Results of "Sodruzhestvo": expert-youth dialogue held at the National Centre RUSSIA
The panel discussion "Russia. Time to Dream and Act" was held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the All-Russian Educational and Creative Festival "Sodruzhestvo" ("Commonwealth"). The open dialogue brought together 150 schoolchildren and college students from 23 regions of the country. Ahead of Russia Day, they discussed civic identity, historical memory, the unity of the peoples of Russia and opportunities for young people’s self-realisation with representatives of government bodies and public organisations.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects Alexander Zhuravsky, Head of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs Igor Barinov, Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation Yana Lantratova, Director General of the Russian society Znanie Maxim Dreval, and Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Anastasia Zvyagina. The meeting was moderated by Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "House of the Peoples of Russia" Anna Polezhayeva.
"When we talk about the unity of the peoples of Russia, we are talking first and foremost about civic unity. What unites all of us, representatives of different peoples, is that we are citizens of Russia. Russian citizenship gives us opportunities for self-realisation, and our rights, including linguistic, ethnocultural and religious rights, stem from our citizenship. Today, cultural diversity is the norm in our country, and Russia remains a country that values and carefully preserves the culture of the peoples who inhabit it," Alexander Zhuravsky said.
Guests of the "Sodruzhestvo" Festival also explored the "Geography Lessons" exposition. A guided tour was held for the participants, allowing them to immerse themselves in the country’s cartographic legacy and see how Russia’s borders and perceptions of its territory have changed over the centuries.
The central topic of the discussion was the role of young people in preserving the cultural diversity of the peoples of Russia and strengthening civic unity. The participants discussed the significance of public holidays, the importance of preserving historical memory, modern projects for young people and the image of a hero of our time.
"Russia is a country of limitless opportunities. We are the largest country in the world, and this is not a coincidence, but the achievement of our ancestors, who gave a great deal for it. This is a legacy we can and should be proud of. The National Centre RUSSIA was created by our President, Vladimir Putin, including to help young people fulfil their potential. We have the Young Journalists School and the Young Tour Guides School, and the Space of Opportunities is open, where children can come and try their hand at journalism. We host large-scale events, including educational and cultural ones. And all this is completely free. Use the limitless opportunities your country gives you," Anastasia Zvyagina noted.
Director General of the Russian society Znanie Maxim Dreval emphasised that education and awareness are the foundation of mutual understanding between people and peoples.
"Any strong relationship, whether between two people or two peoples, is always based on mutual understanding. But for this, we need to know each other well. It is especially important to learn the truth about our shared history, common challenges, victories and heroic feats. This helps shape a common identity and respect for each other’s culture and traditions. Knowledge and education are the foundation of this unity," Maxim Dreval said.
The discussion about modern heroes drew great interest from the participants. The speakers agreed that heroes today are not only defenders of the Fatherland, but also scientists, volunteers, doctors, teachers, athletes and everyone whose work contributes to the country’s development and helps others.
At the end of the meeting, the participants had the opportunity to ask the guests questions about choosing a profession, public work, volunteering and personal responsibility for the country’s future. According to the organisers, such open dialogues help young people not only receive answers to pressing questions, but also find their own points of reference for further development.
The event became one of the key events of the "Sodruzhestvo" Festival, which is being held in the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. The festival is organised by the All-Russian Public Movement for Promoting the Personal Development and Civic Education of Children and Young People "Sodruzhestvo". The co-organisers of the event are the Federal State Budgetary Institution "House of the Peoples of Russia" and the Russian society Znanie. The project is being implemented as part of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia with the support of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs, the I.I. Savvidi Charitable Foundation and the Presidential Grants Foundation.
