International Conference in Riga on Best Practices in Teaching Regional Studies and Cultural Integration
On 6 – 7 August 2025, the Latvian Academy of Sciences hosted the international conference Best Practices in Teaching Regional Studies & Cultural Integration in a Global Context, organised by the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences in cooperation with the EU Research Centre of Lanzhou University.
The conference was opened by Academician Guntis Zemitis, Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. During the opening ofthe conference, Associate Professor Dr Nina Linde, Director of the Institute of Economics, emphasised that this event was an opportunity not only to exchange knowledge and experience, but also to strengthen cooperation between researchers and practitioners from different countries. She highlighted the conference objectives:
- to explore effective teaching strategies and methodologies in regional studies that promote cultural understanding and integration in a global context;
- to share best practices that enhance students’ awareness of diverse cultures;
- to discuss the role of education in fostering cross-cultural communication and collaboration;
- to examine the challenges and opportunities of teaching regional studies in a rapidly changing world;
- to encourage dialogue between educators, researchers and practitioners on strengthening cultural integration.
Day 1 featured distinguished scholars: Professor Dr Ye Tian (Lanzhou University) examined the international impact of the ethnic regional autonomy system; Associate Professor Dr Yahong Wang discussed national identity through the lens of urban history; and Professor Dr Valdis Seglins explored ethnic aspects in Latvia’s urbanisation processes. The panel discussion Identity, Space, and Development addressed questions on how globalisation affects ethnic identity in urban spaces, and how urban planning can foster cultural diversity.
Day 2 turned the spotlight on ethnic issues in the European integration process, the role of innovation in education (AI and synthetic biology), Chinese language teaching as a bridge for cultural exchange, and the relationship between tourism and regional development in Northwest China. Discussions stressed the importance of sustainable tourism for local economic and cultural growth, as well as strategies for engaging students in regional studies through real-world examples and case analysis.
The conference concluded with an interactive session on teaching regional studies at Lanzhou University, final reflections, and informal coffee conversations – paving the way for new projects and ideas for cooperation.
