The 3rd All‑Russian Forum of Finno‑Ugric Peoples opened in Yoshkar-Ola.

      September 10, 2025, 16:33

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      Culture and Leisure On September 10, 2025, the Mari State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Erik Sapaev in Yoshkar-Ola (Republic of Mari El) hosted the ceremonial opening of the III All-Russian Forum of Finno-Ugric Peoples, within the framework of which a plenary session titled “Finno-Ugric Youth in a Changing World: Realities and Challenges” (12+) was held.

      The event was attended by Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation Magomedsalam Magomedov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District Igor Komarov, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev, Head of the Federal Agency for Nationalities Affairs Igor Barinov, Chairman of the Council of the All‑Russian public movement “Association of Finno‑Ugric Peoples of the Russian Federation” and member of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Petr Tultaev, and Head of the Republic of Mari El Yuri Zaytsev.

      The forum brought together more than 250 delegates from 32 regions of Russia, including representatives of federal and regional authorities, the academic community, public organizations, the media, and active youth. The program included panel discussions, an exchange of best practices, and the VIII Congress of the Association of Finno‑Ugric Peoples of Russia, where a package of measures to develop an all‑Russian identity based on traditional spiritual and moral values will be discussed.

      Within the plenary session, participants examined current issues of national policy, strengthening the unity of the peoples of Russia, and the development of Finno‑Ugric cultures in the face of modern challenges.

      A greeting from Vladimir Putin to the participants, organizers, guests of the forum and the VIII Congress of the Association of Finno‑Ugric Peoples of Russia was read by Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Magomedsalam Magomedov. “For centuries the Finno‑Ugric peoples have made a significant, multifaceted contribution to strengthening Russian statehood and to the development of our country. Their achievements in many different fields are an important, integral part of our richest historical, scientific, cultural and spiritual heritage. At the center of the agenda of the current events are issues related to the upbringing of the younger generation, youth, the creation of opportunities for the professional growth of young men and women, and the realization of their creative potential,” reads the Head of State’s address.

      The Presidential Plenipotentiary in the Volga Federal District Igor Komarov noted the importance of unity and the active role of the region’s youth, emphasizing that the successful future of the Finno‑Ugric peoples directly depends on the welfare of the entire country: “We can rightfully call the forum a meeting of like‑minded people — people interested in preserving the culture of the Finno‑Ugric peoples and patriots of Russia. The Russian Finno‑Ugric community firmly ties its fate and development to our country, demonstrating in practice its commitment to common traditional spiritual and moral values; it shows courage and bravery in the course of the special military operation. The topic of today’s forum is a conversation about our future — about youth. I am convinced that the place chosen for this important conversation is most appropriate. In the Volga region, for centuries people of different cultures, religions and peoples have lived in peace and friendship.”

      Head of the Federal Agency for Nationalities Affairs Igor Barinov noted: “Holding our forum has become a good tradition and is a significant event in the life not only of the Finno‑Ugric and Samoyedic peoples, but of the entire country. The Volga Federal District is hosting the forum for the third time: the first was held in Izhevsk, the second in Saransk, and now the baton has been passed to Yoshkar‑Ola. Today participants from 32 federal subjects of the country have gathered on the forum’s platforms, as well as representatives of federal and regional government bodies, scientific organizations and all‑Russian public associations. Such large‑scale representation undoubtedly confirms the forum’s status as the largest platform for issues concerning the development of Finno‑Ugric and Samoyedic peoples.”

      During the plenary session, winners of the III All‑Russian competition of youth projects aimed at preserving, developing and popularizing Finno‑Ugric languages, culture and traditions were awarded. A total of nine projects were selected in three categories: “In the Field of Education, Languages and Literature,” “In the Field of Culture and Ethnotourism,” and “In the Field of New Media.”

      In his speech, Head of the Republic of Mari El Yuri Zaytsev emphasized: “The preservation and development of Finno‑Ugric cultures are significant tasks that require joint efforts from all participants: from government bodies to each individual. Such a comprehensive approach should include support for education, the study of native languages in schools and universities, the development of textbooks and methodological materials in Finno‑Ugric languages, the development of culture and the arts, as well as the organization of national events including holidays, festivals and competitions. This will help preserve and pass on accumulated knowledge and experience to new generations.”

      The III All‑Russian Forum in Yoshkar‑Ola is a key platform for everyone interested in developing dialogue between representatives of the Finno‑Ugric peoples and government authorities, preserving Russia’s cultural diversity and supporting youth initiatives.

      Prior to the forum, a working meeting took place with the participation of Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Magomedsalam Magomedov, Presidential Plenipotentiary in the Volga Federal District Igor Komarov, Head of the Federal Agency for Nationalities Affairs Igor Barinov and Head of the Republic of Mari El Yuri Zaytsev, where the state national policy strategy of the Russian Federation and the tasks for implementing programs aimed at harmonizing interethnic relations and supporting indigenous peoples were discussed.

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