A key topic of discussion was the transfer of functions pertaining to state ethnic policy from the Ministry of Regional Development, which has been eliminated, to the Culture Ministry. Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky talked about corresponding structural changes to the Ministry with regard to its new powers. Members of the Council Presidium also suggested creating an advisory council for the Ministry concerning ethnic and cultural autonomy issues.
The Education and Science Ministry presented a report on training staff in the field of interethnic and interfaith relations.
The Council Presidium recommended that the Russian Academy of Sciences pay special attention to the need for fundamental scientific research in this area.
Participants in the meeting also learned about a concept for an automated system monitoring the state of and forecast for interethnic relations, as well as preventing and neutralising interethnic and interfaith conflicts, created within the framework of implementing the President of Russia’s instructions.