"Patriots of the Urals" forum gains nationwide status: results of the volunteer meeting summed up in Yugra

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The final session of the 5th Forum of volunteers and civic activists of the Ural Federal District "Patriots of the Urals" was held at the National Centre RUSSIA in Khanty-Mansiysk. Around 350 participants attended, including representatives of volunteer organisations, government authorities, veterans, public figures, and young people.

"Each forum shows that there is still work to be done and directions in which to move forward. It is through challenges that we become stronger, wiser, and more united," said Artyom Zhoga.

The event opened with an award ceremony recognising the best practices and teams from across the Ural Federal District — from the Kurgan region to the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area. The awards were presented by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Ural Federal District, Artyom Zhoga, who emphasised the importance of each participant’s contribution to the common cause.

During the final session, the key outcomes of the forum were summarised and new areas for the development of the volunteer movement were outlined.

Based on the work of the thematic sessions, participants developed a number of initiatives aimed at advancing humanitarian activities, patriotic media, and the involvement of children and young people in public projects. The proposals focus on systematising volunteer work, scaling successful practices, developing creative content, and strengthening the educational and methodological framework.

These initiatives received support and will be further developed in cooperation with relevant organisations and the regions. The focus is on replicating effective solutions, building coordination, and launching concrete projects, some of which are planned for implementation in the near future.

Particular attention was given to the development of the "Dobrosluzhashchiy" ("Kind Serviceman") project. It brings together state and municipal employees who, during their leave, travel to the regions of Donbas and frontline areas to assist civilians and servicemen in hospitals. As Artyom Zhoga noted, the project, successfully implemented in the region, is now expanding to the level of the entire district:

"We have decided that it will now become a district-wide project — all regions of the Ural Federal District will take part in it," he said.

The key outcome of the forum was the decision to scale it up. The "Patriots of the Urals" initiative has received support at the highest level:

"The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, has supported the idea of holding the forum at the national level. The sixth forum 'Patriots of the Urals' will be held as a nationwide event," Artyom Zhoga told participants.

The Governor of Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk, emphasised the importance of the forum as a platform that brings together the efforts of the state and society:

"Today, we have all shown how strong our country is, how rich it is in projects that create a reliable rear, support those on the front line, and shape the future. It is very important to hold such events together with the younger generation — to share one common story and to build the future of the country together," Ruslan Kukharuk addressed the participants.

A separate focus of the forum was work with children and young people. Chairman of the Board of the Movement of the First, Artur Orlov, noted that youth participation in the forum is an important step towards forming a responsible and engaged generation.

Executive Director of the Association of Veterans of the Special Military Operation, Dmitry Afanasyev, highlighted the special role of veterans in public life:

"There is not only a legal status of a veteran, but also a socially significant one — when a veteran works, implements projects, and takes part in educating young people," Dmitry Afanasyev said.

According to him, interaction between veterans and young people creates a sustainable system of mentorship and mutual support, and the projects being implemented are already demonstrating tangible social impact.

During the discussion, new initiatives aimed at the social integration and support of participants of the special military operation were also presented, including the "Legacy of the Special Military Operation" project focused on preserving cultural and human experience. Concluding the session, participants noted that the forum had become not only a platform for sharing practices, but also a point of consolidation for a unified community where decisions are formed that can influence the country’s development.

The "Patriots of the Urals" forum has confirmed its importance as an effective tool for uniting society, and its transition to the national level opens up new opportunities for the development of volunteering and civic initiatives.

News about the National Centre RUSSIA in Khanty-Mansiysk is available on its official accounts on ВКонтакте, Одноклассники, MAX and Telegram.