IRINA STARODUBROVSKAYA: «IT WOULD BE MUCH MORE BENEFICIAL FOR THE STATE TO CONDUCT A DIALOGUE WITH THOSE WHO ARE PREPARED TO DISCUSS THESE RULES»

Irina Starodubrovskaya took part in the panel discussion “Civil society and public authority: is equal dialogue possible between unequal partners?” held under Forum framework.

Participants discussed the Strategy of spatial development of North Caucasian territories, Far East and the Arctic region. This Strategy suggest establishment of 12 macro-regions, 30 subjects of Russia will receive status of priority geo-strategic territories. Accordingly, 23 regions will receive status of border geo-strategic territories. According to Vitaly Mutko, Prime-Minister, Strategy is aimed at liquidation of a number of infrastructural restrictions and diminishment of the difference in the regional development.

Irina Starodubrovskaya expressed her opinion that strategies often differ from people’s real life. According to speaker, “When it is required to reflect the reality in the document, adapt it to the position of bureaucrats, take into consideration all and every interest against very dynamic market, probably, not fully market, changed reality, it will result in an isolated document. It would be

important to try at least to make this strategy closer to real life, taking this point of view into consideration”.

Panelists also noted challenges in building up a dialogue between authorities and society. Irina Starodubrovskaya described the current situation as acute. “We must build up a policy that takes into account interests of civil society. When we talk about interaction of the state and civil society, business is dropped out with its serious interests. It is very important to show people that their opinion is taken into account in order to resolve arguments. It is necessary to negotiate the rules of the game in a conflict so that everyone clearly understands what they are losing in this conflict. It would be much more profitable for the state to conduct a dialogue with those who are ready to discuss these rules”, the expert emphasized.

RANEPA leading researchers, presidential plenipotentiary envoy of the Russian Federation in the North Caucasian Federal Okrug, Members of Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, specialists of Stavropol region provided their expertise for discussion.