Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
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The 12th Patriotic Youth Forum, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Year of Defender of the Fatherland, was held at the Museum of Naval Glory of Russia (Fort Island) in Kronstadt. Organized by the Committee for Youth Policy and Interaction with Public Organizations of St. Petersburg, the event brought together over 400 participants, including public figures, leading experts in patriotic education, and government representatives.
The SPbPU Volunteer Project Center "Harmony" performed a creative act at the forum's opening ceremony and co-organized two key sections.
One of the forum's highlights was the panel discussion in the "Culture" section, moderated by the director of the "Harmony" Volunteer Project Center at SPbPU and associate professor at the Humanities Institute. Tatyana NamParticipants discussed the role of culture and creativity in shaping patriotic consciousness among young people, as well as the potential of creative industries for implementing socially significant projects.
The following speakers spoke at the section:
Tatyana Barabanova, Deputy Head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity at SPbPU; Ilya Zavatsky, laureate of international competitions, artist of the State Academic Capella, musician of the Chamber Orchestra of the Troitsky Cultural Center, concertmaster of the Russian-Chinese Orchestra, participant in the counter-terrorism operation in the North Caucasus; Maria Guner, member of the Union of Writers of Russia, head of the PolyNova authors' club at SPbPU; Yulia Skornyakova, designer, youth specialist at the Youth House of Primorsky District of St. Petersburg; Zakhar Kornev, veteran of the SVO, deputy chairman of the Youth Parliament of St. Petersburg, social coordinator of the Fatherland Defenders Fund; Alexey Matveyev, CEO of the St. Petersburg project office "Cultural Capital," head of the directorate of the Golden Pelican, the highest people's award of St. Petersburg, an expert of the Public Chamber of St. Petersburg, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, a social and creative producer, and a federal expert on grant competitions and educational programs in the creative sphere.
It's tough for creativity right now, especially for young people. How can you create something new when it seems the old can't be surpassed? It was difficult after Shakespeare, Mozart, and Botticelli, but nevertheless, Pushkin, Rachmaninoff, and Vrubel emerged. Now it's our turn to add names from our era to this list. The further we go, the harder it is to conquer the peaks, but this is an incentive, not a barrier. What does it take to turn an obstacle into a ladder? Respect for what has already been created, reliance on eternal values and one's own vision, one's own ideas, one's own thoughts. I believe that creativity is an everlasting beacon in the difficult waters of life, and it should show the right path, shared Maria Guner.
The "Service" section featured an open dialogue on values, responsibility, spiritual development, moral education, and the role of youth in modern society. The essence of service lies in a willingness to be there, to help, and to support. It takes various forms, but integrity and humanity always remain key. To reflect the diversity of approaches and opinions, the speakers included representatives from various sectors of public life.
The following took part in the discussion:
Nazar Dolitsky (call sign "Varyag"), a veteran of the SVO and member of the Night Wolves motorcycle club; Kirill Motovilov, a SVO participant, medic in an assault company, and head of the patriotic education department at the Primorsky District Youth Center; Priest Viktor Matyashov, a cleric of Smolny Cathedral and director of the Pokrov Interuniversity Association for the Spiritual and Moral Education of Teachers and Students of St. Petersburg; and Maxim Smirnov, an internet marketing specialist at the Humanities Institute of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, a youth mentor at the Dobro.Harmony Center at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, and director of the All-Russian Online School of Media Volunteers, MediaVOL.
The discussion participants agreed on the need for comprehensive educational work to preserve and develop national identity. Positive influence on young people is essential, both within the family and close social circles, and through the institution of the church, creative communities, authoritative leaders, and modern digital technologies.
Preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of our history will always be the primary mission of our people. We must take responsibility for where we live through service to memory and society. Young Russian citizens are actively involved in volunteering, where they learn how to truly do so and contribute to their homeland," noted Zakhar Kornev.
The 12th Patriotic Youth Forum became an important platform for exchanging experiences between representatives of government agencies, public organizations, veterans, and active youth. The participation of the Dobro.Center "Harmony" in organizing the sections underscores the university's significant role in developing patriotic education and civic engagement among St. Petersburg students.
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