«Multinational Russia»: A large-scale forum on the unity of peoples was held at KBSU
The forum «Multinational Russia: Putting Together the Image,» dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, was held at Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov.
Approximately 200 people participated in the forum, including representatives of government agencies, education and science, clergy, public associations, and national and cultural centers.
The forum was organized by the Association of the Peoples of Russia, the Federal Agency for Nationalities, and Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh. M. Berbekov.
The meeting was opened by Khauti Sokhrokov, member of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations, Chairman of the regional branch of the NGO «Assembly of the Peoples of Russia» in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, President of the International Circassian Association, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Kabardino-Balkarian State University:
«The forum aims to contribute to strengthening interethnic and interfaith harmony in our republic and throughout the country. The unity of peoples is the foundation and strength of the state in modern geopolitics,» Sokhrokov said.
Zalim Kashirokov, Deputy Chairman of the Kabardino-Balkarian Government, delivered a welcoming address at the opening of the forum:
«The ‘Multinational Russia: Assembling the Image Together’ forum reflects the diversity and cultural richness of the North Caucasus as an integral part of a large country,» noted Zalim Kashirokov. «Our shared goal is to preserve our heritage and pass on traditional values to future generations.» Acting Rector of KBSU Murat Gukepshokov emphasized that the university has over 20,000 students from 42 regions of Russia and 30 countries.
«An important mission of the university is to unite peoples, create a space for cultural dialogue and mutual enrichment. Thus, the university is becoming not only an educational and scientific institution, but also a cultural hub,» Gukepshokov concluded.
The event’s speakers included the Chairman of the Kabardino-Balkarian Cultural Foundation named after Vladimir Vorokov, Lyuaza Makoeva; Marat Anayev, Director of the Nalchik Branch of the Elbrusoid Foundation for Assistance to the Development of Karachay-Balkarian Youth; Aminat Shogenova, Vice President of the International Circassian Association; Ismail Beituganov, Chairman of the Union of Writers of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic; Pavel Sidoruk, Chairman of the Council of the Kabardino-Balkarian Public Movement «For Unity ‘Syabry'»; Roman Litvinov, Head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Regional Public Organization «Veche» Society of Russian History and Culture; Ilyas Pashaliev, Chairman of the International Public Organization for Assistance in Restoring the Rights of Meskhetian Turks «Vatan Yelunda»; and Musadin Kardanov, Head of the Kabardino-Circassian Language and Literature Department at Kabardino-Balkarian State University.
As part of the forum, an exhibition of national cultural centers of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and a master class on traditional crafts of the republic were held in the lobby of the main building of Kabardino-Balkarian State University. The program concluded with a gala concert at the Kh. S. Temirkanov Cultural Center. Musical and dance performances reflected the national traditions of the ethnic groups of Kabardino-Balkaria and other regions of the country. The program included performances dedicated to the small and large homeland and the friendship of peoples.
For outstanding achievements in education and science, significant contributions to the development of the university, and in connection with the university’s 75th anniversary, at the plenary session of the forum, Acting Rector of KBSU Murat Gukepshokov presented the Honorary Badge «For Services to the Kh. M. Berbekov Kabardino-Balkarian State University» to Khauti Sokhrokov, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees.