Vernadsky CFU hosted a discussion on the protection of traditional values and religious rights held as part of the International Interreligious Youth Forum.

“The purpose of this event is to determine what is a value both for the person themselves and for their environment. It is important to find out what value categories are put in the concept of acceptable things in the young generation and get feedback from them. Without spirituality, in my opinion, it is impossible to form any values, and, among our students, there is a demand for studying various religions: from visiting the Orthodox Sunday School to Armenian Church to Buddhism,” – said Elena Gubanova, Director of the Coordination Center for the Formation of Active Civic Position Among the Youth, Prevention of Interethnic and Interfaith Conflicts, Countering the Terrorism Ideology and Prevention of Extremism at Vernadsky CFU.

Speaking at the event Sergei Elkin, Vernadsky CFU’s Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, said: “On the one hand the geopolitical changes we are in are a period of change, on the other hand there is the complexity of decision-making. Humanity has always been based on basic traditional values. Any civilization sets itself the goal of preserving and developing its world. What does the state expect from us? The ability to take responsibility for the protection of Russian spiritual and moral values. This is a complex topic and it is connected not only with the world of law, but also with religion, where everyone makes an active contribution to this process. Our university is a member of the Association of Higher Education Organisations implementing educational programs using historical and traditional values of the Russian Cossacks, and today there is a unique opportunity, a responsible moment for the first step for the continuation of these values”.

The panel discussions were themed around the uniqueness of the Russian civilization. Over the course of the event, the attendees spoke about the role of the state in the formation of traditional spiritual and moral values and the role of religion and universities in shaping the civic position and values of the individual.

The event was held within the framework of the nationwide International Interreligious Youth Forum and was attended by regional government and religious officials, the Cossack youth, the Vernadsky CFU academic staff members and students.

Religion and Protection of Traditional Values discussed at Vernadsky CFU