The First All-Russian Youth Customs Forum opens at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The National Centre RUSSIA hosted the opening ceremony of the First All-Russian Youth Customs Forum, marking the 35th anniversary of the Federal Customs Service. Held under the motto "Youth. Customs. State. Future.", the event brought together representatives of customs authorities from across the country, including the central office of the Federal Customs Service, the Russian Customs Academy and its branches, as well as young professionals ready to contribute fresh ideas for the development of one of the country's key public institutions.

A welcome address from the Head of the Federal Customs Service of Russia, Valery Pikalyov, was delivered by his Deputy, Olga Smolyaga.

"As the Federal Customs Service marks its 35th anniversary, we are launching a new platform for professional dialogue, the exchange of ideas and the search for solutions that will contribute to the further development of the customs service. The forum's key participants are you — proactive, talented and committed young customs officers. It is you who will determine what the customs service of tomorrow will look like. I am confident that young people are capable of proposing bold, unconventional and effective approaches to innovation, making our work more up-to-date, efficient and user-friendly. May this forum mark the beginning of new traditions, new opportunities and new achievements for our young professionals," Valery Pikalyov addressed the participants.

The opening ceremony also included an awards presentation. Customs officers from various regions of Russia received letters of appreciation from the Head of the Federal Customs Service of Russia and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodyozh) in recognition of their professional achievements, active civic engagement and contribution to the implementation of youth policy.

Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova also addressed the participants.

"I am confident that the First All-Russian Youth Customs Forum will become a lasting tradition, helping us to gain an even deeper understanding of the role of the customs service. Thank you for inspiring students through your personal example: one of the most competitive areas of study has always been, and remains, customs administration. From Kaliningrad to Sakhalin, you safeguard the borders of our Motherland, and for you, 'service' is not just a word but a daily code of ethics. I very much hope that the forum will expand to include university students, allowing those in their final years to aspire to stand on this stage, receive awards and understand that our shared service is essential to ensuring that our great Russia continues to develop while preserving and strengthening its sovereignty in every sphere," said Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova.

The forum programme opened with the plenary session "Implementing Youth Policy: Opportunities for Young People", which served as a platform for developing innovative approaches to youth policy within the customs authorities in line with the key provisions of the Federal Customs Service Development Strategy through 2030. Alexander Mashkovtsev, Chairman of the All-Russian Union of Customs Service Veterans; Irina Karikh, Deputy Director General for Development at the Russian society Znanie; Sergei Gorbunov, First Deputy Head of the Executive Committee of the People's Front All-Russian Public Movement; Ksenia Yanova, Deputy Chair of the Board of the Movement of the First; and other speakers presented young participants with a comprehensive overview of opportunities for professional and personal fulfilment in public service. They also put forward proposals for the further development of the Federal Customs Service and its cooperation with partner organisations.

One of the forum's key events was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Federal Customs Service and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodyozh). The agreement was signed by Olga Smolyaga, Deputy Head of the Federal Customs Service, and Denis Ashirov, State Secretary and Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodyozh).

The forum is organised by the Federal Customs Service of Russia with the support of Rosmolodyozh, the Russian society Znanie, and the National Centre RUSSIA.