Business programme

The Pros and Cons of Cultural Expansion

03 Jun , 17:00–18:15
Joining Forces to Advance Development
Congress Centre, conference hall B3

A business trend of providing experiences is taking shape in the world today, and cultural tools and resulting soft power influences continue to play a key role in the promotion of national interests. This is unsurprising – these are the tools which help shape a country’s image, boost tourism, attract international students, and educate people. Naturally, they also have a bearing on international relations. Today, many governments are embarking on a policy of cultural expansion as an element of soft power. How is the projection and promotion of culture becoming a subject of heated competition? How might these trends serve as a means to bring people together, and what are the risks of creating further divisions?

Moderator
Evgeny Primakov, Head, Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo)

Panellists
Denis Matsuev, Pianist; Artistic Director, "Stars on Baikal" Festival; UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
Fatima Mukhomedzhan, Director, The Art, Science and Sport Charity Foundation
Valery Fokin, Artistic Director, National Drama Theatre of Russia (Alexandrinsky Theatre)
Ahmad M. Hasnah, President, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Front row participants
Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation
Sammy Kotwani, President, The Indian National Cultural Centre SITA
Hans-Joachim Frey, Artistic Director, Talent and Success Foundation
Victor Yampolsky, President, Bridge of Arts Foundation

Broadcast