is interaction within the framework of UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the World Anti-Doping Agency, which not only gives impetus to the development of physical culture and sports in our country on the basis of applying advanced foreign experience, but also contributes to strengthening Russia’s leading role in international sports cooperation , the adoption of decisions by international sports organizations and federations on the implementation in Russia of resonant international sports projects – Olympic and Paralympic x Games, Universiade, World and European Championships in individual sports. It is necessary to actively promote the Russian representatives to the governing and working bodies of these organizations and federations.
It is necessary to intensify cooperation in the sphere of sports of higher achievements, mass sports, sports of disabled people, sports medicine and science, state policy and legislation in the field of sports and physical culture, construction and operation of sports facilities, organization of sports competitions, exchange of trainers and sports specialists.
It is necessary to promote Russia’s participation in international tourist exchanges, which play an important role in establishing better mutual understanding between peoples and forming an objective view of their life, traditions and customs, fostering tolerance and respect for the diversity of national, cultural, religious and moral beliefs. At the same time, special attention should be paid to the purposeful work on attracting foreign tourists to Russia. Russia has every opportunity to become a leading tourist power. The landscape and climatic diversity of our country allows us to develop almost all types of tourism: cultural and cognitive, cruise, ecological, rural, active, beach, as well as a wide range of sanatorium and health resorts. One of the most important areas of work in the development of tourism should be the promotion of domestic tourism products on the international market. It is necessary to improve the practice of informing potential foreign clients about the tourism opportunities of Russia, to organize the participation of the Russian exposition in the largest international tourist exhibitions abroad, and to present Russia as a tourist destination.
It is necessary to take measures to minimize risks for Russian citizens traveling abroad as tourists. It is necessary to ensure the freedom of movement of Russians, preventing their discrimination due to the actions of foreign citizens and authorities of other states.
Effective cultural partnership involves the maintenance of direct links between cultural institutions, associations of artists and individual prominent figures. The activity of specialized public funds, as well as entrepreneurial structures, whose sponsorship helps to realize significant projects of cultural cooperation deserves support. The Russkiy Mir Foundation plays a significant role in promoting Russian culture and supporting the Russian language abroad. In the implementation of bilateral cultural exchanges, the infrastructure of the Russian Centers, organized by the Foundation in partnership with leading educational and educational centers abroad, should be actively used.
Russia actively supports the development of intercultural dialogue in both bilateral and multilateral formats. A special role in strengthening intercultural dialogue, including its religious dimension, and the development of a culture of peace belongs to the church. The international interdenominational cooperation of the Russian Orthodox Church and other religions traditional for Russia, including the organization of cultural and educational activities abroad, is able to make a significant contribution to the expansion of spiritual ties between people and peoples.
An important direction is the development of youth exchanges. Special attention should be paid to more active participation in international cultural and humanitarian cooperation of Russian youth organizations, their interaction with foreign youth partners. Such cooperation should help to disclose the creative potential of young people, its involvement in the values of world culture. It is necessary to promote the involvement of Russian youth in the implementation of international cultural and humanitarian programs and foreign youth in the implementation of cultural, educational, sports and educational projects on the territory of the Russian Federation, holding international youth forums and other events. Due attention needs to be given to expanding contacts between relevant organizations and structures, specialists in the field of working with youth and institutions for the social support of youth.
One of the most important priorities of the policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation is the provision of systematic and diverse support to Russian compatriots, the protection of the rights of Russian citizens permanently residing abroad and assistance in realizing the rights of the Russian-speaking population of foreign states in the cultural, linguistic, educational and information spheres. It is a question of the need to preserve in the Russian communities and in the countries of residence of compatriots the cultural and historical heritage of the Russian people, their identity and traditions, primarily the Russian language, as well as the national traditions of other peoples of the Russian Federation, and to ensure close ties between foreign diasporas Russia and its regions in the field of culture, education, information and other spheres of humanitarian interaction. Russia considers the multimillion Russian diaspora – the Russian world – as a partner in the expansion and strengthening of the Russian language and culture.
With a view to realizing this task, it is necessary to render assistance to the public associations of Russian compatriots in their countries of residence in spreading the teaching of the Russian language and teaching in Russian, and obtaining young Russian compatriots a quality education that allows them to enter educational institutions of higher professional education located on the territory of the Russian Federation, and beyond, the replenishment of books and audiovisual collections of libraries, the expansion of the Russian mass media, as well as Russian-language books and periodicals published on the territory of Russian compatriots’ residence. It is necessary to ensure access of compatriots to Russian television and radio channels, organize performances before them of Russian artists and cultural figures, hold creative competitions and festivals, and also provide compatriots the opportunity to participate in similar events at the regional and international levels. It is necessary to render creative assistance to the theaters and other Russian-speaking teams, including by involving their employees in the existing procedures in our country for professional development, deepening professional knowledge, improving excellence.
