IV International Student Forum ‘Dialogue of Cultures’ bearing the motto ‘We stand for peace!’ officially started in Penza State University on 21st May, 2015.  The idea of organizing a forum that would contribute to closer interrelations between various national cultures originated 5 years ago. Since the first time the forum was held it has been widening its scope to inlcude, in 2015, the representatives from 40 world countries and 10 ethnic groups living in the Penza region.

Head of the Penza region, governor V.K. Bochkarev, in his welcoming address stressed the importance of both business and government efforts in creating favourable conditions for students coming from various countries of the world. He drew attention to the number of nationalities living in the Penza region – more than 100 various groups – and that the region has a reputation for being tolerant in the sphere of interracial and interreligion relations. ‘The aims pursued by the forum – to display national peculiarities and cultural diversity, to set up the scene for friendship and conversation – are truly noble’, noted the governor. He suggested drawing up the students’ speech to address the international students of all countries and call for preserving peace, love and respect towards people.

Head of the university, rector A.D. Gulyakov, also emphasized the scope and diversity of the forum. He said, ‘It is becoming a good tradition that the university hosts so large-scale and interesting students’ projects and festivals that contribute to uniting various peoples. Our festival encourages the assimilation of cultures and establishing friendship ties.’

The forum was traditionally working as multinational ‘houses’ that welcomed international guests, university students and teachers: ‘House of National Curiosities’, ‘House of National Songs’, ‘House of National Literature’, ‘House of National Crafts’, ‘House of National Games’, ‘House of Friendly Conversations’, ‘House of National Cuisine’.

The honored guests, including the rector of Lebanese State University and the representatinve of Lebanese studens in Russian universities, joined the colourful festive activities, participated in workshops on various naional crafts – brush painting on kitchen cutting boards, tatting. Guests also participated in creative music workshops.

The forum also hosted lections and discussions. Civil servants, representative of educational and youth organizations, national communities and NGOs participated in the round table ‘Interaction of Civil Society Subjects in Forming Intercultural Dialgoue among Youth’. Legal professionals organized an interactive lecture ‘Legal Culture and Legal Awareness as the Basis for Intercultural Dialogue’.