Events digest: weekly highlights at the National Centre RUSSIA

A concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of Artek, the II All-Russian Forum of Rural Workers, events dedicated to Russian Language Day and the birthday of poet Alexander Pushkin, and more — in our weekly digest.

June 3. Moderators discussed the upcoming Symposium at the National Centre RUSSIA

A meeting was held with the moderators of the technological track of the II International Symposium "Inventing the Future," which will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA from October 7 to 8, 2025.

The Symposium will serve as a platform for the practical implementation of strategic national priorities, noted Yelena Ivannikova, Head of the Department for Priority Areas in Science and Technology of the Presidential Directorate for Science and Education Policy of the Russian Federation.

"The key focus areas for any scientific event, as well as for the entire scientific and technological complex of our country, are defined in the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development of Russia. Given the creative and visionary potential of the event, along with its international dimension, the Symposium is fully capable of delivering a high-quality and meaningful discussion on these topics," emphasised Yelena Ivannikova.

The moderators' meeting brought together leading experts from state organisations, corporations, and the Russian scientific community. The speakers identified the main areas that will form the foundation for the content of the upcoming Symposium, said Alexander Molchanov, Deputy Director General for Development and External Relations of the Autonomous noncommercial organization «Directorate of the Exhibition of Achievements "Russia"».

"Participants of the Symposium can expect updated presentation and educational formats, as well as an expert programme across four tracks: 'Technology', 'Society', 'Content about the Future', and 'Global Cooperation'. The 'Technology' track will focus on key applied innovations shaping the future here and now: product solutions for the future, including artificial intelligence and big data, space technologies, cybersecurity, development of new materials, and much more. Our shared task is not only to present and forecast the development of technology but also to engage and inspire the audience. Our video essay contest 'Dreams of the Future' once again demonstrated that the people of our country are techno-optimists, and the younger generation is eager to help create the future of their country," Alexander Molchanov emphasised.

One of the goals of the upcoming II International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is to explain complex technologies of the present and future in simple terms. As noted by the attendees, the Symposium will also highlight international scientific and technological cooperation, including within the BRICS+ framework.

June 4. Airat Bagautdinov presented his book on architect Shukhov

The reissued book "The World of Engineer Shukhov" tells the life story of Vladimir Shukhov, whose blueprints led to the creation of numerous masterpieces of engineering, including Russia’s first factories and oil pipelines. The publication is intended for family reading and will be of interest to both adults and young readers, noted the author, architectural and engineering historian, and founder of the project "Moscow Through the Eyes of an Engineer", Airat Bagautdinov.

"In my experience, children grasp everything related to engineering no worse than adults. Children's logic develops quite early. I’ve had examples where five-year-olds understood the principles of lattice structures better than many grown-ups. The most important thing is to talk to children as if they’re adults, using educational methods. For instance, interaction, as demonstrated in this book," shared Airat Bagautdinov.

The updated edition of "The World of Engineer Shukhov" was prepared in collaboration with the publishing house Alpina.Deti and supported by DOM.RF. It tells the story of a man who made an enormous contribution to construction and engineering thought, created four innovative structural types, and was a universal engineer. Vladimir Shukhov worked in the oil industry, boiler engineering, and bridge construction. One of his most famous creations is the Shukhov Radio and Television Tower. It is located in Moscow on Shukhov Street, near the television centre on Shabolovka.

Graduation of the Young Tour Guides School was held at the National Centre RUSSIA

For four months, children and teenagers aged 9 to 17 took part in the Young Tour Guides School at the National Centre RUSSIA. They explored the fundamentals of the profession and acquired both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. On June 4, the first cohort celebrated their graduation.

Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, congratulated the graduates. She noted that the young guides had come a long way — they had grown more mature, gained self-confidence, and learned how to present information about Russia in an engaging and lively manner.

