Experts at the National Centre RUSSIA explained how volunteers shape an objective image of Russia in the world

---

The modern volunteer movement is an effective tool of people’s diplomacy. Through real actions and human stories, volunteers manage to overcome political barriers and convey the truth about Russia and its core values. These topics were discussed on 8 November during the panel discussion "Communicating Values: How Volunteering Shapes Russia’s Image in the World" held at the National Centre RUSSIA. The meeting took place as part of the final forum of the International Volunteer Corps marking the 80th anniversary of Victory.

Director of the Information and Press Department and Official Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Maria Zakharova, emphasised that volunteer initiatives are highly significant even in peacetime.

"[When the world faced the pandemic], people developed a powerful desire to help — something inside drove them to support others. The first, of course, were doctors: some without respirators or masks, some not knowing what awaited them, yet they went on treating and saving people. Then a true civil society began to emerge — people who understood that they could not stay silent, do nothing, or fail to help," said Maria Zakharova. 

Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo), Dmitry Polikanov, spoke about international and educational programmes aimed at promoting Russian values.

"The 'Guardians of History' programme brought together young researchers, giving them unique access to archival materials and the opportunity to take part in major academic conferences. We have significantly expanded the age range of the 'New Generation' programme — it now includes participants aged 14 to 40. We collaborate with the World Youth Festival and, together with the Dobro.rf ecosystem, implement volunteer missions abroad. A vivid example was the visit of Russian restorers to Belarus, where our specialists not only applied their knowledge but also exchanged experience with foreign colleagues. Follow our announcements and updates on our Telegram channel — we will be glad to see you join our programmes," said Dmitry Polikanov. 

The energy and commitment of volunteers have become a key resource in implementing international youth projects. First Deputy Director General of the Directorate of the World Youth Festival, Artem Fomin, explained how this works in practice.

"In Sirius in 2024, volunteers supported guests and organisers, filling the space of our symbolic city of the youth of the world with care, warmth, and joy. The same positive energy could be felt at the WYF Rally in Nizhny Novgorod in September this year. Notably, some members of the WYF movement abroad are also activists of the Victory Volunteers. Through joint initiatives, we engage an increasing number of young people in different countries. For instance, this spring, WYF activists in Europe joined the 'We Stand for Cleanliness' campaign. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of Victory, they organised clean-up days at memorials and monuments of the Great Patriotic War in their countries," said Artem Fomin. 

Speaking about the international activities of the All-Russian public civic and patriotic movement "Immortal Regiment of Russia," Executive Director of the movement Natalia Shadrina highlighted the growing global influence of the project, which has become a true symbol of Russia’s values.

"This year, we set an absolute record for geographical reach — the 'Immortal Regiment' campaign took place in 120 countries, including NATO member states. Local residents came to see the faces of those who liberated their cities and nations and actively joined the organisation of events. Film screenings play a special role, helping to convey the true image of the soldier-liberator. And, most importantly, it is the volunteers who, despite external pressure and threats, continue to promote a historically accurate narrative and preserve the memory of real heroes," said Natalia Shadrina.

The Final Forum of the International Volunteer Corps marking the 80th anniversary of Victory brought together over 1,500 volunteers from 89 regions of Russia and 35 countries at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event was organised by the All-Russian Public Movement "Victory Volunteers" with the support of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), the Moscow Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy, Rosmolodezh’s programme "More Than a Trip", the Presidential Grants Foundation, and other partner organisations.