Sergey Stepashin Received Credentials of Doctor Honoris Causa of Kazan University

The prominent statesman talked about his current efforts in cultural exchange.

Sergey Stepashin has served in many government positions, including that of Prime Minister of Russia in 1999. His present job is the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Housing Utilities Reform Fund of Russia.

Rector Ilshat Gafurov in his congratulatory speech said that the DHC honors are bestowed upon the people whose contribution to science, culture, and society is indisputable. Among the awarded are Rector of Moscow University Viktor Sadovnichy, Aide to the President of Russia Andrey Fursenko, Ex-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yury Osipov, and many others. The latest ceremony was held for the State Counsellor of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev.

Dr. Stepashin in his capacity as a legal scientist and co-chairman of the Russian Association of Lawyers has helped Kazan University in more ways than one. In particular, the Faculty of Law of KFU was one of the first to pass that organization’s official accreditation. He also recommended establishing new master programs “Legal Support of National Security” (to be opened this year) and “State Financial Control” (2018).

The honoree said with a smile, «For me the title of Doctor Honoris Causa is a practical matter. I am really ready to work at Kazan University – for free, of course – as a lecturer and a teacher».

Dr. Stepashin then continued to speak, but now in his capacity as the Chairman of the Imperial Eastern Orthodox Palestinian Society. He presented a documentary about Eastern Orthodox historical heritage objects in Palestine and a lecture titled “Middle East Today”. He touched on the threats of terrorism and extremism that currently plague Syria, Iraq, Libya, and many other countries – problems that need coordinated tackling on a global level. It’s imperative to return to a peaceful dialog of cultures, he said, and to preserve heritage that belongs in equal measure to all cultures and religions.

He used Russia as an example of such dialog. Dozens of cultures and different religions coexist peacefully in our country. Republic of Tatarstan, in his opinion, occupies a special place in this system because it served as a guiding light in shaping federal policies in this sphere. He emphasized the contribution made to this matter by the First President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev.

As was announced today, KFU employees will also partake in restoration and preservation projects in the Middle East – in cooperation with colleagues from the State Hermitage.

Dr. Stepashin outlined, «In Palmyra, Palestine, and many other spots there is the need for giant efforts in restoring unique monuments and sacred places destroyed by terrorists. I closely follow the situation in the region and know where the most attention is required; I am ready to show you the geography – in brief, I will in all possible ways assist you and other experts who are eager to undertake this huge task». He then handed over a picture of Palmyra (as it appeared before the terrorist attacks) to the Rector.

The guest and the Rector then toured some of the facilities in the city center, including the Institute of Management, Economics and Finance – the building where Dr. Stepashin’s spouse once studied. He said that he will be impatiently waiting for new invitations to Kazan University to fulfill his duties as DHC.