Events digest: highlights of the week at the National Centre RUSSIA
The 20th anniversary of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" International Festival, the Znanie.Science educational marathon, the opening of the Far East Region Days, and other major events took place this week at the National Centre RUSSIA.
Vladimir Putin congratulated the Civic Chamber of Russia on its anniversary
The Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation celebrated its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the "Community" forum opened at the National Centre RUSSIA on 31 October, bringing together over five thousand civic activists. The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, addressed the participants in a video message.
"This year the forum is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Civic Chamber — a key institution of organised civil society. Its activities cover nearly all socially significant areas of life. A wealth of positive experience has been gained, including in improving legislation. The concept of public oversight was established, along with the institution of public monitoring commissions. I would also like to note the work done to develop the public election monitoring system, which has now become an integral part of Russia’s electoral process," said Vladimir Putin.
During the thematic session, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin presented key projects under the national goal "A Comfortable and Safe Environment for Life".
"The Spatial Development Strategy of Russia until 2030, with projections up to 2036, defines the foundations of national growth and the principles of territorial development. Its main goal is to create a unified and balanced system connecting all regions and settlements. The era of change has shown our ability to adapt quickly, and we will continue to move confidently towards our goals as a united team," said Marat Khusnullin.
According to him, the key element of the national project "Infrastructure for Life" is the development of housing construction. By 2030, one third of the housing stock is planned to be renewed.
First International Eurasia Award
The National Centre RUSSIA hosted the International Eurasia Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to the development of Eurasian countries in preserving traditional values, culture, education, volunteering, public diplomacy and historical truth. The contest received over 3,700 applications from 27 countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, Italy, Spain, and others.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia and Press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov presented the award in the nomination "Bridges of Friendship" for fostering international cooperation in the social, economic and cross-cultural spheres.
"What the ANO ‘Eurasia’ is doing is a noble task — nurturing the historical sense of unity among our peoples. It is a good cause to bring people together so that they can discuss the common values they share, and their shared vision of how states should coexist and cooperate. It is about finding ways to implement important projects together without infringing on one another’s interests," said Dmitry Peskov.
One of the most prestigious categories, "Voice of Eurasia: Inspire", recognised media projects that promote intergenerational dialogue through modern formats. The award was presented by Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Natalia Virtuozova.
"My father is from Tajikistan, my mother and older sister are from Uzbekistan, and I was born in Georgia. I spent my childhood with my grandmothers — in Fergana and Gissar. On one street you can find Tajiks, Uzbeks, Armenians, Tatars, and Russians living side by side. Everyone is friends, visits one another, cooks pilaf together. It has always been that way, and I am sure it always will be," said Natalia Virtuozova.
The "Far Eastern Express" train was launched on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line of the Moscow Metro on 1 November. One of its themed carriages is dedicated to the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region, which opened in early September 2025. Passengers can see the volcanoes of Kamchatka and the Vostochny Cosmodrome, explore the cultural diversity of the region, learn Far Eastern recipes and discover opportunities for work and study.
"The launch of the 'Far Eastern Express' has become a good tradition. This year marks the eighth ceremonial departure of the train. The 'Far Eastern Express' invites Moscow Metro passengers on a journey across all 11 regions of the Far Eastern Federal District to discover the Far East," said Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev.
Results of the Moscow Tax Service’s performance over nine months
The results of the Moscow branch of the Federal Tax Service for the first nine months of 2025 were discussed on 30 October at an expanded meeting of the Board of the Moscow Directorate of the Federal Tax Service held at the National Centre RUSSIA. The meeting was chaired by the Head of the Directorate, Marina Tretyakova. Participants included Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin, Head of the Federal Tax Service Daniil Yegorov, deputy heads and department directors of the Directorate, as well as heads of subordinate tax inspectorates across Moscow.
Sergei Sobyanin congratulated the Directorate’s employees on the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Russia’s tax authorities and thanked them for creating a world-class service in terms of quality and performance.
"Many of the technologies developed and implemented by Russia’s tax authorities have no equivalent in other countries," stressed the Mayor of Moscow.
Opening of the "Days of the Far East Regions" exposition
The exposition "Days of the Far East Regions" opened at the National Centre RUSSIA on 1 November. The programme includes events devoted to education, career opportunities, social and economic development, and tourism in the Far East. The exposition will run until 30 November.
A themed exposition has been set up in the west entrance hall of the venue. Visitors can learn about the accelerated development of Far Eastern regions, support programmes for young families and students, the cultural heritage of the area, and the heroic deeds of people from the Far East. The exposition also covers the implementation of national projects and patriotic education of young people.
As part of the business and educational programme, meetings with government representatives and experts, a school students’ forum, an online quiz and other events will take place.
Znanie.Science Educational Marathon
For two days, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted over five thousand school students, university students and young scientists from 80 regions of Russia and from Abkhazia. They met with leading scientists, government officials, business leaders and media representatives. Participants also took part in interactive scientific experiments, workshops, quizzes and prize draws, and received more than four thousand books from the Znanie.Library.
"Science is about the sovereignty of our country — in many different areas. Science builds bridges between nations. It is important to talk about science to attract more young talented specialists and to help school students choose professions in this field. It is good that many parents today want a future in science for their children," emphasised Director General of the Russian society Znanie Maxim Dreval.
The programme opened with several major cultural and educational events.
Seven film screenings at once were held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the film forum of the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" International Festival.
The folk calendar in Russia guided people not only through festive and rest days.