The strength of Russia lies in its people: the All-Russian Patriotic Forum has opened at the National Centre RUSSIA
On 7 December, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the ceremonial opening of the All-Russian Patriotic Forum – a key event in the field of patriotic education. In the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, the main theme of the Forum is honouring the heroes who defended the Motherland across different periods of history – from the era of Alexander Nevsky and the years of the Great Patriotic War to today’s defenders taking part in the special military operation.
The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, addressed the participants, organisers and guests of the Forum.
"I extend my greetings on the occasion of the opening of the All-Russian Patriotic Forum, taking place in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. Your traditional meeting once again brings together a large, united team – participants and veterans of the special military operation, representatives of military-patriotic centres, public, youth and volunteer organisations, the media, teachers and mentors from different regions of our country. Those who set a worthy example of active civic engagement and devotion to the Motherland. Through your work and achievements, you contribute to solving important social and other tasks that directly determine people’s well-being, quality of life and the development of Russia as a strong, sovereign state. I would like to stress that your personal example, knowledge, talent and energy help nurture the younger generation on enduring spiritual, moral and patriotic ideals and values. I would especially note your continuous attention to historical education and to preserving the memory of the feats of all generations of our country’s defenders," reads the message delivered by Hero of the Russian Federation, Aide to the Presidential Directorate for Public Projects, Alexei Romanov.
Speaking on his own behalf, Alexei Romanov highlighted the inseparable link between military heroism and the labour that supports the country behind the lines.
"We often speak of the feat of the people who defended our country during the Great Patriotic War. But one must not only defend – one must also have something to defend. Today, this hall brings together committed, thoughtful people capable of defending our Motherland, standing at the machines, creating new things, and even defending our interests on sports arenas. And I am glad that we have such remarkable young people, into whose hands we will entrust the history of our country," concluded Alexei Romanov.
Head of the Rospatriotcentre of Rosmolodezh, Yelena Belikova, noted that the Forum became the culminating event of the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and had expanded far beyond the national level. She also recalled that the Forum was preceded by regional programmes in more than 20 Russian regions, as well as the All-Russian campaign "March of the Victory Banner", which culminated in a ceremonial procession to Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow.
"Today we are joined by participants from 25 countries, and it is probably more accurate to say that this is no longer an all-Russian, but an international Forum – and that is wonderful. The Forum’s motto, ‘The strength of Russia lies in its people’, could not be more accurate. This hall brings together students, mentors, teachers, members of the Yunarmiya, cadets. Look how many of us there are – more than four thousand participants. This shows that we are like-minded people working together on a great common cause. And I truly hope that this Forum will become a powerful impetus on the path to addressing the tasks that our time sets before us," said Yelena Belikova.
Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) Yegor Litvinenko drew attention to the importance of mentorship and personal example in patriotic education.
"Working in warm offices, we must do even more for the sake of our native land. Because it is only through personal example that we can educate young people and show what true traditional values and service to the Motherland mean. It is especially important that the Forum has brought together representatives of organisations that directly shape young people as individuals. And, of course, mentors. Because it is mentorship that helps develop value-based guidance and build a path for personal growth. And patriotism also means being there for one another – it is here that real and lasting foundations for the future are built," said Yegor Litvinenko.
The All-Russian Patriotic Forum is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 7 to 10 December. This large-scale event has brought together more than 4,000 representatives of patriotic communities from across Russia and friendly countries. The Forum is organised by the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Rospatriotcentre" of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), the Russian society Znanie, the Movement of the First and the All-Russian Military-Patriotic Public Movement "YUNARMIYA".
The Forum’s programme includes expert and discussion sessions, round tables, briefings, meetings with Heroes of the Russian Federation and other events. An important highlight will be the award ceremony for the laureates of the National "Patriot" Prize.
The kind-hearted mountain elder Mityn Dada from North Ossetia – Alania arrived in Moscow.
The All-Russian Patriotic Forum is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 7 to 10 December.
