Advisory Committee of Finno-Ugric Peoples. At a crossroads
Material from Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia
World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples- “a forum for the representation of the Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples, which does not depend on governments and political parties and in its activities is based on the “Declaration on Cooperation of the Finno-Ugric Peoples of the World”” (from the resolution of the First Congress, Syktyvkar, 1992).
World congresses were established by the 1st All-Russian Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples (1992, Izhevsk, Udmurtia). Objectives: preservation and development of Finno-Ugric languages and cultures, protection of the rights and interests of Finno-Ugric peoples, activation of interregional and international Finno-Ugric scientific, cultural and public contacts at the state-public and interstate levels, strengthening the national self-awareness of ethnic groups and self-perception as a single spiritual and cultural community.
World Congresses are convened once every 4 years (every Olympic year). The coordinating body of the World Congress is Advisory Committee, which is formed from an equal number of representatives from each nationality. The decisions of the Congress are advisory in nature for the Finno-Ugric peoples and are decisive in the work of the Advisory Committee.
World Congresses of Finno-Ugric Peoples
- I. -December 3 - Russia, Komi Republic, Syktyvkar.
Organizer: Committee for the Revival of the Komi People - Komi vojtorös sövmödan committee. The Declaration on Cooperation between the Finno-Ugric Peoples was adopted.
The 1st Congress (1992, Syktyvkar) was attended by 14 delegations of Finno-Ugric peoples and 3 parliamentary ones (278 delegates). A declaration on the basic principles, goals and objectives of cooperation between the Finno-Ugric peoples was adopted; The Advisory Committee of Finno-Ugric Peoples was created. 18 delegations of Finno-Ugric peoples took part in the 2nd Congress (1996, Budapest, Hungary). In addition to the plenary session, the work of sections of politics, economics, culture, demography and health, media, and the youth association council (MAFUN) was organized. The 3rd Congress (2000, Helsinki, Finland; at the same time the MAFUN Congress was held here) was attended by more than 600 delegates, guests and observers from 21 Finno-Ugric and Samoyedic peoples, representatives of official government structures, international organizations, including UNESCO , EU, Members of the European Parliament, President of Hungary, Finland, Estonia.
With the financial support of the Advisory Committee and the Foundation for the Development of Cultures of Finno-Ugric Peoples, the magazine “Finno-Ugric Bulletin” is published in Russian and English.
- II. -August 21 - Hungary, Budapest.
Organizer: Hungarian National Society of the World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples. The plenary session of the congress was opened by the President of Hungary; it was held in the building of the Hungarian Parliament. - III. -December 13 - Finland, Helsinki, Finland Palace.
Organizer: Finland-Russia Society - Suomi-Venäjä Seura in association with the Mathias Castrén Society. For the first time, the presidents of all three Finno-Ugric national states - Estonia, Hungary and Finland - were present. - IV. -August 19 - Estonia, Tallinn.
Organizer: Fenno-Ugria Institution - Fenno-Ugria Asutus. - V. -June 30 - Russia, Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, Khanty-Mansiysk.
The Congress took place for the first time outside of Europe, in Siberia. The opening ceremony was attended by the presidents of Hungary, Russia, Finland and Estonia. - VI. -September 7 - Hungary, city of Siofok.
- VII. June 15-17 - Finland, Lahti.
Organizer: Society "Finland-Russia". The opening was attended by the President of Finland Sauli Niinistö, the President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves and the President of Hungary János Ader.
Write a review of the article "World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples"
Notes
Literature
- Second World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples. Budapest, 1996. - Debrecen, 1999
- Mishanina V.I. Marston pichefkst - marston teft // Moksha. - 2000. - No. 6.
- Encyclopedia of Mordovia, O. A. Bogatova.
Links
- (Russian) . Fenno-Ugria. Retrieved February 3, 2012. .
- (Russian) . fucongress.org. Retrieved February 3, 2012. .
|
An excerpt characterizing the World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples
And, looking around the room, he turned to Rostov, whose childish insurmountable embarrassment turning into anger, he did not deign to notice, and said:– I think you were talking about the Shengraben case? You were there?
“I was there,” Rostov said angrily, as if by doing so he wanted to insult the adjutant.
Bolkonsky noticed the hussar’s condition and found it funny. He smiled slightly contemptuously.
- Yes! there are many stories about this matter now!
“Yes, stories,” Rostov spoke loudly, suddenly looking wildly at Boris and Bolkonsky, “yes, there are many stories, but our stories are the stories of those who were in the very fire of the enemy, our stories have weight, not stories of those staff guys who receive awards without doing anything.
– Which one do you suppose I belong to? – Prince Andrei said calmly and smiling especially pleasantly.
A strange feeling of embitterment and at the same time respect for the calmness of this figure was united at this time in Rostov’s soul.
“I’m not talking about you,” he said, “I don’t know you and, I admit, I don’t want to know.” I'm talking about staff in general.
“And I’ll tell you what,” Prince Andrei interrupted him with calm authority in his voice. “You want to insult me, and I am ready to agree with you that this is very easy to do if you do not have sufficient respect for yourself; but you must admit that both the time and place were chosen very badly for this. One of these days we will all have to be in a big, more serious duel, and besides, Drubetskoy, who says that he is your old friend, is not at all to blame for the fact that you had the misfortune of not liking my face. However,” he said, getting up, “you know my last name and know where to find me; but don’t forget,” he added, “that I do not consider myself or you at all offended, and my advice, as a man older than you, is to leave this matter without consequences. So on Friday, after the show, I’m waiting for you, Drubetskoy; “goodbye,” Prince Andrei concluded and left, bowing to both.
Rostov remembered what he needed to answer only when he had already left. And he was even more angry because he forgot to say this. Rostov immediately ordered his horse to be brought in and, having said a dry goodbye to Boris, went home. Should he go to the main apartment tomorrow and call this broken adjutant or, in fact, leave this matter like that? there was a question that tormented him all the way. Either he thought angrily about the pleasure with which he would see the fear of this small, weak and proud man under his pistol, then he felt with surprise that of all the people he knew, there was no one he would want to have as his friend. , like this adjutant he hated.
On the next day of Boris’s meeting with Rostov, there was a review of Austrian and Russian troops, both fresh ones who came from Russia and those who returned from a campaign with Kutuzov. Both emperors, the Russian with the heir, the Tsarevich, and the Austrian with the Archduke, made this review of the allied army of 80 thousand.
From early morning, the smartly cleaned and groomed troops began to move, lining up on the field in front of the fortress. Then thousands of legs and bayonets moved with waving banners and, at the command of the officers, they stopped, turned around and lined up at intervals, bypassing other similar masses of infantry in different uniforms; then the elegant cavalry in blue, red, green embroidered uniforms with embroidered musicians in front, on black, red, gray horses, sounded with measured stomping and clanking; then, stretching out with its copper sound of cleaned, shining guns trembling on carriages and with its smell of armor, the artillery crawled between the infantry and cavalry and was placed in designated places. Not only the generals in full dress uniform, with extremely thick and thin waists pulled together and reddened, propped up collars, necks, in scarves and all the orders; not only the pomaded, well-dressed officers, but every soldier, with a fresh, washed and shaved face and his equipment cleaned to the last possible shine, every horse groomed so that its fur shone like satin and its mane was soaked hair by hair, - everyone felt that something serious, significant and solemn was happening. Each general and soldier felt their insignificance, recognizing themselves as a grain of sand in this sea of people, and together they felt their power, recognizing themselves as part of this huge whole.
