The "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" festival concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA

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More than 400 events and 650,000 livestream views, film premieres, and the gala concert "Contemporary Musical Map of Russia" — these were among the highlights of the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" festival, held from 31 October to 5 November. The results were summed up at the National Centre RUSSIA during the 13th meeting of the Security Council secretaries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

"Dear colleagues, today’s format is special. Our meeting marks the logical conclusion of the festival 'Peoples of Russia and the CIS', which took place over five days," said the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Sergei Shoigu, greeting the participants.

Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Alexei Shevtsov shared details of the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" forum, part of which was hosted at the National Centre RUSSIA. According to him, more than 400 business, educational, and cultural events took place in Moscow and across the regions.

"During the business sessions, participants discussed the implementation of state national policy and ways to improve its effectiveness, as well as key areas of humanitarian cooperation between Russia and the CIS countries. It is important to combine our efforts to counter destructive value-based expansion, prevent falsification of history, and curb the spread of pseudo-historical myths and concepts that could create tension between our peoples," said Alexei Shevtsov.

He noted that the festival events received extensive coverage not only in the media but also on online video platforms. Out of more than 650,000 views, 35% came from the CIS countries and about 30,000 from Western states where the broadcasting of Russian media is restricted.

As part of the festival, a film forum was held to present the capabilities of MosKino, the largest film production complex in Eastern Europe, to the heads of national film companies and to offer preferential conditions for launching new projects. In particular, an agreement was reached to produce a series titled "Iskra" ("Spark"), dedicated to the heroism of the peoples of the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War.

"Under the festival’s auspices, the Great Ethnographic Dictation was launched this year across all continents, including Antarctica. For the first time in its history — in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland — participants in the special military operation contributed their own questions," continued Alexei Shevtsov. "On National Unity Day, the gala concert 'Contemporary Musical Map of Russia' was a success. The festival confirmed the importance of continuing efforts to preserve and promote traditional spiritual and moral values, as well as the customs and heritage of the peoples of Russia and the CIS. Holding the festival on an annual basis will help strengthen friendship and partnership with the CIS countries across key areas of humanitarian cooperation."

The "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" International Festival took place from 31 October to 5 November at the National Centre RUSSIA, the World Trade Centre, and the MosKino Film Park. Participants were offered educational and cultural programmes, expositions, and workshops. The events were aimed at uniting representatives of government bodies and the expert community.

The festival was organised by the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs of Russia (FADN) in coordination with the Security Council Office of the Russian Federation, the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, with the participation of the Ministry of Culture of Russia, Rossotrudnichestvo, the Moscow Government, MosKino, Gazprom-Media Holding, RUTUBE, the Russian society Znanie, the Russian Geographical Society, ROSKINO, the Regional Film Support Foundation, and the Internet Development Institute.