Youth Day opens at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of "Peoples of Russia" Week

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How do traditional values bring the peoples of Russia together, what do they mean to young people, and what role do the state and society play in preserving them? These questions were the focus of the panel session "Traditional Values as the Foundation for the Development of Modern Russia", held on 7 November at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of Youth Day at International Week "Peoples of Russia". One of the session's key topics was the role of the state and civil society institutions in preserving and strengthening traditional values. The Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Sergei Shoigu, addressed the participants.

"I welcome you to the main event of Youth Day, which is being held as part of International Week 'Peoples of Russia'. It is particularly significant because the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, has declared 2026 the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Our country has always been and remains a civilisation-state. Our strength lies in our historical memory, spiritual traditions, cultural continuity and unity as a multiethnic people. These values shaped Russian statehood over the centuries and guide us today. Traditional values are no abstract formula. They are the moral foundation of society. Presidential Executive Order No. 809 enshrines these values, which include life, dignity, patriotism, service to the Motherland, strong families, constructive work, justice, collectivism, historical memory and the unity of the peoples of Russia," said Sergei Shoigu in his welcome address.

He emphasised that our ancestors had established these values and moral principles over the centuries. They underpin our statehood, sustain every individual and family, and shape our culture and sovereign worldview.

Alongside the discussion of the work of the state and society, participants considered the worldview that underpins Russian identity. The session explored the values that have historically united the country's peoples. The Director of the Ivan Ilyin Higher School of Politics, an education and research centre at the Russian State University for the Humanities, philosopher and public figure Alexander Dugin, outlined how Russia defines its place in the world, what principles it draws on to assess events and what role history plays in this. He compared Russia's path with those of the West and China.

"Russia is a civilisation-state, and that is a very important statement. If we are a civilisation-state, one crucial conclusion follows: we are not part of another civilisation. We are a centre of civilisation, a centre of the world in a sense. For us, the values of our tradition and history, our state, our culture, our faith and our historical experience are the highest authority in deciding what is good or evil, what is necessary or unnecessary, and what is permitted or forbidden. Every civilisation has its own sense of time. In Western civilisation, time is understood in terms of technological development moving in a single direction. Chinese civilisation is different. It is highly successful in technology, but its sense of time is cyclical. So, to understand itself and rightfully become a fully fledged civilisation-state, Russia must have a historical dimension of its own. History is more than the past. History is our Russian time. It is the time of our civilisation, encompassing past, present and future," said the philosopher.

The discussion also examined how values are perceived in society today. Research makes it possible to compare the views of different groups and identify issues that call for a more focused discussion with young people. The Director General of the VCIOM Analytical Centre, Valery Fedorov, described how the state's approach to values has changed in recent years.

"The state openly acknowledged that development is impossible without attention to values, and that acknowledgement led to a systematic programme of work, from policies on pupils' and students' personal development in schools and universities to Executive Order No. 809 on traditional values. The results are visible. Already, 58% of the country's adult population are convinced that traditional spiritual principles should be followed whatever the circumstances. Patriotism has taken deep root in our society. It does not need to be drummed into people, and that is the clearest sign that these values are alive in them. We still have a lot of work to do with young people aged 18–24. Today, 63% of them choose flexibility over principles. That is precisely why events such as Youth Day matter. They give us room to make progress and start a real conversation about values," he explained.

Valery Fedorov added that, according to a representative nationwide survey conducted in July 2026, most adults believe people should remain true to traditional spiritual principles regardless of the circumstances. He also presented findings on how accurately people understand each of the 17 values set out in the executive order, which values resonate most strongly with the public and are best understood, and which principles shape the values of younger generations.

Passing values on to young people involves government and civic organisations as well as spiritual mentors. Father Kirill (Sladkov), Rector of the Church of St Nicholas in Pokrovskoye, Moscow, and Chair of the Youth Affairs Department of the Moscow Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, took part in the session.

"When we talk about Russia's spiritual path, I suggest looking at what faith has inspired people to do over the centuries. What books did they write, and what did they leave behind? How did they care for those who could not look after themselves? What did they draw strength from when the country went through difficult times? In troubled times, these become questions about our country's future. It is easier for society to withstand hardship when people trust one another, when they know that if they are in trouble, they will have someone to turn to and can count on their support. That kind of trust takes years to build. It depends on whether we keep our word in everyday life and continue to treat others with respect in difficult circumstances," said Father Kirill.

He said the way this experience is passed on to the younger generation is particularly important. He recalled that at a meeting of the Supreme Church Council, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill had called for close attention to what matters to young people and what troubles them. In parish work, this means that young people should have the opportunity to ask a question and mentors should have the time to listen.

One practical aspect of this work is preserving cultural diversity while strengthening a shared Russian civic identity. The Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "House of the Peoples of Russia", Anna Polezhayeva, explained how ties between peoples are formed and why projects in this field should be rooted in traditional values.

Another aspect is the language used to discuss values in public. Maria Dudko, Head of "Boundless", an agency that works with foreign bloggers, and Head of the project "More Precious Than Gold", explained why the experience of projects that engage with today's media and reach different audiences matters.

The discussion brought together representatives of government bodies, civic and religious organisations, researchers and creators of educational projects. It focused on traditional spiritual and moral values as the foundation of the worldview that shapes Russian identity, and on their significance for the country's future. Television presenter and public figure Ruslan Ostashko moderated the session.

Youth Day at International Week "Peoples of Russia" was organised by Rosmolodyozh as part of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Its programme brought together business, cultural and sporting events and expositions at the National Centre RUSSIA, along with regional events and an online campaign. These activities aim to strengthen a shared Russian civic identity and interethnic harmony among young people.