Intense efforts and efforts began early in the morning, and at 10 o’clock everything was in the required order. There were rows on the huge field. The entire army was drawn up in three lines. Cavalry in front, artillery behind, infantry behind.
Between each row of troops there was, as it were, a street. Three parts of this army were sharply separated from one another: the combat Kutuzovskaya (in which the Pavlograd residents stood on the right flank in the front line), the army and guards regiments that came from Russia, and the Austrian army. But everyone stood under the same line, under the same leadership and in the same order.
The 7th World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples, which meets every four years, recently concluded in Lahti. 173 delegates and more than 300 observers discussed for three days the issues of preserving their native languages and culture, relations with the authorities and subsoil users, the extinction of old ones and the emergence of new diasporas. As a result, it became obvious to everyone that the forum needed serious changes.
The tension and wariness of some delegates became apparent already on the eve of the congress. None of the delegates from Finland, Estonia or Hungary responded to a seemingly standard question about plans and expectations from the Congress, asked ten days before the start of the forum. But a letter came from Estonia with doubts about the objectivity of all Russian journalists. For the first time in 30 years of practice, I was faced with the fact that a priori, in fact, they are accused of unprofessionalism just because you are from Russia. I wanted to understand what kind of people are going to this congress on behalf of entire nations and why some of them are so politicized?
Enthusiastic neighbor
Immersion in ethnic themes began on the Moscow-Helsinki train. In Tver, a 19-year-old Finnish guy sat in a compartment and spoke Russian very well.
“I, of course, am Finnish, but my mother is Russian,” Mikael explained with a slight drawl, “I was visiting my grandmother and relatives in the Tver village.
It turned out that every year the young Finn, who “visits” his Russian relatives, studies to be a builder, admires the modern architecture of the Russian capital, and his entire phone is filled with photographs of Moscow City: “This is very difficult to build!” However, he has not heard that the entire Finno-Ugric world is currently gathering in the Finnish town of Lahti, and he has no idea who will represent him there as a Finn. This alarmed me - who then do the people gathering for the World Congress of Finno-Ugric PEOPLES represent?
With questions about the forum, the name and program of the delegate they had chosen, I pestered local Finns for half a day already in Lahti - both in a noisy shopping center and in a quiet park on the lake shore, but the answer was only bewilderment.
Different approaches
Of the 23 Finno-Ugric peoples, only three - Hungarians, Finns and Estonians - live outside of Russia, the rest - the vast majority - in our country. A few months ago, congresses of peoples took place in all the Finno-Ugric republics of Russia, where the elections of delegates to the Congress took place very emotionally. Therefore, with some degree of certainty, we can say that behind each delegate of the Russian Finno-Ugric people there is a certain number of fellow tribesmen. And imagine my surprise when it turned out that in other countries everything was completely different.
Delegate from Estonia Aivar Rukkel I saw an ad on the Internet, left a request and now he is presenting Estonians at the World Congress. Aivar is sure that few people in his native Pärnu know about this Congress.
– I am engaged in ethnic tourism and hope to find new contacts here, primarily in Russia, for business development.
Zsuzsa Shalanski delegate from Hungarians He also believes that few people in Hungary know about the Congress. She laughed loudly when I asked how many Hungarians she represented. Their delegation was formed from a narrow circle of people who are professionally involved in Finno-Ugric studies and human rights activities regarding national minorities, mainly outside their native country.
“We even had empty seats in our delegation,” Zhuzha admits. – We came to meet each other, make contacts, and then work together on international grants.
In short, what is happening in Lahti can be called People's Congress It is possible only with a very big stretch; it would be more correct to talk about the Congress of Finno-Ugric national activists, but this is still not the same thing.
Little stubborn tree
The status of the Congresses is traditionally raised by the presence of the presidents of the Finno-Ugric countries. However, not all of them behave adequately. Presidents Finland And Hungary They did not go beyond the bounds of decency, they tried to talk about common humanitarian problems, for example about globalization, which has become a challenge to the preservation of ethnic diversity. But the president Estonia Toomas Ilves, who only had about a month and a half left in his post, went to great lengths and tried to politicize the cultural forum.
Ilves suddenly declared that he could not calmly watch as the resource-based economy squeezes out traditional culture, and “the snow turns red from the suffering of the indigenous peoples of Siberia due to the work of oil companies.”
In the end, he compared the Finno-Ugric peoples to a small but stubborn tree. This funny character is already participating in the third Finno-Ugric Congress and invariably with anti-Russian rhetoric. All this is all the more strange because in Estonia itself there are a lot of problems with respecting the rights of national minorities and in particular with the rights of Seto, who there, unlike Russia, are simply not recognized as a people.
What is Mayak sad about?
“I dream that small peoples, especially those living on the border, will not be used for political purposes,” Heliu Lighthouse– the Seto delegate from the Pskov region was clearly upset by this demarche of the Estonian leader. “We came here to communicate, and if anyone has problems, we solve them at home.” For example, we were recognized as an indigenous people in 2010, and the regional program was immediately adopted: a regular bus was allowed into our village, agricultural equipment was purchased, houses began to be renovated, and the museum-estate was put in order.
Finnish delegate, publicist Willi Ropponen He has been interested in Russia for many years, he is a member of the Association of Finnish Artists and Writers, and dreams of reviving interest in Russia in Finland through ethnic tourism. He immediately said conspiratorially that an alternative congress would soon be meeting in a restaurant nearby, where he also intended to take part in order to “discuss more openly and critically” among young people. According to rumors from social networks, about 20 people gathered at the restaurant for alternative Finno-Ugric gatherings, and it did not happen not so much because of the heavy rain that prevented people from getting there, but because of a lack of interest.
Looking for a format
Mikhail Vasyutin– a representative of the Mari delegation, deputy chairman of the government of the Republic of Mari El was at all seven congresses and believes that the current one is a turning point:
– It is no longer possible not to notice the dissonance in the difference in the formation of delegations from peoples. If in Russia elections are held at congresses of peoples, new faces constantly appear and we can talk about the development of the movement and the continuity of generations, then our foreign colleagues demonstrate the opposite approach.
The same people have been coming from them for 24 years now. We have long known not only all their names, but also all their positions. Moreover, for some reason their activity is always aimed not at the Finno-Ugric problems common to all, but at attempts to interfere in the affairs of Russia, as if our peoples are not self-sufficient. Although we have an effective Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples (AFUN) to discuss our internal Russian affairs.
Unjustified mentoring notes caused bewilderment and disappointment of the majority of Russian delegates. Foreign reports about the alleged displacement of the Finno-Ugric population in Russia by Tatars and Russians looked strange. and on the contrary, the most interesting and lively practices were from the Russian regions. For example, the unique experience of working in Petrozavodsk for a publishing house in the Karelian language. The question of whether it was worth going abroad to hear our own people was constantly heard on the sidelines.
And yet it was worth it! If only in order to once again be convinced of how powerfully and differently the Finno-Ugric peoples in Russia are developing today, how they preserve their identity not in words, but in deeds. Almost all Russian delegates proudly wore national costumes to the opening, but the majority of foreign Finno-Ugric people seemed embarrassed by folk clothing, preferring to complement the usual European costume with small ethnic details - brooches, scarves, headbands.
