The article describes the V International Youth Forum of Interethnic Harmony “#Uniting_Strengthening,” held in Omsk. The forum brought together active youth from regions of Russia and foreign countries, becoming a platform for intercultural dialogue, exchange of experience, and the implementation of socially significant initiatives. The event became a symbol of unity, cooperation, and the readiness of the younger generation to jointly shape a harmonious and sustainable future. The article was prepared by expert of the ANO “United World” Elena Shchuryakova, who took part in the forum.
INTRODUCTION
From October 2 to 6, 2025, the V International Youth Forum of Interethnic Harmony #UNITING_WE_STRENGTHEN was held in the Russian city of Omsk — a platform for active youth from the regions of Russia and neighboring countries engaged in issues of national policy. The forum was conducted in an interactive format with an emphasis on mentorship, intercultural dialogue, and the development of leadership skills. An important event within the forum was the All-Russian Youth Projects Competition organized by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) with a prize fund of 5 million rubles. Organizationally, the forum featured cultural and business programs which, on the one hand, created an atmosphere of Siberian hospitality, and on the other hand, enabled young leaders and activists to build bridges of cooperation in the field of public diplomacy.
CULTURAL PROGRAM
As part of the cultural program, forum participants went on an exciting excursion to the heart of the 2025 Youth Capital — the Omsk Fortress. The young people had the opportunity to see with their own eyes where Omsk began, to walk through the very places where the first founders once set foot. Throughout the excursion, the participants were accompanied by a guide who shared many interesting facts about the construction of the fortress, about famous people who visited this place (Peter I, F.M. Dostoevsky, and others), and about the role this site played in the history of all of Siberia.
Forum participants near the monument to Peter I
A tour of the Omsk Fortress
BUSINESS PROGRAM
Within the framework of the forum, the following main tracks were implemented:
#ProtectingTheFuture – a community of experts in the field of preventing negative phenomena among youth. New media approaches and solutions were explored here, contributing to the development of a healthy and safe youth environment.
#CreatingThePresent – an association of nonprofit sector activists aimed at integrating resources, exchanging experience, and developing sustainable partnerships. Participants worked together to implement social projects and improve the quality of life in our communities through cooperation.
#PreservingThePast – a fellowship of representatives of culture and the arts striving to preserve and promote the national heritage and traditions of the multinational people of Russia. In this track, young people strengthened cultural roots and enriched society through their talents.
However, there were also cross-cutting events for all tracks. For example, this year forum participants were treated to a meeting with a unique expert: Svetlana Gennadyevna Makovetskaya, a member of the Presidium of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights, shared her experience and knowledge with the youth. In her speech, Makovetskaya reflected on the role of young people in strengthening civil society and interethnic harmony, the mechanisms for supporting civic initiatives and protecting human rights, and the prospects for interaction between youth associations and councils under the President of the Russian Federation.
Meeting with S. V. Makovetskaya
It is worth noting that for participants of the #CreatingThePresent track, one of the most practical forum platforms was launched – “Partnership”: a unique cooperation exchange for NGO leaders and initiative groups. It was literally a living laboratory of collaboration, where interregional connections and agreements were formed.
“Partnership” of the #UWS forum
Interactive lectures were also held, including “Artificial Intelligence in Public Activities” by Maria Nikolaevna Artamonova, founder and CEO of the consulting company ITWORKS; “Secrets of Practical Experience in Developing International Projects” by Mikhail Yuryevich Derevyanko, CEO of Siberian Trading Company LLC; and a master class on management duels by Natalia Robertovna Iordan, Chairperson of OOMOO “MCN OO.”
Meeting with Maria Nikolaevna Artamonova
Meeting with Mikhail Yuryevich Derevyanko
Workshop on management duels
The business program of the #UWS forum was truly rich and informative, which undoubtedly contributed to strengthening interethnic cooperation and served as a foundation for the implementation of significant projects.
DEVELOPMENT OF #UNITING_WE_STRENGTHEN FORMATS According to Yermek Khapizov, Director of the forum and Federal Coordinator of the All-Russian Public Movement “Youth Assembly of the Peoples of Russia ‘WE ARE RUSSIANS,’” in 2023 the forum was “rebooted” and received the title “Forum 3.0,” becoming a grant platform for the “Rosmolodezh. Grants” competition. The competition featured an impressive funding volume — 11 projects totaling approximately 4 million rubles. It was then that it became clear that the forum was effective and popular among youth, and the decision was made to hold it annually. In 2024 and 2025, #UNITING_WE_STRENGTHEN also served as a grant platform. At present, the “Youth Assembly of the Peoples of Russia ‘WE ARE RUSSIANS’” is the only organization in Russia to conduct the “Rosmolodezh. Grants” competition for the third time; previously, this opportunity was available only to government authorities. Additionally, this year the forum included the festival program “Uniting the World,” which showcased the diversity of participants’ talents and cultures.
Yermek Khapizov, Director of the #UWS Forum
Expert Team of “Rosmolodezh. Grants”
Festival Program “Uniting the World”
EXPERIENCE OF ANO “UNITED WORLD”
At the V International Youth Forum of Interethnic Harmony #UNITING_WE_STRENGTHEN, ANO “United World” was represented by Elena Shchuryakova, who was also the sole delegate from the Republic of Mordovia.
Representative of ANO “United World” at the #UWS Forum
According to Elena, the forum’s program, both cultural and business, was well-structured, which made it quite comfortable for participants to attend events throughout all five days. The organizers and invited speakers formed a unique symbiosis, allowing every person, regardless of their track, to listen attentively and actively participate in an equal dialogue. “By the way,” Elena adds, “this was my first time at this forum, but I still have something to compare it with, and #UNITING_WE_STRENGTHEN lived up to the high standards of an international-level forum. It is, without a doubt, impressive! Before coming to Omsk, I thought I would freeze in the harsh Siberian weather, but the #UWS forum kept me warm with its atmosphere until the very last day.”
CONCLUSION
The V International Youth Forum of Interethnic Harmony #UNITING_WE_STRENGTHEN is one of the most important events for youth, promoting the development of interethnic dialogue, strengthening peace, and fostering mutual understanding. This forum demonstrates the significance of uniting the efforts of young people from various regions of Russia and neighboring countries to jointly build a harmonious and stable society. In the face of modern global challenges, it is precisely the youth who become the driving force in overcoming intercultural barriers and fostering a culture of peace. Thus, #UWS serves as a platform for exchanging experiences, ideas, and initiatives aimed at strengthening unity and prosperity in one’s homeland and throughout the multinational world.