III. Regional Priorities
An important direction of Russia’s participation in international cultural and humanitarian cooperation is bilateral relations. A distinctive feature of Russian policy in this area is its balance and multi-vector. Russia proceeds from the readiness to develop cultural exchanges with all states of the world. Circumstances of a political or economic nature should not affect the development of relations with any state in the sphere of culture.
Russian culture is open to the whole world. At the same time, the volumes and forms of cultural ties with different countries depend on historical traditions, geographical factors, the level of relations, the state of the legal framework, the material and financial capabilities and the substantive interest of participants in cultural exchanges.
The priority direction of Russia’s policy in this area is the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation
with the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
In the format of the Commonwealth, such interaction is carried out on the basis of the goals and objectives, fixed in the relevant sections of the Concept for the Further Development of the CIS and the Plan of the main measures for its implementation.
The main task remains the further development of a single cultural, information and educational space, the preservation of centuries-old spiritual ties with the peoples of these countries, their comprehensive development on new democratic principles, the search for more flexible and effective forms of cooperation, and the consolidation of the historically established positions of the Russian language. Russia actively promotes the interaction of the CIS member states in the cultural and humanitarian sphere on the basis of preserving and multiplying the common cultural and civilizational heritage, which in the context of globalization is an important resource of the CIS in general and of each participating state separately.
Work on this direction should be carried out in close cooperation with the Council for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS member states and the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS member states. It is necessary to promote the development of the Fund’s interaction with other international institutions dealing with humanitarian issues.
Constant attention is required to strengthen the role of Russia as the main educational center of the Commonwealth, to expand the practice of granting state scholarships to young people from the CIS countries for training in educational institutions of the Russian Federation, to assist the activities of Russian-national (Slavic) educational institutions in the Commonwealth countries.
An important part of the work to strengthen the Russian cultural presence in the CIS countries is the interaction with associations of compatriots. The real attitude to the rights of Russian citizens and compatriots on the part of state bodies of the CIS countries should become one of the main criteria for shaping Russia’s policy towards these states.
An essential component is the expansion on an equal and mutually beneficial basis of cultural exchanges with the G8 countries as one of Russia’s leading partners on the world cultural scene. It is necessary to achieve the implementation of agreements reached within the framework of the Group of Eight, relating to the humanitarian sphere, including in the area of preserving cultural and linguistic diversity, the development of the education system, and the ethics of scientific research.
Culture should remain an important component of Russian-American relations, including taking into account the influence of the United States on world cultural processes.
One of the priority areas is Russia’s participation in the system of European cultural interaction. It is important to ensure further enhancement of cultural cooperation with Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, and other Western European countries. It is necessary to promote the expansion of the Russian cultural presence in the Central and Eastern European region.
Particular attention should be paid to cooperation with Slavic countries, with which Russia is connected by common cultural and historical traditions. It is advisable to encourage in every possible way the interaction of public organizations, in particular within the framework of the Forum of Slavic Cultures.
In the development of cultural ties with the Baltic states, one should take into account the problems of observing the rights of the Russian-speaking population.
Russia’s policy on the cultural and humanitarian direction towards the states of the Asia-Pacific region should be built taking into account their growing role in contemporary international relations. The presence of a solid cultural infrastructure in these countries opens up additional opportunities for the wide deployment of humanitarian cooperation, including through regional partnership. Of particular importance is the traditional and growing cooperation in the field of culture with China, India and Japan. Serious efforts are needed to intensify cultural ties with Vietnam, Mongolia, and other states, a significant part of whose creative intelligentsia has been educated in our country and continues to focus on Russian spiritual values.
With regard to the countries of the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, it is necessary to strive for stabilization and deepening of the achieved level of cooperation and cultural presence of Russia, taking into account mutual interests and material and financial opportunities. An important role in the development of ties with this group of countries belongs to cultural and educational exchanges, the expansion of the training of foreign specialists on the Russian educational base. Increasing ties with Middle Eastern countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Syria, as well as the Palestinian National Autonomy, Iran, Afghanistan and the Latin American states – Argentina, Brazil, requires special attention. , Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua and Chile.
IV. Multilateral cooperation
Important place in the field of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation is occupied by multilateral cultural ties, including Russia’s participation in the activities of international organizations, cooperation with international and regional integration associations of states. Multilateral cultural actions, including such as international festivals, conferences, symposiums, etc., are of great importance.