Change of leader
6 consecutive terms - 24 years, the position of chairman of the advisory committee of the Finno-Ugric peoples was held by a veteran of the Komi national movement Valery Markov. Congress thanked him for his work, and he later admitted that he did not expect to what extent the modest initiative that arose back in 1992 in Syktyvkar would grow, when, again, our Russian Finno-Ugric peoples first proposed that related peoples gather and look at each other.
“Of course, the very form of the congress must change,” Markov believes.
How exactly is a big question; some see the future of the congress as an advisory platform for professional experts. Others are almost a supra-parliamentary organization. But the new chairman of the advisory committee of the Finno-Ugric peoples will now implement the plans - Tatiana Kleerova from the Union of Karelian People. She is also a veteran of the movement, has been a national activist for a quarter of a century and is very optimistic; she believes that the most important thing for the movement is to constantly ... change, and for each nation to maintain its identity in its own country and not only cherish traditions, but also create something new on their basis .
It is difficult to say how quickly and what exactly the Congress can be modified today, but it is known for sure that the Eighth World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples will meet in 2020 in Tartu, Estonia.
Margarita Lyange
President of the Guild of Interethnic Journalists
CONGRESSES OF THE FINNO-UGRIAN PEOPLES
Congresses of Finno-Ugric peoples, as a form of unification of related peoples at the socio-political level, arose at a certain stage in the historical development of the Russian state, in the changed system of international relations.
The rapid consolidation of the Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia, on the one hand, and the emergence of the Russian Federation as an independent state from the state of a “closed society” into the international arena, on the other, became the trends at the intersection of which the idea of the spiritual unification of all Finno-Ugric peoples became reality.
In the early 1990s. In the Finno-Ugric regions of the Russian Federation, national movements aimed at reviving the languages and maintaining the cultures of the Finno-Ugric peoples have already clearly manifested themselves. To achieve these goals, various forms of socio-political activity were used. The national movement operated quite successfully in Komi, where a close-knit group of like-minded people formed from among scientists, public figures, writers, and journalists.
The Committee for the Revival of the Komi People came up with the initiative to create the Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples of Russia. In February 1992, a meeting of a number of authorized representatives of national congresses, socio-political and national-cultural movements of the Finno-Ugric regions of Russia took place in Syktyvkar, convened on the initiative of the Revival Committee, at which the Association was established. And in May of the same year, the First All-Russian Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples was held in Izhevsk.
The desire for unification was so strong that at the congress in Izhevsk the decision was finally made to hold the World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples at the end of 1992 in Syktyvkar. The location of the congress was not chosen by chance. In 1992, the republic adopted laws on state languages and on the status of the Congress of the Komi People, which was only a distant prospect for other Finno-Ugric regions. The Committee for the Revival of the Komi People entered into close contact and a process of dialogue with the authorities of the republic.
Preparations for the Congress quickly developed in Komi. The main organizational burden fell on the Committee for the Revival of the Komi People. The Supreme Council of the Komi SSR (Chairman of the Presidium - Spiridonov Yu.A.) supported this initiative.
Special support and assistance to the organizers of the congress was provided by the Friendship Society of the Peoples of Finland and the Soviet Union (Secretary General - Merja Hannus) and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hungarian Republic to the Russian Federation D. Nanovski.
I World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples.
It was attended by 14 delegations of the peoples of Russia, Hungary, Finland, Estonia, and three parliamentary delegations. 278 delegates took part in the congress. The Russian Federation was very widely represented: Komi, Karelia, Udmurtia, Mari El, Mordovia, Komi-Permyak, Nenets, Yamalo-Nenets, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrugs, Kirov, Perm, Tyumen, Leningrad, Vologda, Sverdlovsk regions.
The main theme of the congress was: “Finno-Ugric world: reality and prospects.” The delegates of the congress adopted a Declaration on the basic principles, goals and objectives of cooperation between the Finno-Ugric peoples of the world, which stated that the World Congress of Finno-Ugric peoples is a voluntary association of equal kindred peoples, open to the whole world, who intend to defend their vital interests before the entire world community , based on the principles of European humanism and international law.
The Declaration, along with expressing the desire of the Finno-Ugric peoples for cooperation, for the joint development of national traditions, languages and culture, proclaimed the goal of “implementing international norms in the field of the right of peoples to self-determination, the rights of indigenous peoples, national minorities and human rights.”
At the congress, an “Address to the Parliaments and Governments of the Russian Federation and the Finno-Ugric republics that are part of it” was adopted. Taking into account the peculiarities of the political life of Russia, the appeal was accepted only by delegates from the Russian Federation.
At the congress it was decided to create a Consultative Committee of Finno-Ugric Peoples. The task of the Advisory Committee is to coordinate the actions of national organizations to achieve common goals and protect the interests of the Finno-Ugric peoples in international organizations and forums, including the UN. At the first meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Finno-Ugric Peoples on February 22, 1993 in Syktyvkar, the Chairman of the Committee for the Revival of the Komi People, V.P. Markov, was elected its chairman.
The first congress of Finno-Ugric peoples marked the beginning of a new stage in Finno-Ugric cooperation. After the congress, scientific, cultural and social contacts between Finno-Ugric regions and countries intensified. A significant event during this period was the trip of the President of the Hungarian Republic A. Genz to the Finno-Ugric regions of Russia (Republic of Mordovia, Republic of Mari El, Udmurt Republic, Komi Republic, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug). The visit of the President of the Hungarian Republic became extremely important for the Finno-Ugric world, as it raised the international relations of the Finno-Ugric regions of Russia to a completely new level.
II World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples.
The location of the congress was determined by the fact that in 1996 Hungary celebrated the 1100th anniversary of the Hungarians finding their homeland. The President of the Hungarian Republic, Arpad Genz, delivered a welcoming speech at the congress.
18 delegations of peoples took part in the work of the second congress. At the congress, in addition to plenary sessions, the work of six sections was organized: politics, economics, culture, demography and health, media, youth (meeting of the Council of the Youth Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples (MAFUN). The Congress developed the recommendations of the sections and the final document - the Resolution.
The Second World Congress summed up the past period and highly appreciated the First World Congress in Syktyvkar as an event of historical proportions. The Congress confirmed the importance for the Finno-Ugric peoples of ensuring the right to national self-determination in accordance with generally recognized international norms and principles. The congress emphasized that the processes of revival and development of cultures and languages, and the national self-awareness of the Finno-Ugric peoples remain a subject of special attention and concern. The work of the Advisory Committee was highly appreciated at the congress.
III World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples.
More than six hundred delegates from the Finno-Ugric peoples, representatives of official government structures, and international organizations took part in its work. 21 delegations of Finno-Ugric peoples gathered in Helsinki, three more than at the II Congress in Budapest. The congress was attended by: President of Finland Tarja Halonen, President of Hungary Ferenc Madl, President of Estonia Lennart Meri. At the congress, an appeal was read to the participants of the congress by Russian President Vladimir Putin. For the first time, official representatives of European structures - UNESCO, the EU, and members of the European Parliament - attended the congress.
