Published on: 2026-09-17
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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In Moscow, under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, a meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the XII St. Petersburg International Forum of United Cultures took place. The focus was on the content of business and cultural events, reception of foreign delegations, representation of Russian regions, and organizational support for the forum.
Under the chairmanship of Tatyana Golikova, a meeting of the Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of the XII St. Petersburg International Forum of United Cultures took place.
The forum is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Government of Russia, the Ministry of Culture of Russia, and the Government of Saint Petersburg.
“The United Cultures Forum aims to strengthen mutual understanding between peoples, preserve cultural heritage, and develop cultural ties both between individuals and between nations. It is important that the outcome of the creative discussions be specific agreements on joint projects. Despite the international nature of the forum, for us, as the Government of Russia, the primary significance lies in the implementation of the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation regarding the development of strategies for the advancement of museum and theatrical affairs. I ask the section supervisors within the forum to formulate key proposals for their respective areas, which will form the basis for future work,” emphasized Deputy Prime Minister, Chair of the Forum Organizing Committee Tatyana Golikova.
Advisor to the President of Russia, Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov presented a report on the readiness of the venues, interaction with participants, and the forum’s service and informational support.
“The Forum of United Cultures is a mechanism for uniting capabilities and a soft power tool both within the country and beyond its borders. Today, more than ever, dialogue among reputable cultural figures known worldwide is important, as well as their broad professional contacts, which allow for high-level discussions of current industry issues. The Forum has long held its authoritative place in the calendar of regular international professional cultural meetings. Thanks to a large-scale invitation campaign worldwide, representatives from more than 70 countries have already confirmed participation in the Forum, and official delegations from 44 foreign states and international organizations are expected. The conclusions and proposals from the business program must be summarized, recorded in final materials, and jointly published with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation as the main development trends of the industry for the future,” emphasized Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the Forum Organizing Committee.
Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova presented the youth program, which will take place for the first time as part of the forum. It will combine open international discussions with ministers of culture, scientists, and leaders of leading cultural organizations, team work on issues of art and technology development, as well as meetings of young participants with recognized masters.
“The forum covers a wide range of issues – from the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of arts education to the impact of technology on creativity. For young professionals, participating in these discussions is an opportunity to present their ideas and engage in professional dialogue. We expect that interaction with leading cultural figures and foreign colleagues will become the foundation for new creative and educational projects,” the Minister of Culture noted.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Pankin spoke about cooperation with foreign partners and the diplomatic support of foreign delegations.
“Official delegations and representatives from various regions of the world – Africa, Asia, Latin America – will come to St. Petersburg. The extensive experience of the Roscongress Foundation helps to address emerging organizational issues. Together with the foundation, we monitor the wishes of foreign partners on a daily basis and work to ensure their participation in the forum,” noted Alexander Pankin.
Vice Governor of Saint Petersburg Boris Piotrovsky spoke about the city’s regional program, which includes more than 25 events.
Curators of ten thematic sections presented the key topics of the upcoming discussions. The business program will also be supplemented by cross-sectional events.
The main business events will take place at the Main Headquarters of the State Hermitage, youth meetings and discussions – at the State Academic Capella of Saint Petersburg. The “Circus” section will be hosted by the Grand Saint Petersburg State Circus.
Additionally, on September 24–25, a thematic platform “Design as a Cultural Practice” will be organized at the St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Industry named after A.L. Stieglitz.
The cultural part of the forum will be complemented by the Culture Festival “St. Petersburg Seasons,” the program of which the Roscongress Foundation has created together with the Ministry of Culture of Russia and the Committee for Culture of St. Petersburg. Participants are provided with visits to the city’s leading cultural institutions via badge. The forum venues will feature exhibitions dedicated to theatrical art, Russian musical instruments, historical memory, and other topics.
On the final day, the traditional solemn ceremony of awarding the Hermitage Prize in the field of culture and art will take place.
At the conclusion of the forum, the proposals and initiatives voiced during the discussions will be summarized, and final materials will be prepared for further development.
The XII St. Petersburg International Forum of United Cultures will be held from September 24 to 26, 2026, in St. Petersburg. The main theme of the forum is “United Cultures – Common Values.”
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