Gratitude for kindness: best volunteers honoured at the National Centre RUSSIA

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A ceremony of gratitude for volunteers was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. More than 100 volunteers received awards for their special contribution to the development and organisation of the space. The event was held in the format of an interactive mini talk show with a panel discussion and creative tasks. The participants discussed the role of volunteering in modern society and the prospects of youth policy.

"We clearly see that young people want to help and do good deeds. That is why our universities and teams of rectors always have the task of creating platforms for such activities. Today, branches of the National Centre are opening across the country, and their number will only grow. They are becoming spaces for volunteers and public initiatives. The project in Moscow serves as a benchmark for branches in other regions. It operates almost all year round and brings people, ideas and important events together every day. There is a special atmosphere of kindness and creative energy here. Every exposition becomes a bright event. And I am sure that the volunteers who help here not only gain valuable experience, but are also inspired by the atmosphere and emotions that fill this space," said Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova.

At the awards ceremony for volunteers of the National Centre RUSSIA, the achievements of volunteers were recognised in six nominations. The "Commitment to the Cause" category honoured those who had completed the largest number of shifts. The "Architects of Volunteering" nomination went to the volunteer teams of universities participating in the programme. "Kindness Without Borders" recognised volunteers who helped at international events and the Centre’s original projects. The best media specialists received awards in the "Keepers of Meanings" nomination, while "Burning Hearts" went to those who had distinguished themselves in patriotic campaigns. The special "New Height" award became a symbol of induction into the core team: 30 volunteers officially joined the Centre’s team.

"Everyone gathered here is a leader: you do good deeds not for fame, but for yourselves and for those around you. It is important to talk about such deeds — they should be on screen, on social media and in all blogs. Volunteers set an example for others to follow. Large-scale events are held at the National Centre RUSSIA every day, and your dedicated work stands behind each of them. You are caring people, worthy of being looked up to," noted Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Anastasia Zvyagina.

Since the beginning of 2026, volunteers of the National Centre RUSSIA have completed more than 5,000 assistance shifts and played a key role in implementing major projects. Among the landmark events where volunteers showed their best qualities were the theatrical show "Morozko", the international project Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth" and the Melody of BRICS forum.

As part of the panel discussion "Volunteering Today", guests discussed the importance of leadership qualities in the volunteer community, the impact of volunteering on youth development, joint efforts by education, public institutions and the younger generation to support fighters of the special military operation and their families, as well as the role of volunteers in preserving historical memory. In addition, the participants watched a documentary trailer and enjoyed a musical performance by Reza Dezaipur, a participant in the Melody of BRICS festival.

"We often see volunteers at the RT.Doc: Time of Our Heroes festival, which we hold jointly with the National Centre. They are the ones who create its special atmosphere, while remaining behind the scenes. The "Burning Hearts" nomination is dedicated to such people — those who give light and warmth to others and become an example for them. With such human qualities, people cannot remain indifferent to what is happening. They get involved and help. We have made many documentaries about volunteering, and over the course of our work we have created about 200 documentaries from the front, where we meet such people every day. They often remain unnoticed, but I believe they should be spoken about, because they are the ones who bring light and warmth to others," emphasised Head of RT Documentary Broadcasting Yekaterina Yakovleva.

The ceremony ended with a touching moment as new members were inducted into the core team of the Volunteer Centre of the National Centre RUSSIA: managers and specialists presented badges and letters of gratitude to 30 volunteers. The event clearly showed that volunteering is not just help, but a powerful tool for the development of society, bringing together people of different generations and countries around shared values.