The main theme of the third congress is “The Finno-Ugric world in the 3rd millennium - development prospects.” The work of the congress took place in four sections: politics, culture and education, ecology and healthcare, media and information systems. At the same time, the MAFUN Congress was held in Helsinki.
The report of the Advisory Committee at the congress stated that the unification of the Finno-Ugric peoples within the framework of the congress made it possible to make much progress in solving the problems of all Finno-Ugric peoples. As a positive point, it was noted that Finno-Ugric national organizations in Russia focused on constructive dialogue with government authorities, took the path of finding a compromise and achieved a lot in this direction. It was emphasized that one of the main tasks for the Finno-Ugric peoples of the Russian Federation remains to counter the processes of linguistic and cultural assimilation.
The congress noted the great assistance provided by the governments of Finland, Hungary, and Estonia in supporting the languages and cultures of the Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia. All these countries have adopted state programs to support the Finno-Ugric peoples of the Russian Federation.
At the conclusion of the third congress, a final Resolution was adopted, which defined the main directions of work for the next four years. In the resolution, the congress set the task of asking Hungary, Finland, Estonia and the Russian Federation to declare an international decade of Finno-Ugric peoples.
As part of the work of the congress, a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Finno-Ugric Peoples was held, at which V.P. was elected its chairman for the third time. Markov.
IV World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples.
The main task of the congress was the preservation and development of the Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples and their cultures as part of the heritage of all humanity. The World Congress recognizes that the solution to the problems of assimilation and the loss of national identity mainly depends on the policies of states and on the attitude of young people to their culture, language and history.
The work of the congress took place in four sections: media and information systems; culture; health, demography and ecology; language and education.
In 2004, the Advisory Committee was replenished with new members. At the KKFUN meeting in Võru (April, 2004), members of the committee were received by the Kvens (Norway) and Setos (Estonia and Russia), who previously had observer status.
At the congress it was noted that the protection of human rights, indigenous peoples and national minorities is a matter not only of the country’s internal policy, but also of the entire international community. Therefore, it is important, along with the inclusion of international human rights standards and the rights of national minorities in national legislation, to use the mechanisms of international legal instruments that do not require ratification by states and have direct legal force.
Cooperation of all countries through various international organizations, primarily the Council of Europe and the OSCE, and Hungary, Finland, and Estonia within the European Union seems promising in this regard.
Recently, there has been a decline in the number of the majority of Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples, and the scope of use of their languages is narrowing. First of all, the younger generation suffered losses where they were deprived of opportunities for socialization in their own national cultures.
The Congress recommended that the Advisory Committee organize an international conference of Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples in 2006 to analyze the intermediate results of implementing the recommendations of this Congress, with wide coverage of its results in the media.
The Congress noted that the accession of Estonia and Hungary to the European Union was an encouraging development. The developing dialogue between the European Union and the Russian Federation also opens up new prospects for cooperation between all Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples. The active involvement of young people in these processes gives new impetus to our entire movement.
V World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples
From June 28-30, 2008, the V World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples was held in Khanty-Mansiysk (Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - Yugra, Russian Federation).
More than 300 delegates from 21 Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples, representatives of government agencies, international organizations, media workers, scientists, cultural and artistic figures took part in its work. The presidents of Hungary, Russia, Finland and Estonia took part in the congress. This was clear evidence of the importance of Finno-Ugric cooperation.
The main theme of the congress is “Identity and a changing world.” The work of the congress took place in five sections: “Ethnopolitics and Law”, “Culture”, “Language and Education”, “Media and Mass Media”, “Health, Demography and Family”.
During the congress, participants noted many positive changes that have occurred in recent years. The Congress showed the relevance and constructiveness of the chosen course for the preservation and development of the Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples and their cultures as part of the heritage of all humanity.
Based on the results of the V World Congress, a final Resolution was adopted, which defined the main directions of work for the next four years. It emphasizes that non-governmental organizations, including national organizations of the Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples, are becoming one of the important factors in building civil society in the Finno-Ugric countries.
The resolution notes that, despite many positive developments, the majority of Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples are declining in number, and there is a change in identity under the influence of the external environment in the modern world. Taking into account the analysis of the situation, the Congress proposed the adoption of certain decisions in the field of ethnopolitics and law, linguistic rights and education, culture, media and information systems, demography, health care and ecology.
The Congress recognizes that a huge achievement over the past four years in the field of protecting human rights and indigenous peoples is the adoption by the UN General Assembly on September 13, 2007 of the Declaration of the Rights of the World's Indigenous Peoples, which was prepared by the international community together with indigenous peoples for more than 20 years. In the preparation of this historical document, the Consultative Committee of Finno-Ugric Peoples has participated since 1993 in the annual sessions of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations (Geneva) and as part of the UN Working Group on finalizing the draft Declaration of the Rights of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
International cooperation, primarily pan-European cooperation, is very important in solving these problems. Finno-Ugric peoples enrich the cultural palette of Europe and contribute to cultural dialogue between Russia and the European Union.
As part of the work of the congress, a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Finno-Ugric Peoples was held, at which V.P. was re-elected as its chairman. Markov.
VI World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples
The forum brought together about 600 representatives of the peoples of this linguistic branch from Russia, Estonia, Finland and Hungary.
The main theme of the Congress “Preservation of the languages of the Finno-Ugric peoples” was discussed at the sectional sessions “Ethnopolitics and Law”, “Language and Education”, “Culture”, “Information Technologies and Media”, “Health, Demography and Ecology”, where participants shared positive local experience and discussed prospects for future work. A round table on youth issues was also held. As a result of multilateral discussions, the delegates adopted a Congress Resolution, in which they appealed to all representatives of the Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples of all countries to speak their native languages and use them in everyday and public life; teach Finno-Ugric languages to children, including involving representatives of the middle and older generations; expand the use of Finno-Ugric languages in mass communications and social networks; act more actively as initiators and catalysts in the formation and development of civil society as a basis for successful activities in the name of realizing our goals and objectives.
The delegates determined the new composition of the International Consultative Committee of Finno-Ugric Peoples. The Komi Republic is represented by V.P. Markov and S.I. Gabov. At a meeting of the Consultative Committee of Finno-Ugric Peoples, Valery Petrovich Markov was elected chairman.
The VII World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples will be held in 2016 in the city of Lahti (Finland).
"1. General provisions: 1.1.The World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples (hereinafter referred to as the Congress) is a forum for representatives Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples, which does not depend on governments and political parties, and which in its activities is based on the “Declaration on the basic principles, goals and objectives of cooperation between the Finno-Ugric peoples of the world. (Syktyvkar, 1992).”
The claim “independent of governments” is false. As we all know, the only way to hold World Congresses, as well as to finance the activities of the Advisory Committee, is through financial support from governments. The host governments provide the main funding for the World Congresses, while the governments of Estonia, Finland and Hungary finance the work of the Advisory Committee (CCF). Although this in itself does not mean that the discussion of issues at the World Congresses is one way or another in favor of predominantly these countries, it does mean that existence itself World Congresses largely depend on governments.
More importantly, especially in Russia, authorities at all levels influence the composition of the delegations of the Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia, especially this year, which makes at least the composition of the delegates, and thereby the content of the discussions, dependent on the governments. More on this later. Let us now look at the formal purposes of the World Congresses.
