The international conference “Confucius Institutes/Classes in the Russian Federation: Practice, Prospects, Performance Criteria” has begun at the site of Irkutsk State University (January 29-30). The participants are representatives of all Confucius Institutes operating in Russia (at 19 universities), as well as of Confucius classes from 4 Russian cities.

The opening ceremony of the conference was held at ISU Rasputin Scientific Library and was hosted by Svetlana Bayramova, Director of ISU Confucius Institute, and Zhang Donghui, co-director of ISU Confucius Institute from the Chinese side.

The participants were welcomed online by Zhao Lingshan, Chairman and Secretary General of China International Chinese Education Foundation, and Yu Miaojie, Rector of Liaoning University.

In his speech, Zhao Lingshan noted that Confucius Institutes began to open in Russia in 2006-2007 (during these years, 12 Confucius Institutes and several Confucius classes were opened):

“Currently, Confucius Institutes and Classes are making a great contribution to deepening mutual understanding between the nations. Confucius Institutes actively interact with the local community, help students learn Chinese and keep the language teaching bar high. Over the past year, Confucius Institutes and Classes in Russia have held more than 1200 various events, more than 15 000 students have passed the HSK exam and about 200 Russian students have received scholarships to study in China.”

The rector of Liaoning University, Yu Miaojie, noted that ISU Confucius Institute, established 16 years ago with the direct participation of Liaoning University, shows high results in its activities:

“Teachers work with schoolchildren, students and adults, share their experience with colleagues. ISU Confucius Institute is a quality mark, as well as a platform for cultural exchanges and cooperation.”

From the Russian side, Konstantin Grigorichev, ISU Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation, gave a welcoming speech. He noted the importance of the year 2024 for Russian-Chinese relations related to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. The Vice-Rector also stressed the special role of Confucius Institutes and Classes in cooperation between Russia and China:

“Confucius institutes and classes throughout Russia hold various cultural events that introduce students, teachers and local residents to the unique culture of China, organize preliminary competitions of the Chinese Proficiency Competition “Chinese Bridge.” The activities of Confucius Institutes and Classes are an example of reliable, successful work cooperation between Russia and China.”

The official part of the conference will be concluded with a round table where participants will share their experience in organizing successful activities of Confucius Institutes/Classes in the Russian Federation and summarize the results of the event.