Vladimir Putin opened the IV Congress of the Movement of the First at the National Centre RUSSIA

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On March 26, President of Russia Vladimir Putin opened the IV Congress of the Movement of the First. The head of state addressed the participants and guests of the Congress from various regions, welcoming them at the National Centre RUSSIA. The President of Russia emphasized the importance of the Movement of the First in shaping the youth of today.

"More than 11 million people are involved in this movement. I congratulate you on this. One of the main tasks of the movement is to help young people, the rising generation – as you and your peers are often addressed – find their place in life. Because if a person, at the beginning of their path, finds this movement towards their goal, which is the most optimal for each individual, then that is the key to success. And success is something that almost everyone wants. Even if they think that they don't really need anything, and everything is fine as it is. No, deep down, everyone strives for success. To have it, to achieve that success, you need to find your path in life, find the thing to which you're ready to dedicate your life. That is partly what the Movement of the First was created for," said Vladimir Putin.

The participants of the Congress greeted the President with a loud ovation and chanted "Russia" for an extended period, not letting him leave the stage. The President of Russia particularly highlighted the slogan of the Movement, "Every First will help," which has become a true principle for all its participants.

During the Congress, a meeting of the Supervisory Board of the Movement of the First was held, chaired by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. The head of state engaged in discussions with the Movement's participants — children, their parents, and mentors. The President of Russia actively supports the development of significant social projects such as the Movement of the First, recognizing its unique contribution to the country's future. He places special emphasis on dialogue with young people and strives to consider how the decisions made will impact the lives of every citizen. Upholding the values of family, justice, labor, and interethnic harmony, the head of state serves as an inspiring example for the younger generation.

The Congress is the highest governing body of the Movement of the First. Traditionally, it serves as a space for creative collaboration among the key participants in the educational process — children, parents, and mentors. The Congress brought together more than two thousand people from 89 regions of the country on one platform. As part of the Congress, the Movement of the First will showcase the unity of children and youth organizations, highlight the heroic deeds of patriots of Russia, inspire adults with success stories of children, and demonstrate the involvement of the younger generation in shaping the present and future of the country. 

The opening ceremony took place at the National Centre RUSSIA in the format of a show-concert, with the central theme being the concept of "Friendship as the foundation of family, country, and the world." Both experienced and young performers took the stage for the guests, participants of the Movement, and their parents. At the beginning of the ceremony, the Russian national anthem was sung by the Choir of the First, consisting of 100 people from various regions and six soloists from the "Zvuchi" Centre.

Varya Sudina presented the musical number "Burn," Dima Permyakov performed "My Family Russia," Anna Yegoyan and Sergei Pavlovsky treated the audience to a musical-literary performance based on the poem "Wait for Me" and the song "Officer." Yulia Parshuta performed the number "Pilot."

A bright moment of the ceremony was the bonfire scene, where the participants of the Movement of the First gathered around a fire — a symbol of unity among all children and adults. Adults and children from different regions of the country shared their definitions of friendship.

The main artist of the ceremony was Polina Gagarina, who performed the song "A Million Voices" together with the participants of the Congress from all 89 regions of Russia.

The Movement of the First is a community of millions of young people united by a desire for creation and positive change. Through various projects, the Movement provides the younger generation with opportunities for self-realization, talent development, and forming an active civic stance. Here, everyone can find something they are passionate about, like-minded people, and support from experienced mentors, as well as feel pride for their country and its rich legacy.

On the following day, March 27, the Congress of the Movement of the First will convene, as well as the meeting of the Scientific and Methodological Council of the Movement. Events dedicated to World Theatre Day will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA. On March 28, the Closing Ceremony of the Congress will be held.