It is necessary to pursue a line to expand the international treaty base of Russia’s participation in multilateral cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including taking into account the possible accession to the most important treaties, conventions and agreements that meet the country’s interests.
One of the goals of cooperation with international organizations should be to maximize the effective use of their capabilities, including material and financial resources, to promote cultural construction in our country, to intensify exchanges at all levels, including Russian regions. In the context of the Russian Federation’s participation in multilateral cooperation in the spheres of culture, education, youth and sport, it is of great importance to promote Russian positions while building common approaches to policies in these areas in multilateral formats, including through the development of common norms; exchange of best practices in the organization of activities in these areas; promotion of the best Russian experience abroad and the use of advanced foreign experience to assist the modernization processes in these areas in Russia.
The Russian Federation as a multinational and multi-confessional state promotes dialogue and partnership between cultures, religions and civilizations, consistently pursues this line within the framework of the UN, UNESCO, OSCE, the Council of Europe and other international and regional organizations, in the context of cooperation with the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference .
A special place in this context belongs to the United Nations and its specialized agencies. The UN is called upon to play a fundamental role in establishing a full-fledged intercivilizational dialogue aimed at reaching agreement among representatives of various religions, religions and cultures.
One of the priorities of Russia’s policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation is the development of effective interaction with UNESCO as a kind of intellectual forum in the UN system that allows searching for solutions to global problems in the sphere of culture, science and education in a non-confrontational, depoliticized way. The ideals, principles and values of UNESCO aimed at the formation of a multi-polar, democratic world order, overcoming the spiritual disunity of peoples, the equality of states, the inadmissibility of the dictates of any one power or group of countries, respect for the integrity and diversity of cultures, the creation of models of interconnected, interdependent and multicultural architecture of the world, fully meet the interests of Russia.
The content, forms and geography of UNESCO’s presence in the Russian Federation should be improved in order to support the national culture, science and education. It is necessary to promote the unification of broad circles of the Russian public on the basis of the values reflected in the Charter of UNESCO, to use more actively the intellectual potential of Russia in the interests of realizing the tasks of this organization.
The reserves of cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Environment Program, the International Council for the Preservation of Monuments and Historical Sites, the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, the International Council of Museums, the International Council of Archives, the International Council on music, the International Council of Dance, the International Theater Institute, the International Association of Fine Arts, the International Fédération eration publishers, the World Health Organization and other organizations and agencies of the United Nations system, intergovernmental, non-governmental and non-governmental associations and organizations that contribute to the development of international cultural cooperation.
In the context of the activation of tourism links, it is necessary to fully utilize the capabilities of the relevant organizations and the events held under their auspices. Special attention should be given to work within the framework of the World Tourism Organization, the specialized agency of the United Nations (UNWTO).
One of the priorities should remain the interaction of Russia with other states in matters of culture, education, youth and sport within the framework of the Council of Europe. Russia stands for strengthening the role of this organization as the leading pan-European format for cooperation in these areas. It is necessary to use more actively the potential of Russia’s participation in the Council of Europe conventions in the field of culture, education and sport that meet Russian interests. It is necessary to pursue a line on increasing the number, expanding the content and increasing the effectiveness of programs and projects carried out by the Council of Europe in Russia, especially in the field of education, social science and the education of young people.
The cultural and humanitarian dimension should become a weighty component of mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and the European Union, especially in the area of implementing joint programs, including in the field of education. In this context, the main area of cooperation with the EU is the work on the implementation of the roadmap for the formation of a common space in the field of research and education, including cultural aspects.
It is necessary to develop multilateral cooperation within other regional organizations and associations, including through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, the Russia-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and the International Organization for the Joint Development of Turkic Culture and Art (Türksoy).
V. Dialogue of cultures
The policy in the field of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation aimed at mutual enrichment of cultures and the integration of Russia into the world cultural space, active and full-fledged presence of Russian culture abroad presupposes the provision of equal opportunities for our partners to demonstrate their national cultures in the Russian Federation on the basis of reciprocity. This counter process is of great importance not only in terms of acquaintance of the Russian public with the cultural heritage and cultural values of other countries and peoples, but also for shaping the reputation of Russia as a democratic state open to other cultures.
In this context, one must not lose sight of the need to improve both the mechanism of cultural exchanges and their structure. It is quite obvious that the accent should be made not so much on the import of foreign culture as on the export of Russian culture, its popularization abroad.
It is important to preserve and multiply the role of Russia as one of the world centers of culture, a place for conducting authoritative international exhibitions, arts festivals and competitions, tours of the best foreign collectives and performers, meetings of representatives of creative intelligentsia, cultural days of other countries, scientific and educational forums, activities.
