In September two international competitions for children, teenagers, and young people were launched simultaneously: “Russia — a Country of Traditional Values” and “Tell the World About Your Homeland”. Both projects, implemented as part of the state program of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, are comprehensive initiatives aimed at promoting traditional Russian values and strengthening the country’s international image. Participants have the opportunity to present their works in Russian and foreign languages, which underscores their global significance and multicultural nature.
Nine Years of Tradition
The “Tell the World About Your Homeland” competition demonstrates its resilience and effectiveness. Over the course of its existence, more than 70,000 participants from 120 countries have taken part in the project, which attests to its widespread popularity and significance on the international stage. Last year, the competition brought together nearly 8,000 participants from 67 countries, including both Russian citizens and representatives of foreign states. As a result of the competitive selection, 60 participants representing 22 regions of the Russian Federation and 18 countries became winners in various categories.
The main goal of the competition is to promote traditional Russian values and foster intercultural dialogue. Participants from Russia may submit works that reflect the unique aspects of their homeland, while foreign participants should focus on the close ties and shared values with Russia, including historical, spiritual, cultural, technological, scientific, and other aspects.
To ensure maximum flexibility and accessibility, works may be submitted in Russian or any other language of the participant’s choice. This year, the organizers introduced new special categories, such as “Here is the Russian spirit, here is the smell of Rus’” by Rossotrudnichestvo and “Winning Mentor” by Moscow Pedagogical State University (MPGU), which expands the range of possible areas for participants.
In a new status
The “Russia — a Country of Traditional Values” competition, initiated by Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department (IPD) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, has this year received the status of an international project and is being implemented with the support of the Presidential Grants Fund. This event underscores the significance of the competition at the state level and its strategic role in shaping a positive image of Russia abroad.
As part of the competition, participants are invited to demonstrate one of the traditional values listed in the decree approved by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The works can be presented in various formats, including presentation pages, drawings, or short videos, which allows participants to showcase their creativity and depth of understanding of traditional values.
The winners of the competition will be determined in special categories, such as “Best Work on Patriotism” by Rospatriot and “Best Work on the Value ‘Service to the Fatherland and Responsibility for Its Fate’” by the Department of Culture of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. For foreign participants, a special category “Values That Unite” is provided, which underscores the importance of intercultural interaction.
The works are submitted in electronic form and are evaluated by a professional jury consisting of highly qualified experts. The awarding of the winners is planned to take place in Moscow at the National Center “Russia,” which gives the competition a special status and significance.
Professional assessment
The competition’s expert jury includes representatives from various government and public bodies, such as Maria Zakharova, Director of the Diplomatic Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Elena Pisareva, Senator of the Federation Council; Alexander Kudryashov, Director of Rosdetcenter; Daniil Egorov, Head of the Federal Tax Service; Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy General Director of the National Center “Russia”; and Andrey Kondrashov, General Director of TASS. This attests to the high level of the competition’s organization and its significance at the state level.
All participants in the competition will receive certificates and commendations, mentors will receive letters of thanks, the winners will receive diplomas and gifts from sponsors, and the authors of the best works will receive diplomas of a special design. Winners aged 7 to 17 will also receive a trip to the Children’s Republic “Polenovo,” which will serve as an additional incentive for the development of their creative and intellectual abilities.
The participants’ materials about Russia will be used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Rossotrudnichestvo, and the “Russian World” Foundation to promote Russian culture and traditions abroad, which helps to strengthen the country’s international image and promote intercultural dialogue.
Conclusion
The “Russia — a Country of Traditional Values” and “Tell the World About Your Homeland” competitions are important initiatives aimed at fostering an understanding of traditional Russian values and strengthening Russia’s positive image on the international stage. They contribute to the development of intercultural dialogue, the popularization of Russian culture and traditions, and the support of young talents. The competitions are organized by the Autonomous Non‑Profit Organization “Innovative Center for the Development and Upbringing of Children and Youth” with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council, the State Duma, the National Center “Russia”, Rossotrudnichestvo, the “Russian World” Foundation, the Russian Society “Knowledge”, Rospatriotcenter, Yunarmia, Rosdetcenter, the House of Peoples of Russia, Moscow Pedagogical State University, and other partners.
