thesilkroadtoday
24.04.2026
The Grand Forum “Russia 809. Traditions of the Future” was held from April 17 to 19, 2026, in Saint Petersburg. The event became a key platform for uniting the efforts of government authorities and civil society institutions to implement the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 809 “On the Approval of the Fundamentals of State Policy for the Preservation and Strengthening of Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values.”
At the opening, the Secretary General of the World Peoples Assembly and member of the State Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO, Andrey Belyaninov, delivered remarks via video link. In his speech, he noted:
“Within the framework of the Declaration of the World Public Assembly ‘A New World of Conscious Unity,’ adopted on September 21, 2025, by participants from 153 countries, some of the fundamental principles of the foundation of the New World are unity in the diversity of cultures, civilizations, and traditions, as well as responsibility to future generations. We believe that the true unity of humanity is based on a conscious choice to be different, but not divided. Based on this, we recognize culture and spirituality as strategic resources of stability, and the moral and humanitarian foundation as the core of the global order.”
The Grand Forum “Russia 809” serves as a platform of strategic importance, where both material and spiritual cultural heritage receive significant support through modern projects and innovations. Undoubtedly, Russia’s experience in uniting peoples, based on centuries-old traditions of consolidation and intercultural exchange, represents a unique example on a global scale.
“I am convinced that the enthusiasm and competence of the specialists gathered here will allow us not only to discuss current issues, but also to define and specify the directions for future work.
May these days become a time of fruitful cooperation, meaningful discussions, and constructive decisions that will contribute to conscious unity based on the principles of shared responsibility for the future, respect for moral ideals, and the cultural values of every nation.”
The forum program also saw active participation from members of the World Peoples Assembly, including Alexander Ageev, member of the General Council and the Supreme Advisory Council, Chairman of the Expert Council, and Director General of the International Research Institute for Management Problems; Deputy Secretary General Stanislav Korolev; and representatives of the Council for Spiritual Culture—Svetozar Darnev, Alexey Gusev, and Sergey Efanov.
Entrepreneur, public figure, developer, founder of the construction and financial group “Osnova,” and creator of the residential district “Svetly” in the Novosibirsk region, Svetozar Darnev, spoke at the plenary session titled “Dialogue of Unity of Traditions and Cultures of Indigenous and Friendly Peoples of Russia,” dedicated to the foundations of a multinational Russian society: family, upbringing, health, life on the land, and historical continuity.
“We can build a bright present, but this requires faith in our actions,” he noted. “Through our deeds, we must ensure that paradise is here, on earth—and it must be built by our own hands.”
Svetozar Darnev also shared the experience of constructing a Memorial Complex of Gratitude to Ancestors in the “Svetly” residential district. The monument perpetuates the tradition of gratitude to ancestors for their labor, struggle, and legacy, creating a space for reflection on the continuity of generations. The complex serves as a venue for public events aimed at fostering spiritual culture and respect for older generations.
He also reminded the audience of the precepts of Sergius of Radonezh: labor, benefit, and non-possessiveness. Today, this wisdom finds practical application both in the construction business of the “Osnova” company and in public activities within the World Peoples Assembly.
“We can do everything with our own hands,” emphasized Svetozar Darnev. “We just need to learn to share and help one another.”
Additional information is available on the official website of the World Peoples Assembly or via media@world-assembly.org.
