Forum – invitation to Russia
20 December
The Catherine Forum is a systematization of experience, development of modern instruments and attraction of resources for rapid and effective integration of new citizens of the Russian Federation.
The Forum promotes the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated 19.08.2024 No. 702 “On the provision of humanitarian support to persons sharing traditional Russian spiritual and moral values”.
Russia causes an increased interest and debate across the world. On the international stage, various images of Russia—both historical and contemporary—are being constructed. What are the stereotypes about Russia, how and why do they emerge, how do they foster Russophobia, and conversely, how can they help to overcome it? How is the image of the country, its culture, and the “Russian World” being promoted, along with that of compatriots abroad?
Modern bloggers, media representatives and prominent journalists will discuss the formula for successfully advancing Russia’s image internationally.
By virtue of its geopolitical position, economic power, and intellectual resources, Russia forms the core of the Russian World. There is also an understanding that the Russian World is not tied to a specific territory; it transcends geographical borders.
This track will present the experience of working with compatriots, which is focused not on providing humanitarian “services”, but on supporting the independent initiative of representatives from Russian-speaking communities and on joint projects designed to preserve and expand Russia’s ethno-cultural presence across the globe.
Unofficial contacts between ordinary people or non-governmental organisations—encompassed by the term “people’s diplomacy”—foster improved relations, mutually beneficial cooperation, and a better understanding of the culture, traditions, and way of life of citizens from different countries. This is particularly relevant today, when official state-to-state ties have been largely severed.
This track will show successful examples of people’s diplomacy and outline future prospects for its development.
President of the Russian Federation
“Russia is an open country and, at the same time, a distinctive civilisation. This statement is not a claim to exclusivity or superiority, but the key point is that this civilisation is ours. It was handed down to us by our ancestors, and we must preserve it for our descendants and pass it on. We will develop cooperation with our friends and all who are ready to work together, we will adopt the best practices, but we will rely primarily on our own potential, on the creative energy of Russian society, and on our own traditions and values”.
21 February 2023. Address to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
The Catherine Forum is a meeting place for all those with an interest in Russia’s future. It focuses on pertinent issues regarding the development of the Russian Federation, its appeal as a destination for permanent relocation, and the possibilities for overcoming existing barriers.
Formation of Russian image as a new ark of civilisations and traditional spiritual and moral values.
Reduction of integration barriers arising in front of people who want to move to Russia from abroad.
Attraction highly qualified specialists of different fields of social-economical and culture for development of Russia.
The ideas discussed at the forum in 2023 were developed further and were reflected in the following documents:
10:00-10:30
Official opening of the
Catherine forum
Congress Hall
10:30-12:00
The Plenary Session on the topic “Russia – new ark of civilisations and traditional spiritual and moral values”
with the participation of key speakers (representatives of authorities, politics, business, culture, resettlers)
Congress Hall
12:00-12:30
Official Ceremonial Presentation of Russian Passports to Resettlers
Congress Hall
13:30-15:00
Topic:
A discussion of practices, challenges, and successful experiences in integrating foreign nationals into Russia, within the context of implementing Presidential Decree No. 702 “On the provision of humanitarian support to persons sharing traditional Russian spiritual and moral values”. Examination of various aspects of adaptation (social, linguistic, professional) and proposals for improving legislation and mechanisms.
Congress Hall
Topic:
What career trajectories and conditions does Russia presently offer to highly qualified foreign specialists? Discussion of in-demand sectors, competitive advantages, lifestyle and quality of life that make Russia attractive for professional fulfilment and living with one’s family.
Conference Hall 3
Topic:
Consideration of the tools and successful practices of Russia’s people’s diplomacy, expanding Russia’s ethno-cultural presence in the world, interaction with compatriots abroad, and support for their project activities.
Conference Hall 2
15:30-17:00
Topic:
Presentation of historical and contemporary examples of foreign citizens and compatriots contributing to the strengthening and defence of the Russian Federation. A round table to formulate proposals for the plan of events for the 300th anniversary of Catherine II birth.
Conference Hall 2
Topic:
Russia is a civilisational state. Discussion of the role of Russia’s internal unity and cultural code as a foundation for constructive international dialogue and strengthening the state’s position amid contemporary geopolitical challenges. Analysis of the unique historical experience of the coexistence of Russia’s peoples and the defence of traditional values. Identification of the roots of interethnic accord and demonstration of current practices for strengthening unity.
Conference Hall 3
Discussion of mechanisms and practices for overcoming stereotypes about Russia in the international information space, strategies for promoting an objective image of the country, the “Russian World”, and culture using modern media tools.
Conference Hall
17:00-17:30
Summing up the results
of the Catherine Forum 2025
Congress Hall
Exhibition “A Book of Fairy Tales”
It runs for the entire duration of the forum.
Press Zone. Interview Area
It runs for the entire duration of the forum.
Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation. Chairman of the Presidium of the Council of the President of the Russian Federation for Interethnic Relations.
Chairman of the All-Russian Public State Organisation, “Assembly of Peoples of Russia”, Head of the “United Russia” faction in State Duma.
Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Descendant of Catherine II,
German journalist, President of „Deutsche Lebensbrücke“ e.B. in Munich, and a Board Member of the “Almanach de Gotha” in London.
Senator of the Russian Federation; Member of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs.
A former Marine Corps intelligence officer who served in the Soviet Union, he was the chief inspector at the UN in Iraq and led the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. He is a strong proponent of improving US-Russia relations, an active advocate for nuclear disarmament and arms control.
A Russian political and public figure, Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.
Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Nationalities Affairs. Member of the Presidium of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation on Interethnic Relations.
Journalist, TV presenter, author of the author project “We and they”, head of communication agency MSPR, ambassador of magazine “Around the World”, national award holder of IRI in nomination “Discovering Russia”, winner of award “Cannes lions”, a teacher at the Higher School of Communications at the Higher School of Economics.
Head of the Federal Agency for Nationalities.
Creator and presenter of the travel show “The Most Russian American”.
Director of the House of Peoples of Russia
Secretary-General of the International Union of Non-Governmental Organisations “Assembly of the Peoples of the World”.
A participant of the special military operation, a holder of the Order of Courage, a descendant of Nicholas I.
Writer and publicist, former assistant to USA ex-President Joe Biden, political columnist for RT.
Founder and vice-President of the International Movement of Rusophiles (MIR), French politician, public figure, father of many children.
General Director of the Autonomous Non‑profit Organisation “Internet Development Institute”.
General Director of the Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation “Dialog” and the Autonomous Non-Commercial Organisation “Dialog Regions”
• CEO & Founder of Moscow Connect, an ecosystem of brands (The Bridge, Rumove, Recruitified) helping foreigners relocate, integrate, and build careers in Russia.
• Former UK political advisor and 2024 Conservative Party candidate, bringing a strategic, international relations perspective to his work.
• Dedicated to making moving to Russia accessible and opportunity-driven, creating trusted services and networks for people to thrive in the country.
Digital transformation consultant for large international companies, including Microsoft, Oracle, Red Hat, Sprint, and Astra Group. Host of the original program Russia Up Close. Father of eight children; has been living in Russia for several years.
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December 20, at 9:00 a.m
Moscow
the National Center “Russia”
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