Expert Seminar «Preparation for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages: Sharing Experiences on Preservation and Development of Languages»

The expert seminar «Preparation for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages: Sharing Experiences on Preservation and Development of Languages» was held to propose and discuss concrete initiatives to be implemented within action plans for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages at local, regional, national and international levels. The organizers set the task of informing the expert community about the priorities and goals of the International Decade, developing proposals for the implementation of the Decade’s goals at local and regional levels in the Russian Federation, exchanging best practices in the field of preservation, revitalization and digitalization of native languages of Indigenous peoples. The experts also developed proposals and recommendations, which are set out in this outcome document and sent to UNESCO, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other interested organizations.

The seminar was attended by representatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Global Task Force for the Decade on Indigenous Languages, the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs (FADN Russia), regional authorities, scientists, experts, activists and representatives of linguistic communities from Murmansk region, Komi Republic, Republic of Karelia, Republic of Mordovia, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug — Yugra, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Khabarovsk Territory, Moscow and St. Petersburg.