“2. Objectives of the Congress:
2.1. Promoting the development of cooperation between Finno-Ugric peoples, as well as between Finno-Ugric and other peoples in the field of culture, science, education, information, law, ecology, socio-political issues and economics;
2.2. Assistance in the development of languages and cultures, as well as the ethnic identity of the Finno-Ugric peoples;
2.3. Assistance in the implementation of international human rights standards,peoples' rights to self-determination and the rights of indigenous peoples.”
Regarding point 2.1: There are many good examples of cooperation in many of these areas, especially in the field of culture and science (including Finno-Ugric studies, ethnology, etc.), but almost all of this has nothing to do with the World Congresses. To a certain extent, cooperation between the Finno-Ugric peoples occurs despite, and not because of, the World Congresses. In these last 6 years, I have not heard of a single World Congress or Advisory Committee initiative that would “promote further cooperation between the Finno-Ugric peoples” in these areas. At the same time, I saw examples of how such “promotion of further cooperation” failed. Not by hearsay, but “first-hand”, I saw with my own eyes how new initiatives “took off”, developed and became sustainable without any connection and support from the World Congresses - be it the Finno-Ugric Film Festival, Finno-Ugric Wikipedia seminars or Cultural capitals of the Finno-Ugric world.
Let me start with the example of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture Programme. At the last World Congress in Siófok I spoke on behalf of MAFUN about this program, which was then in the development stage, and during the work of the Culture Section we managed to include it as a recommendation in the final document of the Culture Section. The MAFUN Board envisioned this to be the basis for cooperation between MAFUN and KKFUN in order to broaden the base of support for this program. However, at first, the KKFUN coordinators did not find time in their busy schedules to discuss this. Later, after numerous efforts on the part of the MAFUN leadership, the KKFUN at its meeting formally approved the program and agreed to create a joint working group. But after that everything broke. After MAFUN sent a letter to KKFUN with specific proposals on how to work together, there was no response. There was no answer to either the second or third letter. Then, in the end, MAFUN refused to coordinate its activities with KKFUN and did everything alone. Currently, it is a sustainable Finno-Ugric intercultural program, which even the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, called a good example of protecting and promoting the cultural rights of indigenous peoples in world. On the other hand, the time that MAFUN and I spent on attracting KKFUN was simply wasted. And the fact that this initiative was mentioned in one of the documents of the Congress section no longer matters, since it did not change anything.
According to pp. 2.2. and 2.3.: It is they who cause the greatest criticism of the World Congress system. In principle, they are both important goals. Any kind of moral, political and practical assistance from the international Finno-Ugric movement to specific Finno-Ugric peoples in solving the specific issues facing them should be at the top of the agenda of the Finno-Ugric movement. This is where there should be common Finno-Ugric solidarity. However, this is precisely the area where the World Congress system fails and fails the most.
It is obvious that “assistance” in this context cannot only mean activities that are carried out during the World Congresses or congress resolutions as official results-“products” of the World Congresses. Speeches, discussions and resolutions by themselves cannot help anyone. Therefore, the only help that the World Congress system in theory KKFUN can provide advice and consultation on current problems and issues to individual Finno-Ugric peoples, their organizations and activists between the World Congresses, but in accordance with the decisions and resolutions of the World Congress. But even this doesn't happen. Over the years, I have heard again and again of cases where activists or organizations, naively thinking that KKFUN could actually provide some kind of support, did not receive any help. They were either left without answers to their letters (the most typical scenario), or they were informally told that the KKFUN could not really influence anything, and that peoples should solve their own issues and problems. The fact that the CCFU makes decisions based on consensus also does not help it fulfill its advisory role.
Let me show a few specific examples of how the KKFUN did not live up to expectations - it could not help the Finno-Ugric peoples:
· Closing of the Mari school in Vaskino (). It was a school with an ethnocultural component in the village of Vaskino, Perm Territory, which has an ethnic Mari population. After local authorities decided to close the school, village residents began an active campaign: in the media, with authorities, etc. They contacted KKFUN several times with requests for help and consultations, but KKFUN remained silent.
· Another example from the Perm region. One of the most organized and most effective Finno-Ugric initiatives of past years was the Finno-Ugric socio-economic forums in the Perm region. While the organizers invited members of the KKFU to participate as experts, asked the KKFU to send official greetings to the forums, the KKFU never even responded. And when local authorities effectively canceled the 3rd International Forum in 2011 by turning off the heating in the only hotel in Kudymkar, the organizers turned to KKFUN for support, but received no response.
· And the third example is from the Izhorians. In 2014, Izhora and Vody communities began a protest campaign against the planned construction of a urea plant near the port of Ust-Luga. One of the first letters was addressed to KKFUN on January 20, 2014 on behalf of the Izhora organization “Shoykula” and the Vody Cultural Society. They asked for cooperation and specific help. However, they never received any official response to their letter, let alone any help. One of the members of the Advisory Committee, Mr. Petr Tultaev, even managed to laugh at the Izhorians and Vodya, saying that he really did not understand their concerns, and that the Mordovians, on the other hand, would be happy if such a urea plant were built on their lands. In any other part of the world such a position would be considered unacceptably offensive and outrageous, especially if something similar were said by some defender of indigenous peoples or the rights of national minorities. And in the “Finno-Ugric world” no one even noticed, let alone protested.
These are just a few examples, but they are all part of the overall picture of the behavior of the KKFUN - which in fact Not provides assistance, Not provides support to those who ask for it. The cognitive dissonance between the stated goals of the World Congresses and the reality is staggering.
Moreover, I think it is especially strange to read about the World Congress's commitment to the right of self-determination of peoples, in light of the next topic - the formation of delegations.
“3. Delegates, participants of the Congress
3.1. Congress delegates freely chosen by the people , the mechanism for forming a delegation is not regulated.
3.2. – / … / Procedures for the formation of delegations must be transparent and take into account the legislation of the specified country in relation to NPOs / … /
As for “freely chosen by the people.” What does “free” mean? To me this means “free from interference by authorities (national, regional, local).” But anyone who follows events in the past, and especially this World Congress, knows that this is simply not true, at least when it comes to Russia.
While in the past this intervention has focused on shaping composition delegations, this year an additional aspect is their size. Efforts were coordinated to reduce the size of delegations to the absolute minimum. Overall, this strategy worked:
· Udmurts: from permitted 20 to 5
· mari: from allowed 20 to 7
· Mordovians: from allowed 20 to 6
Karelians: from permitted 20 to 13
· Komi-Permyaks: from the allowed 20 to 1 (!!!)
Why am I so sure that this was a coordinated intervention of the state, and not a free and voluntary decision of the peoples (their representative bodies)? The key to understanding this is what “new” role the Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples of the Russian Federation (AFUN RF) independently assumed in planning the current World Congress. Despite the fact that AFUN RF recently received ECOSOC NGO status, it does not represent civil society, but is an instrument of the Russian government, in particular, the Federal Agency for Nationalities Affairs. AFUN membership does not have the democratic mandate of any people. The most important thing is that the AFUN of the Russian Federation formally does not have any role in the processes of the World Congress/Consultative Committee system, judging by the documentation of the latter. However, the AFUN of the Russian Federation, seemingly out of nowhere, appeared in 2015 with an appeal to Russian organizations of Finno-Ugric peoples to avoid direct contact with the Advisory Committee on the preparation of the World Congress and to work only through the AFUN of the Russian Federation. At the same time, AFUN RF began to make its own requests to the Advisory Committee to shape the agenda of the World Congress, adding topics such as “the fight against the threat of fascism in some countries of the Finno-Ugric peoples.” There is written evidence of all this.