It is necessary to ensure equal conditions for access to the Russian cultural scene by all interested partner states. Of great importance is the work carried out by the information and cultural centers of foreign countries established in accordance with international agreements of the Russian Federation on the territory of Russia. Promotes cultural exchanges and the creation in our country of branches, offices, bureaus and other structures of international cultural organizations and foundations. Such institutions should meet the tasks of developing cultural cooperation and act in strict compliance with Russian legislation.
Based on world experience, it is necessary to develop mechanisms that would protect the spiritual and cultural identity of Russian society and protect it from destructive information impact.
VI. Formation and realization
policy of the Russian Federation in the sphere of international
cultural and humanitarian cooperation
The policy in the field of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation is carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation, federal laws, decrees and orders of the President of the Russian Federation, resolutions and orders of the Government of the Russian Federation, federal targeted programs in the field of culture and education.
The President of the Russian Federation determines the main directions of the policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation and manages the policy in this area in accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
The Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation forms the legislative base of the policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation on the basis of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
The Government of the Russian Federation takes measures to implement the policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation, considers the most important issues of cultural and humanitarian cooperation with foreign countries.
The main subjects engaged in practical activities in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation are profile federal executive bodies and state authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation, and other state and public organizations located on the territory of the Russian Federation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation develops a general strategy for the policy of the Russian Federation in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation, presents relevant proposals to the President of the Russian Federation and works to implement the course of the Russian Federation in the field of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia coordinates the activities in this area of interested federal executive bodies in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of March 12, 1996 No. 375
“On the coordinating role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in the conduct of a unified foreign policy line of the Russian Federation.” The practical issues of coordinating the policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation are being considered by the interdepartmental working group on international cultural and humanitarian cooperation established under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
Among the functions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia is also the elaboration of priorities for the policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation of the Russian Federation, developing, in cooperation with interested ministries and departments, projects of intergovernmental agreements on cultural and humanitarian cooperation, participation in the implementation of existing agreements. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia carries out the examination of draft agreements of interdepartmental and regional character, control over the fulfillment of the international obligations of the Russian Federation,
for the implementation of the proposed federal targeted programs in the field of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of its powers and capabilities, provides advisory and practical assistance to specialized state institutions in this field.
The international legal basis of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation of Russia is the international treaties of the Russian Federation. The procedure for their conclusion, execution and termination is determined by the Federal Law “On International Treaties of the Russian Federation”. International treaties of the Russian Federation, along with universally recognized principles and norms of international law, are, in accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation, an integral part of its legal system and are subject to implementation by all state and non-state participants in cultural exchanges.
An important tool for the implementation of the policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation and the coordination of interstate cooperation in this area are the mixed commissions created on a parity basis by representatives of state structures of Russia and foreign countries in accordance with international treaties dealing with issues of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The functions of the mixed commissions include the preparation of reviews of the implementation of existing legal instruments, the development of new agreements and consideration of the implementation of coordinated exchanges in the field of culture. Individual groups for interaction in the field of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation are also established within the framework of intergovernmental commissions for cooperation with foreign countries.
A special role in the implementation of the policy in the field of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation belongs to foreign missions of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The effectiveness of the work of diplomatic missions and consular institutions of the Russian Federation in this direction largely determines the scope and forms of Russia’s cultural presence in the respective states.
A significant role in the practical implementation of the policy of the Russian Federation in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation belongs to the Federal Agency for the Affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, and for International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo) and its representative offices – Russian centers of science and culture abroad . It is necessary to pursue a line to expand the network of such centers, primarily in the CIS countries, improve the legal and organizational conditions for their activities, and improve work efficiency.
In the process of implementing the policy of the Russian Federation in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation, the relevant federal executive bodies interact on an ongoing basis with the chambers of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, political parties, non-governmental organizations and executive authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation. It is necessary to use more actively the opportunities of cooperation with the academic community, creative unions, cultural figures, science, education, sports. Representatives of the Russian and foreign publics who have made the most significant contribution to the popularization of Russian culture and the Russian language should be actively encouraged.
The implementation of the policy in the sphere of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation requires adequate resource support. To solve the corresponding problems, it is necessary to involve all the financial and economic mechanisms at the disposal of the state. At the same time, extrabudgetary funds should be attracted more widely within the framework of public-private partnership on a voluntary basis.
This concept serves as a basis for the development of federal targeted programs aimed at strengthening Russia’s international authority, the formation of an objective and favorable image of our country, ensuring its long-term interests.