Seminar on Migrant Adaptation in the Nordic and Baltic Countries

The project "Multinational Migrants: Ways of Adaptation in the Nordic and Baltic Countries" officially commenced with an inaugural partner meeting and a comprehensive seminar, held from August 25-30, 2023, in Riga, Latvia.

Partner Meeting and Seminar on Migrant Adaptation in the Nordic and Baltic Countries

The project "Multinational Migrants: Ways of Adaptation in the Nordic and Baltic Countries" officially commenced with an inaugural partner meeting and a comprehensive seminar, held from August 25-30, 2023, in Riga, Latvia. This initiative, funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, aims to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities related to migrant adaptation in the region.

Partner Meeting Overview

Date: August 27, 2023

Agenda Highlights:

  • Welcome and Introductions: The meeting began with a warm welcome and introductions, setting a collaborative tone.
  • Project Overview: An outline of the project's objectives, scope, and timeline was provided.
  • Stakeholder Introduction: Key stakeholders shared their roles and contributions.
  • Project Scope and Timeline: Detailed discussions on the project's phases and milestones.
  • Roles and Responsibilities: Clarification of each partner's duties and expected deliverables.
  • Communication Plan: Establishing effective communication channels and strategies.
  • Risk Mitigation Strategies: Identifying potential risks and developing mitigation plans.
  • Next Steps and Action Items: Defining immediate actions and assigning tasks.
  • Q&A and Closing Remarks: Open floor for questions, concluding with final thoughts and remarks.

The meeting concluded with a cultural programme and a dinner, fostering informal networking among partners.

Seminar on Empowering Migrants’ Adaptation

Dates: August 28-29, 2023
Location: Dzirciema iela 16, B-205, Riga Stradins University, Latvia

Day 1 Highlights:

  • Introduction: Dr. Larisa Kangaspuro, project leader from the Centre for Nordic Studies, University of Helsinki, Finland, opened the seminar with an overview of the project.
  • Keynote Presentation: Dr. Inta Mierina, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Diaspora and Migration Research, University of Latvia, discussed intercultural stereotypes and attitudes towards migrants.
  • Session 1 Presentations:
    • Project Introduction: Dr. Larisa Kangaspuro, Centre for Nordic Studies, University of Helsinki, Finland, introduced the project’s goals and scope.
    • Local Media’s Role: Nikolay Ovchinnikov, Editor-in-Chief of "Volna Latvia," Riga, Latvia, highlighted how local media can aid migrant adaptation.
  • Wrap-up and Dinner: The day concluded with a summary and a networking dinner.

Day 2 Highlights:

  • Introduction: Dr. Sergei Kruk, Faculty of Communication, Riga Stradins University, Latvia, set the stage for the second day.
  • Keynote Presentation: Dr. Markku Kangaspuro, Director of the Aleksanteri Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland, analyzed the hierarchization of immigrants in public discourse.
  • Session 1 Presentations:
    • Legal Adaptation: Dr. Sherzod Eraliev, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Sociology of Law, Lund University, Sweden, explored legal adaptation and integration of Central Asian migrants.
    • Cultural Identity Preservation: Dr. Natalia Abrosimova, Chairwoman of NGO Erzya-Moksha Society of Culture "Syatko," Tallinn, Estonia, discussed the integration and cultural identity of the Mordovian community in Estonia.
  • Session 2 Presentations:
    • Integration Policy Evolution: Dr. Sergei Kruk, Professor at the Faculty of Communication, Riga Stradins University, Latvia, reviewed the evolution of Latvian integration policies.
    • Support for Displaced Activists: Konstantin Fomin, Program Director of the Reforum Space Vilnius resource center, Lithuania, described support mechanisms for displaced media NGOs.
  • Wrap-up and Departure: The seminar wrapped up with final discussions and the departure of participants.

Seminar Objectives

The seminar "Empowering Migrants’ Adaptation in the Nordic and Baltic Societies" aimed to generate new knowledge and facilitate the exchange of experiences on empowering migrant adaptation and integration. It focused on understanding the unique challenges faced by different migrant groups.

Key Takeaways

  1. Cultural Challenges: Emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and preservation among migrants.
  2. Role of Media: Highlighting the crucial role local media plays in aiding migrant adaptation.
  3. Policy and Legal Frameworks: Discussing the evolution and impact of migration policies and legal frameworks in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
  4. Community Support: Exploring effective support systems for displaced individuals and communities.

Conclusion

The project "Multinational Migrants: Ways of Adaptation in the Nordic and Baltic Countries" is set to play a pivotal role in addressing migration challenges and fostering a collaborative approach to migrant integration. The successful kick-off meeting and seminar have laid a strong foundation for ongoing research, dialogue, and action in this critical area.

Special Acknowledgment

A special acknowledgment is due to Professor Sergei Kruk and the Riga Stradins University for their significant contributions to organizing the seminar. Their efforts were instrumental in facilitating a productive and insightful event that will positively impact migrant integration strategies in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

The Multinational Migrants: Ways of Adaptation in the Nordic and Baltic Countries project