Tatyana Golikova: the ideas of the United Cultures Forum must find continuation in tangible decisions

A meeting of the Organizing Committee for the Preparation and Holding of the 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum was held in Moscow under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova. The meeting focused on the content of the business and cultural events, the reception of foreign delegations, the representation of Russia’s regions, and organizational arrangements for the Forum.

A meeting of the Organizing Committee for the Preparation and Holding of the 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum was held in Moscow under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova. The meeting focused on the content of the business and cultural events, the reception of foreign delegations, the representation of Russia’s regions, and organizational arrangements for the Forum.

The Forum is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, and the Government of St. Petersburg.

“The United Cultures Forum is aimed at strengthening mutual understanding between peoples, preserving cultural heritage, and developing cultural ties both between individuals and between nations. It is important that these creative discussions result in concrete agreements on joint projects. Despite the Forum’s international character, what matters most to us as the Government of the Russian Federation is, above all, fulfilling the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation on developing strategies for museums and theatres. I would ask the curators of the Forum’s sections to formulate key proposals in their respective areas, which will form the basis for further work,” emphasized Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Chair of the Forum Organizing Committee Tatyana Golikova.

Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, Deputy Chair of the Organizing Committee and Executive Secretary Anton Kobyakov presented a report on the readiness of the venues, engagement with participants, and the services and information support for the Forum.

“The United Cultures Forum is a mechanism for bringing together opportunities and an instrument of soft power both within the country and beyond its borders. Today, dialogue between prominent cultural figures known around the world is more important than ever. Their extensive professional networks make it possible to discuss the most pressing issues facing the sector at the highest level. The Forum has long established itself as an authoritative fixture in the calendar of regular international professional meetings in the field of culture. Thanks to a large-scale invitation campaign around the world, representatives of more than 70 countries have already confirmed their participation in the Forum, and we expect official delegations from 44 foreign states and international organizations. The conclusions and proposals arising from the business programme need to be brought together, set out in the closing materials, and published jointly with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation as the key trends shaping the sector’s future development,” emphasized Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the Forum Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov.

Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova presented the youth programme, which will be held as part of the Forum for the first time. It will combine open international discussions with ministers of culture, academics, and heads of leading cultural organizations; teamwork on issues related to the development of art and technology; and meetings between young participants and acknowledged masters in their fields.

“The Forum covers a wide range of issues, from preserving cultural heritage and developing arts education to the influence of technology on creative work. For young professionals, taking part in these discussions is an opportunity to present their ideas and engage in professional dialogue. We expect that interaction with leading cultural figures and colleagues from abroad will lay the foundation for new creative and educational projects,” noted Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexander Pankin spoke about engagement with partners abroad and the diplomatic support provided to foreign delegations.

“Official delegations and representatives from different regions of the world – Africa, Asia, and Latin America – will be coming to St. Petersburg. The Roscongress Foundation’s extensive experience helps to resolve organizational issues as they arise. Together with the Foundation, we monitor the requests of our foreign partners on a daily basis and are working to ensure their participation in the Forum,” noted Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexander Pankin.

Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg Boris Piotrovsky spoke about the city’s regional programme, which comprises more than 25 events.

The curators of the ten thematic sections presented the key themes of the forthcoming discussions. The business programme will also be complemented by events held outside the thematic sections.

The main business events will take place in the General Staff Building of the State Hermitage Museum, while youth meetings and discussions will be held at the State Academic Capella of St. Petersburg. The “Circus” section will be hosted by the Bolshoi Saint Petersburg State Circus.

In addition, on 24–25 September, a themed venue, “Design as Cultural Practice”, will be organized at the Stieglitz St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Design.

The Forum’s cultural programme will be complemented by the St. Petersburg Seasons Festival of Culture, whose programme has been developed by the Roscongress Foundation jointly with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the St. Petersburg Committee for Culture. Forum participants will be able to visit the city’s leading cultural institutions on presentation of their badge. The Forum venues will host exhibitions devoted to theatre, Russian musical instruments, historical memory, and other themes.

On the closing day, the traditional ceremonial presentation of the Hermitage Prize in Culture and Art will take place.

Following the Forum, the proposals and initiatives voiced during the discussions will be brought together, and closing materials will be prepared for further consideration.

The 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum will be held from 24 to 26 September 2026 in St. Petersburg. The central theme of the Forum is “United Cultures – Common Values”.

Source: Government of Russia Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation

All news