Strength in diversity: interfaith forum brought together young people from across Russia at the National Centre RUSSIA

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Spiritual foundations and traditional values are the true strength of our people, regardless of faith. On 23 November, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the International Interfaith Youth Forum organised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia. The event brought together more than 600 leaders of traditional denominations, representatives of public authorities, experts and students.

The atmosphere of spiritual unity was set from the very first moments by the Choir of Seminarians of the Sretensky Theological Academy, who performed the National Anthem of the Russian Federation. This was followed by a welcome message addressed to the participants from the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, Sergei Kiriyenko.

"People of various faiths and cultures have lived on our land throughout history. The traditional religions of Russia have had a significant impact on shaping our spiritual and moral values and have formed the rich legacy of Russia as a civilisation-state. In this diversity lie our strength and vast potential. The issues placed on the forum’s agenda are dictated by life itself and undoubtedly require reflection in the format of open interfaith dialogue," the message said.

Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Valery Falkov, addressed the audience with words of guidance. He emphasised that, following the President’s instructions and within the national project "Youth and Children", the Ministry is creating conditions for each person’s potential to be realised and for nurturing a harmonious and socially responsible individual. According to the Minister, the forum is seen by the organisers as the first step in preparing for the upcoming Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, as the experience of constructive interfaith dialogue helps all citizens of the country recognise themselves as one nation.

"Preparations for the forum lasted throughout the year and covered the entire country. Across all regions of our Motherland, more than 350 meetings between students and representatives of traditional faiths were held, with more than 25,000 participants in total. I hope the forum will be especially meaningful for our students, help them find answers to many questions and inspire them in their own spiritual search. Traditional spiritual and moral values shared by the overwhelming majority of our citizens are the foundation that unites Russian society, helps it withstand any challenges and prevail," Valery Falkov noted in his address.

On behalf of the Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), Grigory Gurov, his deputy, Yuri Leskin, addressed the forum participants.

"There is a strong conviction that our shared work, primarily aimed at strengthening traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, will continue to yield increasingly impressive and tangible results. We will therefore carry on in this direction, using formats that are meaningful and engaging for young people. This work comes from the heart and soul, and in this we are fully aligned with the religious communities. I sincerely hope that this spiritual foundation, which believers possess regardless of their denomination, remains with you – and that you share it with those around you," Grigory Gurov said in his message.

A welcome message was also sent by Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation and Chair of the State Fund for Supporting Participants of the Special Military Operation "Defenders of the Fatherland", Anna Tsivileva: "Today, we are gathered here because we care about our shared future. United by common values, we become a powerful force capable of meeting any challenge. This forum is a unique space for sincere dialogue. It is here that mutual understanding is born – something without which the harmonious development of society is impossible. I wish you productive discussions, bold ideas and new inspiring connections. May your voices be heard, and may your joint efforts strengthen the foundation of spiritual and moral values for future generations."

Leaders of traditional faiths also addressed the forum participants. They emphasised that the main goal of the forum is to harmonise interreligious relations and develop interfaith dialogue and cooperation based on a shared commitment to traditional spiritual and moral values.

Throughout the day, the forum hosted sessions on the most relevant issues of contemporary spiritual and social life: "Religious Traditions and Family Values", "Timeless Values in the Smartphone Era: How Not to Lose Sight of What Matters Amid the Information Noise?", "Religion and Identity: A Modern Perspective", "God Is Not from the Machine: Artificial Intelligence and Religion", "Compassion: From Words to Action. Social Projects of Traditional Faiths", as well as the round-table discussion "New Chersonese: Experience of Spiritual and Educational Work with Youth" and many other events.

The International Interfaith Youth Forum became a major platform for promoting traditional spiritual and moral values among young people. The event was organised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, with the Russian State University named after A.N. Kosygin acting as the operator.