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

The third All-Russian Forum "Women’s Movement of United Russia", the award ceremony for the winners of the All-Russian contest "Family of the Year", the opening of the All-Russian Conference of Literary Critics and Scholars "Grand Style", and other major events at the National Centre RUSSIA — in our weekly digest.

Forum "Women’s Movement of United Russia"

The event brought together over 700 participants — chairs of regional public councils, coordinators and activists from 89 regions of the country, politicians, deputies, representatives of public associations, and experts.

The Forum was opened by the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the United Russia party, Dmitry Medvedev. He reminded participants that women head almost two-thirds of the party’s primary branches, which he described as very demanding grassroots work. Dmitry Medvedev also emphasised the immense role of women in society and expressed gratitude for everything they do for the country and for United Russia.

"We are involved in many initiatives under the ‘Women’s Movement of United Russia’. Over the past three years, 200,000 people across all regions of our country have taken part in the project. I would like to highlight the women’s clubs — there are already two thousand such venues. They have their own infrastructure and address the most pressing and important issues for our country, such as health, motherhood, childhood, and many others, including women’s entrepreneurship," said Dmitry Medvedev.

According to him, since the beginning of 2025, participants of the Women’s Movement have held more than three thousand events in support of heroes of the special military operation. Projects such as "Life after Victory", "Call of the Heart", and "You Are Not Alone" have been launched, and these are the most important initiatives today, added the Chairman of the United Russia party.

"Women deputies of regional legislative assemblies now make up 19%, while men account for 81%. In administrative centres, 24% are women. At the municipal level, women make up almost half — 48%. Meanwhile, women currently account for 69% of secretaries of primary branches (including members of the party project ‘Women’s Movement’). And since grassroots work is the hardest, it turns out that women today carry the greatest workload within the party. I want to express my profound gratitude for that," said Vladimir Yakushev, Secretary of the General Council of United Russia.

Following the Unified Voting Day 2025, around 31% of mandates were won by women who ran in elections as United Russia candidates, reminded Vladimir Yakushev.

The women’s association has become one of the largest in the country, noted Daria Lantratova, Co-Chair of the Public Council of the federal party project "Women’s Movement of United Russia" and Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy. According to her, over one million people are now involved in the movement’s activities. Its branches operate in all Russian regions and almost every municipality.

"Our main task is to find and support those very ‘gems’ across the country. Only a small part of our wonderful, proactive women are present in this hall — women full of ideas and, most importantly, energy to bring them to life," said Daria Lantratova.

Across Russia, the association holds over a thousand events every day, said Natalia Poluyanova, State Duma Deputy and Coordinator of the federal party project "Women’s Movement of United Russia".

"Three years ago, we started out as an initiative focused on border regions and aimed at social and humanitarian support. Since then, this direction has become central. Across Russia, sewing workshops and volunteer associations have been established to support the front line," stressed Natalia Poluyanova.

Speaking at the Forum, Deputy Chair of the Federation Council, representative of the Moscow City Duma in the Federation Council, Coordinator of the "Care for Everyone in Need" initiative under United Russia’s people’s programme, and Chair of the Public Council of the "Women’s Movement of United Russia" project, Inna Svyatenko, spoke about the key role of women in Russia’s social and legislative development. She noted that women’s active civic position receives strong state support and that the Women’s Movement of United Russia has become a crucial platform for experience exchange, mutual support, and implementation of meaningful initiatives.

She added that more than 30 real-life situations shared by activists of the project "Women’s Voice", initiated by the movement, formed the basis for draft laws currently being considered by the State Duma or already adopted.

"Thanks to the support of the Women’s Movement of United Russia from the Chairman of the Party, Dmitry Medvedev, Secretary of the General Council, Vladimir Yakushev, heads of regional political councils, and governors, we are able to implement social, humanitarian, educational, and entrepreneurial initiatives," emphasised Inna Svyatenko.

Irina Guseva, Co-Chair of the All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government and Member of the Presidium of the Presidential Council for the Development of Local Self-Government, highlighted the crucial role of women in the development of municipalities and expressed confidence in Russia’s victory. According to her, modern women are changing the country for the better through love, compassion, and dedication to their work.

The participants of the Forum were also addressed by Hero of the Russian Federation, nurse of a motorised rifle unit, Corporal Lyudmila Bolilaya. She said that all those involved in the Women’s Movement of United Russia are people who bring kindness, warmth, and care. She thanked the organisation for providing humanitarian aid, supporting veterans of the special military operation, and organising cultural events.

The Forum is dedicated to supporting women’s leadership, developing professional opportunities, and achieving a harmonious balance between motherhood and career. Particular attention is paid to involving women in science, technology, and public activities, as well as to their role in the legislative process.