Does anyone really think that such ideas come from the Finno-Ugric peoples themselves, on their own initiative? Nothing other than instructions from the authorities can explain this kind of behavior of individual side representatives of the Finno-Ugric peoples, who use their right to participate in these processes. Another example of the aggressive behavior and interference of the AFUN of the Russian Federation in this process is the fact that, for example, the Udmurt delegation somehow had to be formed only from among representatives of the AFUN of the Russian Federation, which is indeed a very strange requirement. As a result, the AFUN of the Russian Federation effectively usurped the planning of this year's congress in some, if not most, of the Finno-Ugric regions of Russia and, thus, significant state control was ensured over the composition of the delegations. The result of this is a Congress with neutralized delegations of several Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia, which consist of delegates who will never publicly express any critical thought, and perhaps there will be no thought at all at this congress.
The exact extent of this interference is difficult to measure, but I am personally convinced that at least the delegations of the Udmurts, Mordovian peoples, Karelians, Maris and Komi-Permyaks - both in terms of size and composition - were carefully orchestrated by local authorities. These are several of the largest Finno-Ugric peoples in Russia. The only possible exception to this rule is the Komi delegation, which at least was not significantly reduced in size.
Thus, the position that delegations are “freely elected by the people” is absurd, almost completely the opposite of reality. However, all these delegations were warmly welcomed here in Lahti at Sibelius-Talo, considered as legitimate representatives of their peoples. They eat, drink and enjoy an excellent cultural program developed by the hosts at the expense of the Finnish state. At the same time, many of the best and most effective Finno-Ugrians, some of whom I have the honor to know, never had the opportunity to become members of the delegations of their peoples. My Finno-Ugric solidarity is with them, which is why I do not take part in this 7th World Congress.
Based on this, I must ask to what extent the World Congress and Consultative Committee truly respects the principle of self-determination of peoples, as stated in paragraph 2.3 of the Objectives, since there is no self-determination in the formation of these delegations.
According to clause 3.2. The formation of delegations is not transparent, and this is not only a Russian problem. This also became a problem in Hungary, where some of the most effective Finno-Ugric activists did not receive clear answers as to why they could not join their people's delegation, and as a result they stayed home.
In conclusion on this issue: the World Congress system is failing, disappointing expectations both in its general provisions, goals (all 3 of them), and in the formation of delegations . She doesn't fulfill her own goals.
Third party benefits from the World Congress?
The next question is whether there are any additional advantages to the World Congress system that make it worthwhile to maintain it.
Communication/Networking– this is probably the main practical benefit of the World Congresses. But can this event be justified by this alone? Not convinced, as there are also many other places for such connections, although perhaps not so many publicly funded ones.
Symbolism– The argument goes that symbolically the World Congress is an important event, a demonstration of the solidarity/unity of the Finno-Ugric peoples and the world. This symbolism is enhanced by the participation of heads of state, ministers, and deputies. However, symbols are valuable if they properly represent the underlying state of “truth.” In our case, World Congresses are more like a distortion of reality. They create the illusion of unity/solidarity when in reality the delegates are deeply divided in terms of values and ideologies. For example, I am not sure that the delegates will even agree on the fundamental concept of self-determination of the Finno-Ugric peoples (as stated in paragraph 2.3 of the “Goals”), on the equality of the Finno-Ugric peoples among themselves and with all peoples of the world, and on the fact that the peoples should not receive warrants from authorities. However, without such a system of shared values, little can be achieved by such congresses. You should not give a symbol of illusion.
Tradition– there is an argument that this is a tradition dating back to before the Second World War (congresses of Finno-Ugric culture), but is this tradition worth preserving, and is it worth spending taxpayers’ money on it? Because let's not forget that as a purely civilian, self-funded initiative it will not be viable.
Are World Congresses harmful to the Finno-Ugric peoples?
Final test: EVEN if the World Congress does not actually achieve its goals, and EVEN if there is little added value/collateral effects, is there anything harmful/negative/problematic about the World Congresses (for the Finno-Ugric peoples)? Because if not, then why not leave things on autopilot, after all, it’s not that expensive to maintain it all?
At first glance, the answer would be “no”. Looks like a pretty harmless system. No lives are lost and no physical suffering is caused. But if you look deeper, you can find several negative “undercurrents”.
· FEELING OF INJUSTICE. Government interference creates a sense of injustice among legitimate activists who deserve to be at the congress, they would like to, but cannot represent the interests of their people. There is a lot of discontent here, but it is often hidden because people are afraid to speak publicly.
· NON-DEMOCRATIC LEADING. Democracy is not only the rule of the majority. It also includes some practices that are accepted as democratic, one of which is term limits. However, the Chairman of KKFUN, Mr. Valery Markov, is currently completing his 6th term. This can be qualified as democracy in Zimbabwe, but not in the Finno-Ugric world.
· EROSION OF ADVANTAGES. State regulation of the formation of delegations of peoples is a violation of the fundamental right of these peoples to self-determination, if they really consider themselves independent peoples. World Congresses are a reminder that they are not subjects with collective rights, but, on the contrary, objects and instruments of public policy.
Based on the above, I conclude that the World Congress system is seriously broken. This leads to the next question: can she still be restored or is she already beyond the point of salvation? An objective answer to this question may not be possible, but my personal point of view today is that the World Congress system is beyond repair. The reason is that some of the most fundamental elements of this system are simply impossible to achieve. This includes:
· The requirement for representation of Finno-Ugric peoples at the World Congresses is not possible due to government intervention and due to additional socio-economic factors.
· The Advisory Committee as a reactionary, internally oriented body is not able to mobilize itself to solve specific problems of specific Finno-Ugric peoples
· The marginalization of the World Congress, its withdrawal from real and positive changes and initiatives of the Finno-Ugric world - all this has gone too far.
As a result, in my opinion, the World Congresses should be discontinued or at least suspended for some time. There is no need to hold the 8th World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples in Tartu or anywhere else. But what could take their place? What would be a constructive alternative?
I see great potential in the Open Finno-Ugric Forum of interested parties – representing themselves and perhaps their organizations. This will get rid of the false demand for representativeness associated with World Congresses. Such forums will not have abstract lofty goals, no pathos, no presidents or ministers, no quotas for participants. They can be precisely the centers where it will be possible not only to share experiences, discuss, and debate, but also to glorify the diverse Finno-Ugric cultures and the great humanistic idea of Finno-Ugric identity and solidarity. These forums should strive to be self-financing, but financial support from host states, regions or cities would be welcome. Such forums will not make any official decisions that will not subsequently be implemented one way or another. Instead of being held every 4 years, they can be held annually, thereby creating even stronger bonds between participants, as well as responding to current events both locally and globally.
Congresses of Finno-Ugric peoples, as a form of unification of related peoples at the socio-political level, arose at a certain stage in the historical development of the Russian state, in the changed system of international relations.
