The Russian Znanie Society has launched the “Image of Russia’s Future” campaign. It will continue the educational program of the International Festival of Youth, held in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17. The campaign’s events will take place over the course of a month, with approximately 1,000 meetings to be held during this period.

At the opening of the International Festival of Youth, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that this year participants had gathered in the Urals, which “have produced ideas that changed Russia for the better.” The Znanie.Pervye marathon, held as part of the Festival, was dedicated to reflecting on the future of Russia and the world, as well as the role of young people in shaping it.

“The International Festival of Youth demonstrated how interested people in Russia and other countries are in issues related to the future, technological development, international cooperation, and our country’s role in shaping a new world order. The ‘Image of Russia’s Future’ campaign will allow this conversation to continue in the regions. We want the ideas and key messages discussed at the IFY and during the Znanie.Pervye marathon to become part of an open dialogue with the younger generation across the country. Through education, we help young people better understand the changes taking place, see opportunities for personal development, and recognize their role in shaping Russia’s future,” said Maxim Dreval, Director General of the Russian Znanie Society.

The Znanie.Pervye marathon program was developed with extensive international participation. One of the central topics of the discussions and open dialogues was the development of a multipolar world. Young people met with Deputy Prime Ministers of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko, Dmitry Patrushev, and Dmitry Grigorenko; Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Maxim Oreshkin; Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov; Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova; Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission of Russia Ella Pamfilova; and other government officials. Participants and speakers discussed what the coming decade might look like, how technology will develop, and what needs to be done to ensure that these processes are carried out effectively.

“The speech made a very strong impression on me. I listened to it completely captivated – I had goosebumps and even tears of pride for Russia and for the way our country was represented to the Festival participants. It was clear how much demand there was for this meeting: participants of different ages and from different countries were rushing to attend. I believe that youth festivals should feature more speakers of this caliber. We were reminded of Russia’s great history, its achievements, and, most importantly, the opportunities and prospects it offers young people. Today, our country provides significant opportunities for young people from around the world, and it is important to talk about them, share them, and tell others about them,” said Alexandra Glebova from the Smolensk Region, a participant in the Znanie.Pervye marathon who attended Dmitry Chernyshenko’s lecture.

Participants of the International Festival of Youth and lecturers from the Russian Znanie Society will serve as speakers for the “Image of Russia’s Future” campaign. For example, young people in the regions will have the opportunity to meet Jeff Monson, a mixed martial artist, world grappling champion, and member of the State Assembly – Kurultai of the Republic of Bashkortostan; polar explorer Matvey Shparo; and many others.

To support lectures held as part of the campaign, the Russian Znanie Society has prepared educational materials. They reflect perspectives on the development of Russia’s youth, the future of Russia, and a fair, safe, and constructive world order, in shaping which Russia plays a significant role. Young people will discuss key challenges and strategic priorities, as well as what a person of the future should be like and what contribution each individual can make to shaping that future. Lecturers who conduct sessions as part of the campaign will receive additional points in the Russian Znanie Society Privilege System.