Events digest: highlights of the week at the National Centre RUSSIA

Presentations of projects aimed at unlocking the potential of every person, the final of the All-Russian contest "Native Toy", the draw of the International Music Contest "Intervision", events within the Days of the Voronezh Region, and other landmark events — in our selection of the main highlights of the week at the National Centre RUSSIA.

"Platform of the Future: 100 Projects of Russia"

On 11 September, the National Centre RUSSIA launched a series of programmes "Platform of the Future: 100 Projects of Russia", dedicated to the implementation of the country’s national development goals. Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, announced projects aimed at unlocking the potential of every person, nurturing talents, and fostering a patriotic and socially responsible personality. He stressed that success in education, science, and other fields is impossible without people, and the government’s task is to create conditions for their learning, creativity, and development.

That day saw the presentation of initiatives designed to unlock the potential of every person, nurture talents, and foster a patriotic and socially responsible personality, including 183 activities focused on professional self-determination and youth support. Dmitry Chernyshenko highlighted the importance of social infrastructure: in the past five years, more than 1,700 schools have been built in Russia, over 5,000 educational institutions renovated, and more than 100 kindergartens opened. Among the initiatives is the project "Ticket to the Future", which provides career guidance for schoolchildren — more than 6 million participants to date — with the involvement of over 13,000 employers.

The event also featured projects in the fields of youth policy, patriotic education, science, and culture. Leaders and experts, including the Minister of Education of Russia Sergei Kravtsov, Chairman of the Movement of the First Artur Orlov, and Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Denis Sekirinsky, discussed the importance of career guidance, the development of science and international cooperation, as well as the revival of the "Readers’ Programme". The series of thematic programmes will continue from September to December and will showcase practical steps towards achieving the national development goals, covering the social sphere, infrastructure, economy, and culture.

All-Russian Contest "Native Toy"

On 9 September, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the final of the All-Russian Contest "Native Toy", which took place in the format of a large-scale festival of childhood. The final featured 59 prototypes — from traditional dolls and board games to multimedia and technological kits. The winners in five categories will have the opportunity to bring their designs to life: the first editions of the games and toys will appear in shops, kindergartens, schools, and cultural institutions throughout Russia.

The contest attracted more than 28,000 applications from 89 regions of the country. Projects were evaluated by up to 45 experts, including teachers, psychologists, and toy manufacturers, with families and children from the Movement of the First community "Rodnye-Lyubimye" ("Dear-Loved Ones") also having a decisive say. Special attention was paid to combining entertainment, educational, and cultural content, including projects dedicated to heroes of the special military operation and to the traditions of the peoples of Russia.

A welcome address from the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, was delivered by Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia.

Among the winners in different categories were plush bears "Teddy Bears Profi", board games "Voyevoda: Ancient Rus’" and "A Good Deed", construction kits "Arkhangelsk Steed" and "MIRATOM: Mining", as well as multimedia projects "Bukvogorod" and "Tsvetnyashki! Family Stories".

The contest was accompanied by workshops, interactive zones, and expositions, while mentors — specialists from leading factories and studios — helped participants turn their ideas into finished products. "Native Toy" was supported by major partners, including the marketplace Ozon, Detsky Mir Group, VK, Soyuzmultfilm, and leading manufacturing companies.

Draw of the International Music Contest "Intervision"

Popular singer Shaman (Yaroslav Dronov), representing Russia at the International Music Contest "Intervision", will perform ninth. This became known during the draw held on 12 September at the National Centre RUSSIA. The artist himself noted the symbolism of his number coinciding with the current month and stressed that the main thing for him is the quality of the performance, not the running order. Rehearsals are in full swing, and Shaman invited everyone to attend the contest, which will take place on 20 September at the Live Arena in Novoivanovskoye, Moscow region.

The draw of the finalists of "Intervision" was part of a solemn ceremony. In a video message to the delegations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergei Lavrov, emphasised the role of the contest as a platform for dialogue between civilisations and for strengthening international cultural cooperation. Sergei Novikov, Chief of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects, highlighted the scale of the contest: more than three billion people live in the participating countries, and he stressed that there will be no losers here.

The ceremony included an original way of determining the performance numbers: a giant samovar was installed in the centre of the hall, and thermosensitive cups revealed the number when hot tea was poured. Russia received the ninth spot, and the final will feature artists from 23 countries, including Cuba, China, the USA, Kazakhstan, and India.