The rapid consolidation of the Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia, on the one hand, and the emergence of the Russian Federation as an independent state from the state of a “closed society” into the international arena, on the other, became the trends at the intersection of which the idea of the spiritual unification of all Finno-Ugric peoples became reality.
In the early 1990s. In the Finno-Ugric regions of the Russian Federation, national movements aimed at reviving the languages and maintaining the cultures of the Finno-Ugric peoples have already clearly manifested themselves. To achieve these goals, various forms of socio-political activity were used. The national movement operated quite successfully in Komi, where a close-knit group of like-minded people formed from among scientists, public figures, writers, and journalists.
The Committee for the Revival of the Komi People came up with the initiative to create the Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples of Russia. In February 1992, a meeting of a number of authorized representatives of national congresses, socio-political and national-cultural movements of the Finno-Ugric regions of Russia took place in Syktyvkar, convened on the initiative of the Revival Committee, at which the Association was established. And in May of the same year, the First All-Russian Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples was held in Izhevsk.
The desire for unification was so strong that at the congress in Izhevsk the decision was finally made to hold the World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples at the end of 1992 in Syktyvkar. The location of the congress was not chosen by chance. In 1992, the republic adopted laws on state languages and on the status of the Congress of the Komi People, which was only a distant prospect for other Finno-Ugric regions. The Committee for the Revival of the Komi People entered into close contact and a process of dialogue with the authorities of the republic.
Preparations for the Congress quickly developed in Komi. The main organizational burden fell on the Committee for the Revival of the Komi People. The Supreme Council of the Komi SSR (Chairman of the Presidium - Spiridonov Yu.A.) supported this initiative.
Special support and assistance to the organizers of the congress was provided by the Friendship Society of the Peoples of Finland and the Soviet Union (Secretary General - Merja Hannus) and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hungarian Republic to the Russian Federation D. Nanovski.
I World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples.
It was attended by 14 delegations of the peoples of Russia, Hungary, Finland, Estonia, and three parliamentary delegations. 278 delegates took part in the congress. The Russian Federation was very widely represented: Komi, Karelia, Udmurtia, Mari El, Mordovia, Komi-Permyak, Nenets, Yamalo-Nenets, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrugs, Kirov, Perm, Tyumen, Leningrad, Vologda, Sverdlovsk regions.
The main theme of the congress was: “Finno-Ugric world: reality and prospects.” The delegates of the congress adopted a Declaration on the basic principles, goals and objectives of cooperation between the Finno-Ugric peoples of the world, which stated that the World Congress of Finno-Ugric peoples is a voluntary association of equal kindred peoples, open to the whole world, who intend to defend their vital interests before the entire world community , based on the principles of European humanism and international law.
The Declaration, along with expressing the desire of the Finno-Ugric peoples for cooperation, for the joint development of national traditions, languages and culture, proclaimed the goal of “implementing international norms in the field of the right of peoples to self-determination, the rights of indigenous peoples, national minorities and human rights.”
At the congress, an “Address to the Parliaments and Governments of the Russian Federation and the Finno-Ugric republics that are part of it” was adopted. Taking into account the peculiarities of the political life of Russia, the appeal was accepted only by delegates from the Russian Federation.
At the congress it was decided to create a Consultative Committee of Finno-Ugric Peoples. The task of the Advisory Committee is to coordinate the actions of national organizations to achieve common goals and protect the interests of the Finno-Ugric peoples in international organizations and forums, including the UN. At the first meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Finno-Ugric Peoples on February 22, 1993 in Syktyvkar, the Chairman of the Committee for the Revival of the Komi People, V.P. Markov, was elected its chairman.
The first congress of Finno-Ugric peoples marked the beginning of a new stage in Finno-Ugric cooperation. After the congress, scientific, cultural and social contacts between Finno-Ugric regions and countries intensified. A significant event during this period was the trip of the President of the Hungarian Republic A. Genz to the Finno-Ugric regions of Russia (Republic of Mordovia, Republic of Mari El, Udmurt Republic, Komi Republic, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug). The visit of the President of the Hungarian Republic became extremely important for the Finno-Ugric world, as it raised the international relations of the Finno-Ugric regions of Russia to a completely new level.
II World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples.
The location of the congress was determined by the fact that in 1996 Hungary celebrated the 1100th anniversary of the Hungarians finding their homeland. The President of the Hungarian Republic, Arpad Genz, delivered a welcoming speech at the congress.
18 delegations of peoples took part in the work of the second congress. At the congress, in addition to plenary sessions, the work of six sections was organized: politics, economics, culture, demography and health, media, youth (meeting of the Council of the Youth Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples (MAFUN). The Congress developed the recommendations of the sections and the final document - the Resolution.
The Second World Congress summed up the past period and highly appreciated the First World Congress in Syktyvkar as an event of historical proportions. The Congress confirmed the importance for the Finno-Ugric peoples of ensuring the right to national self-determination in accordance with generally recognized international norms and principles. The congress emphasized that the processes of revival and development of cultures and languages, and the national self-awareness of the Finno-Ugric peoples remain a subject of special attention and concern. The work of the Advisory Committee was highly appreciated at the congress.
III World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples.
More than six hundred delegates from the Finno-Ugric peoples, representatives of official government structures, and international organizations took part in its work. 21 delegations of Finno-Ugric peoples gathered in Helsinki, three more than at the II Congress in Budapest. The congress was attended by: President of Finland Tarja Halonen, President of Hungary Ferenc Madl, President of Estonia Lennart Meri. At the congress, an appeal was read to the participants of the congress by Russian President Vladimir Putin. For the first time, official representatives of European structures - UNESCO, the EU, and members of the European Parliament - attended the congress.
The main theme of the third congress is “The Finno-Ugric world in the 3rd millennium - development prospects.” The work of the congress took place in four sections: politics, culture and education, ecology and healthcare, media and information systems. At the same time, the MAFUN Congress was held in Helsinki.
The report of the Advisory Committee at the congress stated that the unification of the Finno-Ugric peoples within the framework of the congress made it possible to make much progress in solving the problems of all Finno-Ugric peoples. As a positive point, it was noted that Finno-Ugric national organizations in Russia focused on constructive dialogue with government authorities, took the path of finding a compromise and achieved a lot in this direction. It was emphasized that one of the main tasks for the Finno-Ugric peoples of the Russian Federation remains to counter the processes of linguistic and cultural assimilation.
The congress noted the great assistance provided by the governments of Finland, Hungary, and Estonia in supporting the languages and cultures of the Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia. All these countries have adopted state programs to support the Finno-Ugric peoples of the Russian Federation.
At the conclusion of the third congress, a final Resolution was adopted, which defined the main directions of work for the next four years. In the resolution, the congress set the task of asking Hungary, Finland, Estonia and the Russian Federation to declare an international decade of Finno-Ugric peoples.
As part of the work of the congress, a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Finno-Ugric Peoples was held, at which V.P. was elected its chairman for the third time. Markov.
IV World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples.
The main task of the congress was the preservation and development of the Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples and their cultures as part of the heritage of all humanity. The World Congress recognizes that the solution to the problems of assimilation and the loss of national identity mainly depends on the policies of states and on the attitude of young people to their culture, language and history.
The work of the congress took place in four sections: media and information systems; culture; health, demography and ecology; language and education.
