"Small Homeland — theSstrength of Russia": the first day of the forum concludes at the National Centre RUSSIA
The first day of the 3rd All-Russian Municipal Forum "Small Homeland — the Strength of Russia" has concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA. Among its key events were the signing of major agreements, the Twin Cities Forum, and the festival of cultures "Heart of the Motherland", dedicated to the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia. The event is being held on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. Around 7,000 representatives of the municipal community, federal and regional authorities, as well as more than 60 delegates from municipal administrations of foreign cities are taking part in the forum.
The forum opened with a formal ceremony presenting state awards of the Russian Federation and commendations from the President of Russia to representatives of the municipal community. First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation, Sergei Kiriyenko, addressed participants with a welcome speech, highlighting the special role of local government in achieving the country’s national development goals.
"Thank you for your selfless service, because it is truly a calling. Our President has repeatedly said that, of all levels of government, municipal service is closest to the people. You work directly with the problems, hardships and challenges that exist in every person’s life. Successful work in municipal service requires not only the highest level of professionalism and readiness to work 24/7, but also kindness and compassion. In our liberated and frontline regions, it also requires genuine personal courage. Thank you for your service," Sergei Kiriyenko addressed the forum participants.
A Master Lecture titled "The People’s Programme: The Role of the United Russia Party in the Country’s Socio-Economic Development" was delivered by Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev. He instructed that a legal framework be developed to protect municipal employees, and called on forum participants to contribute to shaping a new People’s Programme, including through initiatives to support veterans of the special military operation.
"One of the most important goals set by the President of our country is to reduce the social and technological disparities that exist between major cities and remote territories, between urban and rural areas, thereby ensuring balanced and steady development of the country," Dmitry Medvedev noted.
A Master Lecture by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation, Maxim Oreshkin, was also held as part of the first day. Maxim Oreshkin spoke about the trends shaping the trajectory of global development.
Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko, emphasised the role of local self-government as the foundation of Russian statehood and highlighted the contribution of women to the work of local authorities.
"Women perform this work excellently. At the same time, in terms of character, determination and patriotism, they are in no way inferior to men. We are competitive, and the fact that people elect women to local self-government bodies confirms this," Valentina Matviyenko said.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Marat Khusnullin, noted the role of municipalities in achieving results aimed at the country’s comprehensive development.
"The main asset of our country is its people. Where people live, infrastructure, business and services develop. If there are no comfortable conditions — healthcare, education, good roads and jobs — people will not stay in their localities. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the comprehensive development of all regions of the country. For this purpose, the national project "Infrastructure for Life" was launched. Last year, the commissioning of residential and non-residential property reached record levels in the country’s modern history — 150 million square metres. A key role in achieving these results is assigned to municipalities, because it is local government employees who work in cities and towns, communicate with residents, take on all challenges and implement tasks in practice. In recent years, those who have systematically developed their localities have indeed improved them and continue to do so steadily. The All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government helps to organise such work effectively. I am confident that our further joint teamwork — between the federal centre, regions and municipalities — despite all challenges, will continue to deliver tangible results for the benefit of Russian citizens," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Oksana Lut, spoke about the development of rural territories and the role of municipalities in ensuring the country’s food security: "Local self-government bodies play a key role in the development of rural areas. You understand better than anyone what specific localities need for their development and for improving the lives of people living in rural territories."
One of the key events of the day was the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between theDefenders of the Fatherland Foundation and the All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government (VARMSU). Under the agreement, the Foundation will open municipal branches in regions across the country, while VARMSU will provide systematic support for their launch. This decision will create a unified infrastructure of support for veterans of the special military operation and their families at the level of each municipality.
An important part of the first day’s programme was the Twin Cities Forum, which brought together more than 60 delegates from municipal administrations of foreign cities. Representatives of municipalities from Russia and partner countries discussed prospects for developing inter-municipal cooperation, exchanging best management practices, and implementing joint humanitarian, educational and cultural projects. Participants noted that municipal diplomacy is becoming an important element in strengthening international ties and shaping an objective image of Russia abroad.
The central cultural event of the first day of the forum was the festival named "Heart of the Motherland", dedicated to the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Guests explored the traditions, crafts, national cuisine and creative work of the peoples living in the regions of the country. The festival became a vivid demonstration that cultural diversity is the foundation of Russia’s unity and one of the key resources for the development of its territories.
Following the first day of the forum, concrete initiatives were developed regarding the support of municipal employees and veterans of the special military operation, as well as the development of rural territories, international cooperation between cities, and the spatial development of the country. The agreements signed and decisions adopted will have a direct impact on the quality of life in every municipality across Russia.
The organiser of the 3rd All-Russian Municipal Forum "Small Homeland — the Strength of Russia" is the All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government (VARMSU), with the support of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia.
Event photobank
A panel discussion "Integration of the Special Military Operation Heroes into Civilian Life" was held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the 3rd All-Russian Municipal Forum "Small Homeland — the Strength of Russia".
Guests not only observed the process but also asked the craftswomen about the meanings and the everyday life of the Khanty and Mansi peoples.
At the stand of the National Centre RUSSIA Department Store, a demonstration of Dymkovo toy painting took place.
