"Together, we always win": Alexander Karelin at the Catherine Forum at the National Centre RUSSIA

Russia is a distinct civilisation and a "sanctuary" for family values. It appeals to those who want to make their lives there, and its development rests on openness and fair competition: the country wins when it comes together, while newcomers acquire responsibilities alongside rights. This was the message shared by Russian Federation Senator and member of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Alexander Karelin during the III International Catherine Forum, which was held at the National Centre RUSSIA on 13 October.

Addressing the session's participants, Alexander Karelin discussed what distinguishes Russia from other countries and makes it attractive to those ready to build their lives there: "What matters most is the desire to bring together everyone whose contribution Russia values. This is mutually beneficial cooperation based on mutual respect, which strengthens competition within the country and therefore encourages us to become stronger, because only fair competition gives us that opportunity. In this regard, I can say: together, we win. We always win. Since the time of Alexander III, the principle has been very clear: becoming a Russian subject gives you not only rights but also a share of the responsibilities. So everyone is welcome, on our terms: the territory is vast, and there is enough work for everyone."

In his address, the senator noted that the country's multinational character, with national languages holding official status alongside Russian in a number of republics, ensures mutual understanding and unity among the peoples of Russia.

Alexander Karelin also thanked the Head of the Federal National-Cultural Autonomy of Russian Germans, Konstantin Matis, for his work preparing the forum over many years. He said that combining German technological expertise with Russian generosity makes large-scale transformation possible.

The forum brought together more than 1,300 participants from 55 countries. The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, welcomed participants and guests in a message read out by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and Chair of the Presidium of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations, Magomedsalam Magomedov. The Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service and Chair of the Russian Historical Society, Sergei Naryshkin, also delivered a welcome address. The plenary session "What Does It Mean to Be 'One of Us' in a Multiethnic Russia?" also featured the Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, and the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma and Chair of the Assembly of the Peoples of Russia, Vladimir Vasilyev.

The International Catherine Forum has been held in Russia since 2023. It is organised by the All-Russian Public-State Organisation "Assembly of the Peoples of Russia" and the Federal National-Cultural Autonomy of Russian Germans, with support from the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations, the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs and the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.