The future of the country is in the hands of young people: Natalia Virtuozova held a "Class Meeting" with the Federal Council of the First
The key areas of work of the National Centre RUSSIA, cultural initiatives and projects aimed at preserving the historical and cultural code of the regions, as well as the development of new branches across the country – these and other topics were discussed by the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova, during a "Class Meeting" with members of the Federal Council of the First. On 16 November, representatives of 89 regions gathered here to ask their questions and share new ideas.
Before the conversation began, the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA presented participants with a small gift – a roly-poly doll keyring. She noted that this toy symbolises childhood, joy and warmth that one wants to keep in memory. Natalia Virtuozova suggested that young people use it not only as a souvenir, but also as a stylish accessory to hang on a bag or keys. According to her, such small details help people feel connected to the culture, traditions and symbols of their country.
"Today is truly a special day. The National Centre RUSSIA is presenting ‘New Year Russia’. We have decorated our space: put up Christmas trees, arranged the Department Store – we are gradually immersing ourselves in the festive atmosphere. Sometimes the anticipation of a holiday is even more pleasant than the holiday itself, so we are already preparing in full swing. This year we decided that the main idea of ‘New Year Russia’ is the fairy tale, because a fairy tale is a miracle, and everyone wants miracles. On 13 December, we will open the ‘Book of Fairy Tales’ exposition – an incredible display dedicated to New Year fairy tales from across Russia. We thought for a long time about who should become this year's symbol. We could have chosen the Kolobok, the giant turnip, the magic pike… But we decided that the symbol would be the roly-poly doll. After all, it symbolises childhood and joy. Every family has had one at some point. We will use it everywhere: as a Christmas tree ornament, as a design element and as a stylish accessory," said Natalia Virtuozova.
Addressing the young people, the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA emphasised that our country has everything necessary to move forward. According to her, the future must be created by people themselves, without comparing their country to others. And it is created by those who actively participate in state programmes and cultural initiatives, investing their heart and soul in their work.
"We live in a great country. Its greatness lies not only in its scale and territory, but also in respect, pride, creativity and the desire to create a great future. That is what truly matters," she said.
Moderator Daria Ilyina reminded the audience that the history of the National Centre RUSSIA began with the International RUSSIA EXPO, held in Moscow from 4 November 2023 to 8 July 2024. At the time, 133 expositions were open, representing all 89 Russian regions, federal executive bodies, major companies, state corporations, and public organisations. The expositions were regularly updated – including on the basis of visitor feedback.
She noted that one of the key initiatives of the EXPO was the launch of the "Young Tour Guides School of Russia".
"Many of us who worked at the RUSSIA EXPO have children, and they spent a lot of time with us there. The children themselves wanted to give tours – that is how the idea of the Young Tour Guides School emerged. It is a very challenging but important initiative: a beautifully designed exposition does not touch the heart in the same way as a tour guide who knows the material and speaks from the heart. When we opened the exposition, we felt a shortage of good tour guides. We went through a long journey to ensure that a tour guide presents the material engagingly, sincerely and competently. But it is one thing to retrain an adult and another to teach young children. The Young Tour Guides School became so popular that no one ever skips classes. Our young guides are wonderful: they speak with love, curiosity and great interest. When the President visited the exposition, and the children from different regions represented it, I felt calm – they were more confident than I was. We can see that children are developing a different attitude towards the profession of a tour guide, because a tour guide is someone who knows and loves their country," said Natalia Virtuozova, describing how the project appeared.
During the "Class Meeting", the conversation also touched upon the regional branches of the National Centre RUSSIA. She reminded participants that a branch opened in the Primorye region in September, and that branches in the Krasnoyarsk region and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area–Yugra are planned to open in December.
"We have an instruction from the President to open branches of the National Centre in every region, and we are doing this where the region is ready. It is not easy: stand-alone buildings are required, and above all, the branch must reflect the idea of one’s home region as part of the larger country," she continued. "We are opening a branch in Krasnoyarsk on the Yenisei; we adjusted the exposition several times to make sure it tells everything: the history, the city, the small settlements, the museums, the villages – nothing can be forgotten. Each branch has the symbolism of its region: Primorye – the Amur tiger, Krasnoyarsk – the fish, Yugra – the loon. Opening branches is a long and meticulous process, and we hope that your peers will play an active role, become involved in the work of the centres, help to speak about the cultural code, traditions and uniqueness of their region. Branches offer significant career opportunities, and anyone willing can take part."
She also shared that the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region is located in the former oceanarium building with an aquarium that once housed a sturgeon named Pyotr. When the building was transferred, the aquarium was completely rebuilt, and residents of Vladivostok were sincerely concerned about its inhabitant. Pyotr was temporarily relocated with the support of the Academy of Sciences, carefully cared for, and then returned to the renovated aquarium. He now swims peacefully in his new home – the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region. According to her, this attention and care show how deeply the local residents value what is theirs and truly unique.
During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to ask the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA their own questions. Representatives of the Federal Council of the First were interested in promoting regional brands, preserving the cultural code, discussing practical initiatives that can be implemented after the opening of the National Centre’s branches in the regions, as well as ways to involve young people in shaping the country’s future.
In addition, all participants of the "Class Meeting" were offered a tour of the "Journey Across Russia" exposition. The young people not only saw how their home regions were represented, but also learned about the culture, traditions and achievements of other regions and republics. The tour enabled participants to expand their knowledge of Russia’s diversity and better understand the unique features of each region.
The Federal Council of the First is a system of children’s and youth self-governance within the Movement of the First, comprising 89 representatives – students from all constituent entities of the Russian Federation. These 89 children and young people were selected from more than 52,000 members of the Movement of the First. Each of them represents their region, and their work and initiatives form the groundwork for the development of the Movement of the First.
Event photobank
The National Centre RUSSIA will have two maintenance days next week on 17 and 18 November.
The "Winter Wizards" festival opened on 15 November at the National Centre RUSSIA.
