Laureates of the All-Russian Award "Pride of the Nation — 2026" honoured at the National Centre RUSSIA

A ceremony honouring the laureates of the VII All-Russian Public Award "Pride of the Nation — 2026" for their personal contribution to ethnocultural development and strengthening the unity of the peoples of Russia was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. The nationwide contest, which recognises and rewards people whose work strengthens interethnic harmony, preserves cultural legacy and fosters unity among the peoples of Russia, brought together almost 1,500 nominees from 84 Russian regions. The event formed part of International Week "Peoples of Russia", being held from 2 to 8 November in accordance with the Presidential Executive Order of 1 June 2026, in the year declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, sent a message to the participants, organisers and guests of the ceremony. The message was read out by the Chair of the All-Russian Public-State Organisation "Assembly of the Peoples of Russia" and Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vasilyev.

"Today, representatives of civic, youth, volunteer and national cultural associations and the media, teachers, folk artists and museum professionals have gathered at the National Centre RUSSIA. They are talented, remarkable people of whom our Motherland is rightly proud. Their productive work, creative energy and sincere desire to contribute to preserving our country's rich historical, cultural and spiritual legacy and strengthening interethnic peace and harmony deserve profound recognition. They also set a worthy example of true dedication and selflessness. I would like to emphasise that this year's award holds particular significance: it recognises the achievements of 2026, which was declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, and becoming a laureate is both an honour and a responsibility," the head of state's message reads.

Vladimir Vasilyev, in turn, noted that in today's circumstances it is particularly important to value those who contribute every day to preserving the unity of the peoples of Russia, and thanked the award laureates for their work.

"Today, there is not a single family without patriots, because we understand very well that unity has always secured a glorious future for Russia and made heroes of one generation after another. On behalf of my colleagues, I wish everyone a happy National Unity Day and thank you for your personal contribution to cultural development and strengthening the unity of the peoples of Russia. The 'Pride of the Nation' Award is being presented for the seventh time, and the contest gains momentum every year. This year, 1,470 applications were received from the country's regions — almost twice as many as last year. More than 580 people have become laureates since the award was established, and 30 laureates are here in this hall today. Let us welcome them, and may the number of winners grow every year," said Vladimir Vasilyev.

Winners were selected in seven main categories: "Serving the Unity of the Peoples of Russia", "Native Languages of the Peoples of Russia", "Culture of the Peoples of Russia", "Multinational Russia in the Media", "Best Ethnocultural Practices", "Effective Leader" and "Generation Intellect". A special category, "The Energy of Unity", was also introduced for the VII Award to mark the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

The award laureates represent a wide range of fields: educators and cultural figures, journalists and civic leaders, custodians of native languages and creators of ethnocultural projects. Their stories clearly demonstrate that unity is built through daily work, respect and interest in one another.

"For me, receiving this award is, above all, recognition of the tremendous work our large team has carried out over many years. Our project is called 'Preserving the Chukchi Language and the Culture of the Chukchi People', and it encompasses several areas: creating dictionaries, teaching guides and, most importantly, new Chukchi language textbooks for Years 1–4. It is very important to pass the Chukchi language and our culture on to future generations — the children of today. It is especially significant that we are doing this in the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Unity under the Chukotka sun brings together all the peoples living in our autonomous area," said Viktoria Kavry, a second-degree award laureate in the "Effective Leader" category and Chair of the Regional Public Organisation of Chukchi Language Enthusiasts "Native Word".

The cultural programme of the awards ceremony was built around the imagery of four elements — "Air of the Nation", "Water of Memory", "Fire of the Soul" and "Land of the Ancestors" — and reflected the spiritual and cultural richness of the peoples of Russia. Guests enjoyed musical and dance performances inspired by the traditions of different ethnic groups.

The All-Russian Public Award "Pride of the Nation" was established to encourage the work of civil society institutions involved in interethnic relations, develop the volunteer movement and motivate Russian citizens to take part personally in activities that preserve and develop ethnocultural diversity and strengthen interethnic harmony and the unity of the Russian nation. The project is supported by the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations, the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs, the State Duma Committee on Ethnic Affairs, the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation and the Moscow Government. The "Pride of the Nation" Award has been held since 2020.