In September 2012 Hungary will host the 6th World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples, in Siófok on Lake Balaton. The event – which was established in 1992 with the support of then President of Hungary Árpád Göncz – aims to strengthen cultural, economic and political ties between Finno-Ugric countries and communities. In May 2012 Zoltán Balog Minister of Human Resources charged Judit Hammerstein with the responsibility of organising the Congress.

As an indication of its significance, the serving president of Hungary has always attended the Congress, and in 1996 this country also hosted the event. In 2008 President László Sólyom attended the 5th Congress in Russia, where he emphasised the importance of minority rights, and announced the establishment of the Collegium Fenno-Ugricum (CFU), which created an international forum for Finno-Ugric research.

This year the organisers expect around 450 guests at the three-day event, including the presidents of Estonia and Finland.  Plans for the 6th Congress also include the unveiling of a statue entitled ‘Angel of Peace’ at the harbour in Siófok.

(Ministry of Human Resources)