Opinions & Interviews

“The monuments of historical and cultural heritage are invaluable wealth of the CIS nations as they closely connect generations through time. Their positive potential gives a strong impetus to the spiritual enlightenment, moral education, and promotion of mutual interest in the history of the states. This is why the main goal for the CIS countries today is to join the efforts towards the development of scientific research and innovative methods of preservation, management, and protection of world heritage monuments and sites,” Vladimir Garkun noted.

He believes that the fact that the Council of the CIS Heads of State declared 2011 the Year of Historical and Cultural Heritage significantly contributed to the multilateral cooperation in the preservation of world heritage and the development of cultural, scientific, educational, and other types of ties. The countries held a number of programs and events. A bright example of this is the launching of the interstate program CIS Capitals of Culture. The list of the cities that were honored with this title includes Gomel and Mogilev (Belarus), Ulyanovsk (Russia), Astana and Almaty (Kazakhstan), Mary (Turkmenistan), Qabala (Azerbaijan), Gyumri (Armenia), and Osh (Kyrgyzstan). Next year the title will be awarded to Voronezh (Russia) and Kulob (Tajikistan). “All this gives our people more opportunities for getting acquainted with the cultural wealth of the CIS nations, opens new tourist routes, and contributes to the development of infrastructure and preservation of historical and cultural heritage,” Vladimir Garkun emphasized.

The First Deputy Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee also noted that the UNESCO World Heritage List features more than 50 remarkable man-made and natural monuments and sites of the CIS countries, such as architectural ensembles, ancient monasteries, unique natural and cultural landscapes, that attract not only international organizations, but also tourists.

The seminar will be running until 31 October. Partaking in the event are experts from Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic countries, and representatives of the CIS Executive Committee.