Events digest: the week’s highlights at the National Centre RUSSIA

The extended meeting of the Board of the Federal Water Resources Agency, the start of registration for the expert programme of the II International Symposium "Inventing the Future", and other events of the week — in our digest.

The Board of the Federal Water Resources Agency discussed key results and future objectives

The extended meeting of the Board of the Federal Water Resources Agency took place at the National Centre RUSSIA on 8 August. Industry experts outlined the development vectors of the organisation and Russia’s water management sector.

The main topic was the implementation of the new federal project "Water of Russia", aimed at improving living conditions near water bodies for 23.2 million people by the end of 2030. It is being carried out under the decree of President Vladimir Putin within the framework of the national project "Environmental Wellbeing" and includes the construction and reconstruction of treatment facilities, clearing of riverbeds and strengthening of banks, and improving the condition of lakes and reservoirs. The meeting also addressed the restoration of rivers and lakes, the use of water-saving technologies, and the development prospects of the sector.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev noted the coordinated work of all Rosvodresursy departments in close cooperation with the regions. This has made it possible to achieve significant results in the implementation of environmental federal projects. Speaking about the results of the national project "Ecology", the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the work carried out by Rosvodresursy has improved living conditions for more than 20 million people. In some cases, projects were synchronised with the landscaping of adjacent areas.

"This is a contribution to the environmental well-being of the territories, as well as an additional stimulus for the development of domestic tourism. The new national project 'Environmental Wellbeing' allocates about 24 billion roubles for this area," said Dmitry Patrushev.

Head of Rosvodresursy Dmitry Kirillov began his report by outlining the current year’s water supply to the population and the economy, focusing on the key water basins of the European part of the country: the Volga, Don, and Kuban basins. This year turned out to be low-water for these regions, which required the Agency to take prompt decisions on saving and conserving water resources. Timely measures created the conditions to supply these territories with water during the low-water period. However, systematic work should continue in the following areas.

"This is, of course, water conservation, the introduction of water-saving technologies, and the reduction of losses. It is the implementation of adaptation measures — adapting our infrastructure to conditions of reduced flow in rivers and reservoirs. This means the arrangement of water intakes. This work is being carried out in the country and primarily concerns the housing and utilities sector. It must definitely continue so that we are ready for any challenges that may arise," said Dmitry Kirillov.

The meeting was attended by representatives of federal and regional executive authorities, the central office, territorial bodies, and subordinate organisations of Rosvodresursy, the heads of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and other honoured guests. The event concluded with a ceremony awarding departmental honours to employees.

Registration opened for the expert programme of the II International Symposium "Inventing the Future"

The thematic areas of the programme for the II International Symposium "Inventing the Future", to be held from 7 to 8 October 2025 at the National Centre RUSSIA, have been announced. Organised on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin under the auspices of the Decade of Science and Technology in our country, the Symposium will address a wide range of pressing topics: from demographic trends and global urbanisation to international scientific and technological cooperation and the digital space. Members of the expert community are invited to register for the programme’s events by submitting an online application on the official Symposium website.

The Symposium will bring together more than 7,000 participants from the SCO and BRICS countries, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe. The expert programme is built around the strategic objective of shaping positive scenarios for the future and comprises three key tracks. The "Society" track focuses on society, its image, and transformations in various spheres. The "Technologies" track will cover key applied innovations shaping the future here and now. The "Global Cooperation" track will concentrate on presenting initiatives and seeking new solutions in the field of humanitarian cooperation.

A large-scale open educational programme for the general public is also being prepared, showcasing the synthesis of science, technology, and art within the realm of ideas about the future, and explaining complex and important matters in accessible language. Participants of all ages will enjoy inspiring talks about space, quantum breakthroughs, technological innovations, and visions of the future in culture and art. Registration for the open programme will begin in September on the official Symposium website.

A new episode of the podcast "Russia Speaks" featuring Tatyana Kurtukova

The official platforms of the National Centre RUSSIA have released a new episode of the podcast "Russia Speaks", continuing the tradition of open dialogue on key issues of our time. Its guest was Russian singer and actress Tatyana Kurtukova, who spoke about the growing interest in folk music, the revival of traditions, and the symbolism of her famous song "Matushka" ("Mother"), which has become an anthem of women’s wisdom and strength. She also shared her secret to balancing career and family life.

"Our conversation was dedicated to Russian culture, Russian traditions, and, of course, the folk song. Watch it — it’s very interesting," urged the main guest of the episode.

In her discussion with the podcast host Anzhelika Kiryan, the singer highlighted the importance of the National Centre RUSSIA for the country’s cultural life and the revival of Russian traditions.

"I think it’s even strategically important. It’s large in scale yet cosy, bringing together like-minded people, patriots, and visitors to Moscow and the whole country to showcase the beauty and colour of our homeland. Such a space must exist," noted Tatyana Kurtukova.

The most active viewers of the podcast will be able to receive a gift from the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA, selected by the singer. The episode featuring Tatyana Kurtukova is available on the official website russia.ru, in the community of the National Centre RUSSIA on the social network VKontakte, and on the podcast page on the Yandex Music service.

The first branch of the National Centre RUSSIA to open in Vladivostok

In early September, a branch of the National Centre RUSSIA will open its doors in Vladivostok. This modern multifunctional complex will combine exposition spaces, a co-working area, Gastronomic Rows offering local cuisine, and the RUSSIA Department Store with products from the country’s best domestic manufacturers.

A special place in the exposition will be given to a zone dedicated to the industrial potential of the Primorye region. Six key sectors — from heavy and mining industries to advanced engineering and pharmaceuticals — will be presented to visitors through interactive installations using holographic technologies and video projections.

"The branch of the National Centre RUSSIA will showcase all the best achievements of our region and of the Russian Federation, and will become a point of attraction for residents and guests of the city," stressed Oleg Kozhemyako, Governor of the Primorye region.