The draw also became the final stage of the international campaign — the flag relay of "Intervision", which travelled through the capitals of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, where participants left their autographs and parting wishes. The final of the contest will take place on 20 September 2025 in Moscow.

Development Plans of the Voronezh Region

On 9 September, as part of the Days of the Voronezh Region at the National Centre RUSSIA, a meeting was held with the Governor of the region, Alexander Gusev, within the cycle "Platform of the Future: Region-2030. 100 Steps". Strategic directions for the region’s development were discussed, including automation and robotisation of production, the introduction of new technologies, the policy of population preservation and active longevity, as well as the development of healthcare, online medicine, and creative industries. The Governor stressed that these areas form the foundation for a sustainable future for the Voronezh region and Russia.

Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexei Gordeyev noted the region’s high investment potential and its leadership in the Central Black Earth Region, while Senator Galina Karelova emphasised the importance of active longevity and social policy. The event also included the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Government of the Voronezh Region and the youth organisation "Russian Student Teams", and distinguished student team members received acknowledgements from the governor.

Student Teams of the Voronezh Region

As part of the Days of the Voronezh Region at the National Centre RUSSIA, a meeting was held between the region’s student teams and the leadership of the Central Headquarters of Russian Student Teams. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation, exchanging experience, current issues and prospects for the development of the movement, as well as agreeing on joint projects to involve students in socially significant initiatives.

Yaroslav Zubashchenko, Head of the Central Headquarters, noted the solid legal framework for the work of student teams in the region, while Denis Sabynin, Head of the regional headquarters, spoke about the size of the movement — 4,735 people as of 1 September 2025 — and the expansion of linear teams, including cooperation with new educational organisations. In 2025, student teams from the Voronezh region worked in 28 regions of Russia, as well as in Turkey and Egypt, signing 23 new cooperation agreements.

The meeting continued in a "question and answer" format, where participants shared initiatives to improve the organisation’s work. A cooperation agreement was also signed between the regional government and the All-Russian Public Organisation "Russian Student Teams", opening up new opportunities for the implementation of youth projects, while the most distinguished student team members received awards from Governor Alexander Gusev.

Regional Measures to Support Participants of the Special Military Operation and Their Families

On 10 September, during the thematic week of the Voronezh Region at the National Centre RUSSIA, a panel discussion "Support and Rehabilitation of Participants of the Special Military Operation: Regional Solutions" took place. Speakers discussed the experience of rehabilitating fighters of the special military operation and the launch of new projects aimed at supporting participants and their families. Leaders of organisations, including the Committee of Families of Warriors of the Fatherland, emphasised the importance of trust and engagement with the families of fighters, as well as the role of social coordinators and mentoring in ensuring the effective functioning of the support system.

The experience of regional rehabilitation centres was presented by the directors of the State Budgetary Institution of the Voronezh Region "Seven Steps Centre for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons" and the Voronezh Regional Centre for Social Rehabilitation of Veterans and Disabled Combatants. They highlighted the involvement of career military officers and former participants of the special military operation in the centres’ work, as well as the success of projects, including the pilot project "We Will Live", aimed at providing comprehensive assistance and returning people to active life after rehabilitation.

In addition, non-profit organisations, such as the autonomous NGO "Committee of Families of Warriors of the Fatherland", spoke about support projects that help fighters and their families adapt after hospital and sanatorium rehabilitation stages. The panel discussion was accompanied by video materials on completed activities and became an important step in strengthening the system of social support for participants of the special military operation in the region.

"Universities as Drivers of the Regional Economy" and "Geniuses of Science"

On 10 September, as part of the Days of the Voronezh Region at the National Centre RUSSIA, panel sessions "Universities as Drivers of the Regional Economy" and "Geniuses of Science" were held, dedicated to the role of educational institutions in developing the country’s technological sovereignty. Speakers discussed the achievements of Voronezh universities, including the development of advanced engineering schools, support for student start-ups, and the participation of universities in national projects such as unmanned aerial systems and the production of strategically important products for the food and chemical industries. Special attention was given to the integration of science, education, and industry, as well as the training of specialists for regional and federal industrial projects.

Representatives of the region’s leading universities — Voronezh State University, Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Voronezh State Agrarian University, and Voronezh Forestry Engineering University — shared examples of the implementation of scientific and applied projects aimed at import substitution, the development of microelectronics, biotechnology, and protein ingredients, as well as the participation of students in creating prototypes and research developments. Particular emphasis was placed on training young researchers and involving them in real scientific and industrial projects.