The "Women’s Movement of United Russia" has become a platform for developing and scaling initiatives in the social sphere, entrepreneurship, and politics. Women’s clubs operate across the country, educational programmes on family health, online courses, and awareness projects are held, and the movement’s activists strengthen cooperation with regions and public organisations while contributing to the formation of the party’s new people’s programme.

"Family of the Year"

On 15 October, a festive award ceremony for the winners of the All-Russian contest "Family of the Year" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA. This event brings together families from across the country, uniting cities, towns, and villages through shared moral and family values. This year, diplomas were awarded in six categories: "Large Family", "Young Family", "Rural Family", "Golden Family", "Family – Keeper of Traditions", and "Family of a Defender of the Fatherland".

The first category, "Family – Keeper of Traditions", featured 20 families with a total of 110 members. These are true keepers of the nation’s legacy — families that carefully preserve national customs, cultural traditions, and historical memory, including nomadic families and professional dynasties.

The award in this category was presented by the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation, Anton Kotyakov. He noted that this year more than ten thousand families took part in the contest.

"The contest has shown the incredible diversity of family stories, traditions, and achievements that reflect the richness and depth of our country. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the All-Russian contest 'Family of the Year'. Over the past two years alone, more than 20,000 families from all regions of Russia have participated. The contest has inspired a series of regional events. And the winning families are so bright, diverse, and positive that they truly represent our national family policy and serve as role models for others," said Anton Kotyakov.

The category "Family of a Defender of the Fatherland" brought together 15 families (98 people in total, including 68 children), 14 of which are large families. These are families in which one or more members have taken part in combat, including the special military operation. Many have successfully returned to civilian life and are now actively engaged in socially significant projects, volunteer movements, and patriotic initiatives. These families combine the memory of military valour, family history, and civic engagement — showing that being a defender of the country also means being an active citizen who helps veterans, organises patriotic events for children, and takes part in remembrance campaigns.

The awards in the "Family of a Defender of the Fatherland" category were presented by Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Anastasia Zvyagina, and the Governor of the Astrakhan Region, Igor Babushkin.

"Today we honour families in which the words ‘love’ and ‘duty’ carry a special meaning. There is such a profession — to defend the Motherland. But it always begins with the family — where there is a mother and a father, where children grow up, where kindness, loyalty, and respect are taught. Where true traditional family values live, the nation draws its strength. Families raising three, four, or five children are especially admirable — they are an example for the whole of Russia," said Anastasia Zvyagina.

According to Igor Babushkin, it is symbolic that the new category of the "Family of the Year" contest appeared in the same year that the President of Russia declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland.

"Many of our families support their heroes while also serving their country by taking part in volunteer, social, and patriotic projects. It is a great honour for me to present well-deserved awards to the winners in this category. Thank you for your example and your constant dedication to leading our great Motherland to victory. I wish you all peace, kindness, and prosperity," said Igor Babushkin.

The "Golden Family" category featured eight families with a total of 24 members. These are families that have been married for at least 30 years — a shining example of family values, intergenerational ties, civic responsibility, patriotism, and active longevity.

The winners in this category were awarded by Lilia Gumerova, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture and Chair of the Organising Committee of the All-Russian contest "Family of the Year". She conveyed greetings to all participants on behalf of the Chair of the Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, and her colleagues in the upper chamber.

"When my colleagues and I summed up the results, we realised that this is one of the few contests where there are no losers — today you are all winners! Every year almost all regions of Russia take part, and large families already make up 85% of participants. It is especially moving to congratulate the winners in this category. We calculated that the combined length of marriage of the seven laureate families amounts to 388 years!" said Lilia Gumerova.

Another category, "Large Family", included 22 families comprising 169 people. These are families raising or having raised three or more children, including foster children. Particular attention is paid to their active civic engagement and participation in socially significant events in their districts, towns, or regions.

Awards in this category were presented by Deputy Chair of the State Duma, Anna Kuznetsova. According to her, the country’s well-being and the happiness of every person begin with a strong family. She recalled that ten years ago, when the contest was first launched in the regions, her own family also took part — at that time, she had four children instead of seven.

The "Rural Family" category featured 14 families with a total of 81 members. These families live in rural areas and form the backbone of their communities, achieving success in work, raising children, sports, and creativity, while actively participating in local life.

The winners in the "Rural Family" category were awarded by Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, who emphasised that families are Russia’s greatest pride.

The final category, "Young Family", included ten families (57 people in total), where the spouses are under 35 and are raising one or more children, including foster children. These families are known for their active participation in public, professional, and creative life, their love of sport, and commitment to a healthy lifestyle — embodying the harmony of family values and social responsibility. The awards were presented by Chair of the State Duma Committee on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood, and Childhood, Nina Ostanina.

