International Forum of Indigenous Peoples at the National Centre RUSSIA gathers over 17,000 participants

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More than 17,000 visitors attended the International Forum of Indigenous Peoples at the National Centre RUSSIA in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The event, held in Siberia for the first time, brought together over 700 participants from 27 regions of Russia and 14 countries. The forum took place during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and served as a platform for dialogue on preserving cultural legacy, traditional ways of life and the sustainable development of indigenous peoples.

The official opening of the forum took place on 13 August. Participants were addressed by President of Russia Vladimir Putin. His welcome message was read out by Anatoly Seryshev, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Siberian Federal District. The head of state emphasised the importance of preserving native languages, the distinctive culture and traditions of indigenous peoples, as well as the development of international cooperation in this sphere.

The business programme of the forum included over 20 events — plenary sessions, panel discussions, expert seminars and round tables. Participants discussed the preservation of traditional knowledge, the impact of climate change on the lives of indigenous peoples, the protection of biodiversity and the improvement of legislative support mechanisms. The discussions featured Igor Barinov, Head of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs; Alexander Novyukhov, President of the Association of Indigenous Minority Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation; Mikhail Kotyukov, Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory; representatives of federal and regional authorities, public organisations, experts and foreign delegations.

One of the key events of the cultural programme was the 21st International Sales Exposition "Treasures of the North. Craftsmen and Artists of Russia". For the first time in 20 years, it was held outside Moscow. Over 400 artisans from 19 regions presented national costumes, jewellery, household items and works of decorative and applied art. The Grand Prix for the best regional exposition was awarded to the Krasnoyarsk Territory stand "Guardians of the North".

Forum guests visited the Festival of Culture and Creativity of Indigenous Peoples on the Central Embankment, concerts and performances by ethnic ensembles, as well as the Russian Geographical Society event "Northern Meridian: People, Traditions, Discoveries".

Working meetings between the leadership of the Krasnoyarsk Territory and foreign delegations were also held as part of the forum. In particular, Mikhail Kotyukov and Ethiopian Ambassador Genet Teshome Jirru discussed the development of cooperation in business, tourism, education and culture.

The forum's outcomes included recommendations for the constituent entities of the Siberian Federal District on coordinating the work of authorities, public organisations and the expert community in the field of support for indigenous peoples. The documents will be taken into account when planning activities for 2026–2027. Additional attention will be paid to regions where new support measures are needed.

The International Forum of Indigenous Peoples took place from 13 to 16 August at the National Centre RUSSIA in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The event confirmed the region's significance as a platform for dialogue on the sustainable development of indigenous peoples and the preservation of their cultural legacy.