The sessions also became a platform for discussing the prospects of international cooperation, support for young researchers, the development of IT platforms for raising awareness of scientific initiatives, and the introduction of innovations into industry. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions about the activities of the universities, their development areas, and educational opportunities, highlighting the strategic role of Voronezh educational institutions in ensuring the country’s technological leadership.

Future Projects of the Voronezh Region

On 12 September, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted a presentation of the Voronezh Region’s projects as part of the thematic week of the region within the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future". Guests learned about three key initiatives: "Novovoronezh NPP", "Voronezh Metrobus", and "House of Animation". Representatives of the nuclear power plant, Yuri Molokov and Vladimir Shirkov, spoke about the introduction of an advanced operator information support system and conducted a virtual tour of modern power units No. 6 and No. 7.

Maxim Zakharov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Transport of the Voronezh Region, noted that the metrobus project incorporates digital technologies to enhance the comfort and safety of urban transport. Vladimir Nikolayev, General Producer of the Voronezh studio, stressed that the House of Animation under construction will become a cultural and educational centre with a museum, allowing tourists and residents to explore the region’s animation projects, with an estimated traffic of about 500,000 visitors.

"Class Meeting" with First Deputy Minister of Finance of Russia Irina Okladnikova

In the "Space of Opportunities" at the National Centre RUSSIA, a "Class Meeting" was held with the First Deputy Minister of Finance of Russia, Irina Okladnikova. Schoolchildren, students of RANEPA, and activists of the Movement of the First discussed with the guest career choice, professional paths, and the importance of an interest in the exact sciences. Irina Okladnikova stressed that the key qualities for a successful career are responsibility, teamwork, and readiness for constant development.

Participants were also interested in the role of the Ministry of Finance in the lives of citizens. The deputy minister explained that the work of the ministry affects everyone — from financing the social sphere to ensuring economic stability: "Behind each of the 12 million lines in the budget are people, enterprises, and a specific type of state support." Special attention was paid to career opportunities for young professionals, including internships and personnel programmes.

At the end of the meeting, participants discussed personal questions such as leisure, inspiring books, and the meaning of success. In a trusting atmosphere, the students received answers and motivation for building their future.

Results of the Summer Health Campaign in Primorye Summed Up at the First Branch of the National Centre RUSSIA

On 11 September, the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region summed up the results of the 2025 summer health campaign. Representatives of the regional Ministry of Education, children’s and student organisations discussed the coverage of children by various forms of recreation — this year, 90% of young residents of the region benefited, with nearly 1,000 vouchers allocated to children of participants of the special military operation. International trips were also highlighted: 30 children spent time in Uzbekistan, and 100 in the International Pioneer Camp "Songdowon" in the DPRK. The regional children’s centre "Yunga" hosted more than 1,500 holidaymakers, and five Primorye camps are planned to be restored. Special attention was given to the year’s most notable sessions, such as "Movement of the First", "Yunarmiya", "Eaglets of Russia", "Vanguard", "Sirius", and "Horizons of Ideas".

At the same time, challenges were discussed, including staffing of camps, wages for counsellors, and timely issuance of health certificates for licensing. Oksana Novikova, Head of the Department for Upbringing, Supplementary Education and Recreation of the Ministry of Education of the Primorye Region, called on camp directors to actively exchange experience and provide feedback to improve the system’s performance.

After the meeting, participants visited the expositions and interactive spaces of the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye, which showcase the culture and history of the region. Excursions are held daily except Monday, for groups of up to 15 people, lasting 90 minutes, with free participation by prior registration or subject to availability.

More Than 2,000 People Have Already Visited the National Centre RUSSIA Branch in Primorye

On 12 September, the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region welcomed its 2,000th visitor — Nikolai Nuzhny, who came for a tour together with his wife. The landmark guest was personally welcomed by the centre’s staff and presented with a commemorative gift. Nikolai noted the informative nature of the exposition and recommended that everyone visit the National Centre RUSSIA to learn about the development of the region and its future plans.

The branch of the National Centre RUSSIA quickly became a popular venue for residents and visitors of Vladivostok thanks to its interactive format and modern design. The exposition allows visitors to learn about the present and future of the Primorye region, while free guided tours provide an opportunity to see the region’s key projects, cultural initiatives, and achievements in a convenient and accessible format.