The annual All-Russian contest "Family of the Year" celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. It is organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation, the Fund for Supporting Children in Difficult Life Situations, and regional executive authorities.

"Grand Style"

On 16 October, the opening of the All-Russian Conference of Literary Critics and Scholars "Grand Style" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA. The conference was organised by the Union of Writers of Russia in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Russian Book Union, the Russian State Library, the Institute of Scientific Information for Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences (INION RAS), the Russian society Znanie, the Moscow State Institute of Culture, and the Maxim Gorky Literature Institute.

The "Grand Style" conference became a platform for reflection on and development of a literary process that matches the scale of the modern era. The concept of the "grand style" in culture is characterised by an orientation towards higher meanings and values, epic scope, and philosophical depth.

Aide to the President of the Russian Federation and First Secretary of the Union of Writers of Russia, Vladimir Medinsky, noted that the "Grand Style" conference brought together 150 writers, literary scholars, critics, and lecturers from 33 Russian regions.

"Not long ago, an extraordinary congress of the Union of Writers of Russia took place, where a course was set for uniting different writers’ associations and consolidating the best part of our literary community under the Union of Writers of Russia. When we speak about writers, we mean everyone who works with words — literary critics, university lecturers, screenwriters, and playwrights. This task is now being addressed, and the process is not easy," explained Vladimir Medinsky.

Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Sergei Pershin emphasised that the foundation for new literary works can be the real stories of contemporary writers and poets who are living through the country’s current events alongside their people.

"The Ministry of Culture is now actively building cooperation with the creative community, particularly with the core creative unions. One of the leading unions here is the Union of Writers of Russia — a vibrant, dynamic organisation," he said.

Sergei Pershin also spoke about the initiatives of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. For example, this year the Ministry established a special award — the Alexander Tvardovsky Medal, named after the outstanding Soviet writer. It will be presented to authors who risk their lives alongside soldiers and document events in words.

The Ministry of Culture also decided to set up a special working group that will bring together the heads of the country’s major creative unions. Sergei Pershin noted that this is necessary to ensure clearer and better coordinated efforts among those committed to the cultural development of the country.

President of the Russian Book Union Sergei Stepashin raised an important issue related to children’s literature. He suggested that experts should consider how to make these books more appealing to the younger generation.

"The Russian Book Union and the Union of Writers are very active in children’s literature. Unfortunately, many talented Russian children’s authors remain almost unknown. Yet Russia leads in the number of children under 12 who read — this is a remarkable indicator. What matters most is what our children read and what they take with them into their adult lives," said Sergei Stepashin.

Maxim Dreval, Director General of the Russian society Znanie, agreed with this idea. He emphasised that literature is one of the most powerful tools for shaping personality and that the Union of Writers of Russia plays a vital role in developing Russian literature.

"It is essential to work with the younger generation to strengthen the role of literature in society, to sustain and enhance interest in reading, to nurture love for the Russian language, and to preserve its beauty and richness. In this regard, following the instruction of President Vladimir Putin, the Russian society Znanie has begun reviving recitation programmes. Across the country, literary clubs are being established in schools, hosting poetry evenings, discussions, and meetings with cultural figures," said Maxim Dreval.

The Director General of the Russian State Library, Vadim Duda, believes that the country’s library network can also help bring quality literature to readers.

"There are about 42,000 public libraries in Russia. This is a vast network providing access to wonderful books. We very much want all our libraries to have books that correspond to the country’s priorities and objectives. This is absolutely essential," he emphasised.

As part of the "Grand Style" conference, a panel discussion titled "Major Themes of Russia: 2025" was held, dedicated to the catalogue of the same name published by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The catalogue was compiled based on proposals from federal and regional authorities about the most relevant themes, important dates, human stories, and events. These stories are intended to inspire writers, musicians, artists, filmmakers, and other creative professionals to produce new works.

"This serves as a kind of communication bridge between the state and those who are ready to work with it under challenging conditions on the ideological and cultural front. The collection answers a few simple questions: what should writers be writing about today? what themes should artists explore? where can they find these themes, and how can they understand that these are the ones the country needs right now? We gathered 1,353 ideas from 46 federal authorities. All 89 regions of Russia took part. It weighs about one and a half kilograms and contains 550 pages," explained Sergei Pershin.

The catalogue contains 420 topics ranging from the preservation of cultural heritage and regional development to improving quality of life. It also presents more than 400 stories and events — biographies of cultural figures, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, and heroes of the special military operation. In addition, the catalogue includes 520 key dates — anniversaries of prominent individuals and cities, anniversaries of regional and institutional foundations, and national holidays commemorating the feats of the people.

One of the main topics of the "Major Themes of Russia: 2025" discussion was the development of the National Literary Award "Slovo" ("Word"). Sergei Stepashin invited participants to discuss possible nominees for this award.