"Over four months, you’ve done tremendous work: you’ve learned about Russia’s history and culture, developed observation skills, learned to ask questions and find answers, and how to speak correctly. You’ve guided tours for many guests — your families, Artek team leaders, a Hero of Russia, and even the President of our country. Thanks to you, visitors have seen Russia from a new perspective," said Anastasia Zvyagina.

All graduates of the Young Tour Guides School received certificates of completion. The next term will begin in September, offering 60 spots — twice as many as in the first cohort.

The Young Tour Guides School project launched on February 1 at the National Centre RUSSIA as a continuation of the tradition established during the International RUSSIA EXPO. During the sessions, participants immersed themselves in history and art, explored the country’s cultural legacy, practised speech techniques, and developed public speaking skills.

A grand festive concert held in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Artek International Children’s Centre was held

Participants of the celebration were welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergei Kravtsov.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that this event marked the beginning of a large-scale marathon of festivities dedicated to Artek’s centenary. Dmitry Chernyshenko added that the President had instructed the creation of an organising committee, which prepared an extensive programme of celebratory events, including a rocket launch, the production of documentary films, the issuing of commemorative medals and postage stamps, and much more. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone contributing to the development of the educational system.

To mark Artek’s anniversary, a commemorative badge of honour, "Camp Counsellor of Russia," was established for significant contributions to the upbringing and education of the younger generation. A competition of the same name will be launched soon. Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the first award to Roza Yakovlevna Shatyro from the Republic of Tatarstan, a camp counsellor at Artek in 1965–1966 and an Honoured Teacher of the Russian Federation.

Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov took to the stage alongside Valentina Nikolaevna Cherkasova. As a child, she survived the Siege of Leningrad and, after the war, in 1949, spent time at Artek. Together, they performed the song "The Artek Oath," written by Pionerskaya Pravda journalists Vladimir Boganov and Anatoly Anufriyev.

The anniversary concert was attended by representatives of 89 Russian regions, including Ministers of Education, heads of federal subjects, children recognised as Artek stars over the years, and veterans of the Artek International Children’s Centre. In addition, foreign delegations from around 30 countries also took part in the event.

Private screening of the documentary "Thy Will" was held

The documentary "Thy Will" by director Yekaterina Arkalova explores the destruction of Orthodox holy sites in conflict zones in Donbass, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions. It stands as a powerful testimony to the resilience, faith, and selflessness of the Russian people. The screening was organised by the ANO Producer Centre Integration in cooperation with the Rushelp Charitable Foundation and the Nikita Tomilin Foundation.

The film tells the stories of people who, despite war and shelling, not only preserve but also restore churches, bringing life back to places once filled with the sounds of gunfire. The screening left a strong emotional impact on the audience — figures from culture, politics, public organisations, and the clergy. According to the director, the idea for the film came from personal experience.

"When your country is in trouble, you cannot make any other kind of film. I wanted to tell the story of war — without the war itself. A story about people who didn’t abandon churches under fire, but stayed behind to save others," said Yekaterina Arkalova.

June 5. A meeting dedicated to pushkin’s legacy held as part of the Literary Club "What to Read?!"

The event was hosted by Alexei Chesnakov, Head of the Academic Council of the Centre for Political Conjuncture, Professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, and author of the Telegram channel Chesnakov.Library.

Participants discussed cultural, social, political, and other aspects of language development, as well as how language is changing in the context of digitalisation. Special attention was given to the role of Pushkin in the formation of the Russian literary language.

"Of course, Pushkin didn’t invent the Russian language. But he was the one who managed to transform new norms into achievements that became standards — to turn spoken language into something literary and codified. Thanks to him, society realised that it was possible to speak beautifully not only in French," said Alexei Chesnakov.

The evening’s guest speaker was Russian educator, entrepreneur, publisher and editor-in-chief of Children’s Encyclopedia Avanta+, public figure, and laureate of both the Presidential Award in Education and the Znanie Award, Maria Aksenova. She emphasised that acquiring new knowledge about language and broadening one’s horizons is vital — even if you are a genius.