In 2004, the Advisory Committee was replenished with new members. At the KKFUN meeting in Võru (April, 2004), members of the committee were received by the Kvens (Norway) and Setos (Estonia and Russia), who previously had observer status.
At the congress it was noted that the protection of human rights, indigenous peoples and national minorities is a matter not only of the country’s internal policy, but also of the entire international community. Therefore, it is important, along with the inclusion of international human rights standards and the rights of national minorities in national legislation, to use the mechanisms of international legal instruments that do not require ratification by states and have direct legal force.
Cooperation of all countries through various international organizations, primarily the Council of Europe and the OSCE, and Hungary, Finland, and Estonia within the European Union seems promising in this regard.
Recently, there has been a decline in the number of the majority of Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples, and the scope of use of their languages is narrowing. First of all, the younger generation suffered losses where they were deprived of opportunities for socialization in their own national cultures.
The Congress recommended that the Advisory Committee organize an international conference of Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples in 2006 to analyze the intermediate results of implementing the recommendations of this Congress, with wide coverage of its results in the media.
The Congress noted that the accession of Estonia and Hungary to the European Union was an encouraging development. The developing dialogue between the European Union and the Russian Federation also opens up new prospects for cooperation between all Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples. The active involvement of young people in these processes gives new impetus to our entire movement.
V World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples
From June 28-30, 2008, the V World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples was held in Khanty-Mansiysk (Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - Yugra, Russian Federation).
More than 300 delegates from 21 Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples, representatives of government agencies, international organizations, media workers, scientists, cultural and artistic figures took part in its work. The presidents of Hungary, Russia, Finland and Estonia took part in the congress. This was clear evidence of the importance of Finno-Ugric cooperation.
The main theme of the congress is “Identity and a changing world.” The work of the congress took place in five sections: “Ethnopolitics and Law”, “Culture”, “Language and Education”, “Media and Mass Media”, “Health, Demography and Family”.
During the congress, participants noted many positive changes that have occurred in recent years. The Congress showed the relevance and constructiveness of the chosen course for the preservation and development of the Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples and their cultures as part of the heritage of all humanity.
Based on the results of the V World Congress, a final Resolution was adopted, which defined the main directions of work for the next four years. It emphasizes that non-governmental organizations, including national organizations of the Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples, are becoming one of the important factors in building civil society in the Finno-Ugric countries.
The resolution notes that, despite many positive developments, the majority of Finno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples are declining in number, and there is a change in identity under the influence of the external environment in the modern world. Taking into account the analysis of the situation, the Congress proposed the adoption of certain decisions in the field of ethnopolitics and law, linguistic rights and education, culture, media and information systems, demography, health care and ecology.
The Congress recognizes that a huge achievement over the past four years in the field of protecting human rights and indigenous peoples is the adoption by the UN General Assembly on September 13, 2007 of the Declaration of the Rights of the World's Indigenous Peoples, which was prepared by the international community together with indigenous peoples for more than 20 years. In the preparation of this historical document, the Consultative Committee of Finno-Ugric Peoples has participated since 1993 in the annual sessions of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations (Geneva) and as part of the UN Working Group on finalizing the draft Declaration of the Rights of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
International cooperation, primarily pan-European cooperation, is very important in solving these problems. Finno-Ugric peoples enrich the cultural palette of Europe and contribute to cultural dialogue between Russia and the European Union.
As part of the work of the congress, a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Finno-Ugric Peoples was held, at which V.P. was re-elected as its chairman. Markov.
VI World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples
The VI World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples was held in the city of Siófok (Hungary), the main topic of which was the discussion of issues of preserving the languages of the Finno-Ugric peoples.
The forum brought together about 600 representatives of the peoples of this linguistic branch from Russia, Estonia, Finland and Hungary. And the Mordovian delegation turned out to be the largest.
The presidents of Hungary, Finland and Estonia addressed the congress participants with welcoming words.
In his speech, the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Medinsky, emphasized that representatives of 193 peoples who speak 273 languages and dialects live in Russia.
We consider every people as indigenous,” he emphasized. - The main thing is not to pit one people against others. Our country is distinguished by its multi-ethnicity, and the Finno-Ugrians are an important state-forming part of the Russian Federation. And state policy is aimed at supporting, preserving and developing the languages and original culture of all peoples inhabiting the Russian Federation.
As an example, Medinsky cited Mordovia, where active construction of cultural and art facilities is underway. The National Opera and Ballet Theater and the National Drama Theater were built, where musicals are already staged in the Mordovian language. There is an Institute of National Culture with extensive modern infrastructure. A modern National Library was built, equipped with computerized equipment with Internet access. The Museum and Archive Complex and much more are being built.
Targeted work is also being carried out to develop ethnic culture in Mari El, preserve the identity of small peoples - the Setos in the Pskov region, the Khanty, Mansi and others.
The Chairman of the Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples of the Russian Federation, Mayor of Saransk Pyotr Tultaev, who headed the delegation of Mordovia, confirmed that much has been done recently in the Russian Federation for the development of the Finno-Ugric peoples.
At the plenary session, speaking, by the way, in his native Moksha language, on behalf of the Head of the Republic of Mordovia, he expressed his best wishes to the Forum participants. Speaking about the republic, he emphasized: - Mordovia is a region with a rich history and culture, has significant economic potential, and has a modern social infrastructure that provides comfortable conditions for people to live, work and rest. All this helps to increase the interest of the population, especially young people, in their native language and their roots. Pyotr Tultaev noted that teaching children their native languages in the republic begins in preschool institutions. Mordovian languages and literature are also included in the basic general education curriculum of secondary schools. And two state universities - the university and the pedagogical institute - train qualified personnel of literature teachers not only for the republic, but also for other regions.
The Mordovian people are the largest in number among the Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia. The Volga Region Center for the Cultures of Finno-Ugric Peoples has been opened in Saransk, and it includes the Interregional Scientific Center for Finno-Ugric Studies, and publishes the all-Russian Finno-Ugric Newspaper and the Finno-Ugric World magazine. And it is no coincidence that the XII Russian-Finnish Cultural Forum was held in Mordovia in the fall of 2011.
An important event in the socio-political life of the republic and the country as a whole was the preparation and celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the unity of the Mordovian people with the peoples of the Russian state. The Days of Mordovia, held in 35 regions of the Russian Federation, played a significant role in increasing the self-awareness of Mordovians living outside the republic.
At the same time, Pyotr Nikolaevich emphasized that the fate of the Mordovian people is closely connected with Russian history. “It was the creative interaction of the Mordovian people with other Russian peoples that contributed to the development of their cultures, in particular national writing, and in the context of globalization, only the combined efforts of civil society institutions and authorities will help preserve the language and people.”
At the sectional sessions “Ethnopolitics and Law”, “Language and Education”, “Culture”, “Information Technologies and Media”, “Health, Demography and Ecology”, the congress participants discussed in detail the prospects for further work. A round table on youth issues was also held.
As a result of multilateral discussions, the delegates adopted the Congress Resolution and determined the new composition of the International Consultative Committee of Finno-Ugric Peoples, whose members elected four representatives from the Mordovian people - Pyotr Tultaev, Mikhail Mosin, Zinaida Akimova and Mikhail Yakunchev. The new advisory committee also included many other representatives of the Council of the Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples of Russia.