The National Literary Award "Slovo" was established by the Union of Writers of Russia and the Russian Book Union with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. Its goal is to support Russian writers, encourage new literary exploration, and strengthen the traditional moral and spiritual values reflected in contemporary prose and poetry.

Based on the results of 2025, the award will be presented in seven categories: "Prose", "Poetry", "Documentary Literature", "Children’s and Family Reading", "Drama", "Literary Criticism", and "Translation" (from the languages of Russia’s peoples into Russian). The winners will be announced by 1 February 2026.

Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony at the National Centre RUSSIA

The National Centre RUSSIA continues to attract volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. On 17 October, it hosted a traditional ceremony of appreciation for the most dedicated helpers who took part in the volunteer programme from April to October 2025. A total of 52 volunteers received letters of gratitude.

"For the National Centre RUSSIA, this evening is truly special. It is filled with gratitude, warmth, and an immense sense of pride in you — those who made everything that has become part of the Centre’s great story possible. From April to October, 250 people took part in the volunteer programme. You completed 2,550 shifts, welcomed guests, and helped organise major events. There are the Wedding Festival, the Symposium 'Inventing the Future' and many others. You created an atmosphere that cannot be forgotten. Thank you for your work, for your love for people, and for your faith in Russia. May your experience at the National Centre RUSSIA become a school of leadership, inspiration, and inner strength," said Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Anastasia Zvyagina.

She added that preparations for the New Year have already begun at the venue. The programme will feature a new exposition, a large festive schedule including the Father Frost Festival, workshops, and a performance of "Morozko". "We invite you to continue working with us," she said.

The first award category recognised volunteers who took part in the highest number of shifts. The awardees included Lyudmila Tsingova, Tatyana Khromova, Lyudmila Savinykh, Yelena Medvedeva, Anna Chernyshova, Irina Panfilova, Svetlana Ponomaryova, Elza Zarubina, Ulyana Golubovskaya, and Lyubov Yefremova.

In the category "Uniting Hearts", volunteers who helped organise the All-Russian Wedding Festival were honoured. Deputy Head of the Youth Projects Department of the National Centre RUSSIA, Sergei Sokolov, presented certificates to Yelena Stegachyova, Vera Vakhaeva, Nikol Sarkisyants, Larisa Ivanova, Tatyana Sviridyuk, Svetlana Popova, Valentina Matveychuk, and Alexander Kuzin.

"I was responsible for a very important part about creating families and how love lives within them. It’s a touching moment for me personally: my wife and I are expecting a child. That’s why it’s doubly meaningful for me to present awards in this category. We are truly grateful to you, and I’m sure you can feel it. This gratitude comes from our entire team at the National Centre RUSSIA," said Sergei Sokolov.

The next category, "Into the Future", recognised volunteers who assisted guests during the International Symposium "Inventing the Future". The awards went to Alla Kvacheva, Milana Nikitina, Irina Ilyina, Vera Isayeva, and Anastasia Leonova.

Head of the Youth Policy, Sports and Tourism Department of the National Centre RUSSIA, Sergei Artamonov, presented awards in the "Multipotentials" category. Eleven volunteers were recognised — those who took part in the greatest number of the Centre’s events. Certificates were awarded to Marina Pavlova, Galina Igumnova and Yuri Igumnov, Viktoria Sokolova and Ksenia Sokolova, Svetlana Frolova, Natalia Balan, Yelena Bocharova, Natalia Go, Antonina Ivankova, and Dmitry Bogdanov.

"It has become a good tradition to say thank you. This is already the fifth ceremony this year. Over a hundred events take place here annually, including two major flagship ones in recent months. I want to thank everyone who consistently supports us. You always come to help and leave a piece of your heart in everything we do together," said Sergei Artamonov.

The ceremony concluded with the category "Soul of Russia". Certificates of gratitude for their significant contribution to the development and implementation of the National Centre RUSSIA’s volunteer programme were presented to Anna Udavenko, Valentina Tabachkova, Yuliya Vlasova, Yelena Samarkina, Mikhail Yermakov, Maria Panferova, Larisa Lebedeva, Anna Samsonenkova, Irina Martynova, Violetta Tyutyunik, Daniil Kambiev, Tatyana Kurnina, Anastasia Shchurina, Tatyana Gadomskaya, and Kristina Prusova.

The awards in this category were presented by Head of the Youth Policy Department of the National Centre RUSSIA, Ilya Yurchishin:

"The National Centre works as a living organism. And within this organism, the heart is you — the volunteers. You are always there where the soul is formed. Thank you for your work."

The volunteer programme of the National Centre RUSSIA brings together schoolchildren, students, young professionals, and senior volunteers. Open enrolment sessions are held during holidays as well as for special creative projects.