June 6. The II All-Russian Forum of Rural Workers concluded

The II All-Russian Forum of Rural Workers addressed issues related to rural development, digitalisation, and support for farming. The event featured the opening of the Sophia Festival of Orthodox Culture, a meeting with the Chair of the Federation Council, and round tables with the Minister of Agriculture.

During the forum, the All-Russian Forum "Transformation of State and Municipal Governance in the Paradigm of a New Model for Spatial Development: Challenges for Rural Areas and Small Towns" was also held. Experts discussed key sectoral topics such as engaging young people in implementing the main directions of Russia’s spatial development strategy, creating comfortable working conditions for young people in rural areas, rural economic development, the introduction of lean production, rural GR tools, public health management in rural areas and small towns, and the development of specialised managerial education.

June 7. Results were announced for the VII International Contest "Tell the World About Your Motherland"

The awards ceremony honoured over 60 talented children, teenagers, and adult participants from 22 Russian regions and 21 countries.

A total of 7,407 entries from children, teenagers, and youth teams from 89 Russian regions and 54 countries were selected for the contest. Over the seven years of the contest's existence, more than 25,000 entries from participants in 83 countries around the world have been reviewed.

The combined number of people involved in the project — including contestants, creative mentors, teachers, and experts — exceeded 100,000. The expert council and contest jury comprised 125 professionals, including schoolteachers, university lecturers, and public figures from 32 Russian regions and 5 foreign countries.

In preparing their contest entries, participants of various age groups chose events, traditions, or memorable landmarks of their homeland that were most meaningful to them and presented them to peers from Russia and abroad through different formats — video, drawings, or presentations.

The concert programme featured performances by popular artists, pop ensembles, the children's musical theatre Domisolka, and even a professional ballet troupe. Following the awards ceremony, laureates and guests took part in an interactive 90-minute exposition-tour "Journey Across Russia."

June 8. Event dedicated to Alexander Pushkin was held within the project "Masterpieces. The Best of Russia"

The audience learned fascinating facts from the poet’s biography and explored his invaluable contributions to Russian and world literature, culture, the arts, and the Russian language itself.

"Pushkin was not just an innovator — he was the creator of the new Russian literary language. He alone transformed the language of the Russian Empire, and there has never been anyone else like him. In my lecture, I tried to trace and explain how one person managed to achieve what not even an entire nation could before or after. Events like this are so important because we speak the Russian language — all of us are citizens of the Russian Federation and heirs to Alexander Sergeyevich," emphasised Denis Lizin, news presenter for Radio 7 on Seven Hills, participant in the All-Russian movement "Inspirationists," and author of the lecture "The Sun of Russian Poetry: Pushkin’s Genius and His Role in the Formation of National Culture."

The lecture was accompanied by live creative performances. The romance "I Still Recall a Wondrous Moment," set to Pushkin’s poem, was performed by actress of the Moscow Theatre-Studio of Vsevolod Shilovsky, singer and graduate of VGIK and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Yulia Tkach.

Yulia Latysheva, actress of the Moscow Theatre of Vsevolod Shilovsky and member of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia, recited one of the most famous and moving excerpts from the novel Eugene Onegin — "Tatyana’s Letter." A poem dedicated to the poet’s beloved nanny, Arina Rodionovna, was performed by Viktoria Parkhomenko, actress of the Moscow Theatre of Vsevolod Shilovsky and member of the Union of Cinematographers of Russia.

At the interactive workshop "Speech Accents", conducted by Yulia Latysheva, guests of the National Centre RUSSIA practised techniques for placing vocal emphasis. These skills will help make speech more expressive and enable the creation of vivid and memorable verbal imagery — both on stage and in everyday life.

The evening concluded with a collective reading of the famous passage from Pushkin’s poem Ruslan and Lyudmila — "By Lukomorye stands an oak tree green."