Open Call: International Contest «Russia – Country of Traditional Values»
We invite you to take part in the II International Contest «Russia – Country of Traditional Values».
This year the Contest has become international on the initiative of the Director of the Department of Information and Press of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, M.V. Zakharova. People from foreign countries are invited to join a conversation about what truly matters to each of us: strong family, friendship, mutual assistance, respect for elders, love for one's Motherland, and historical memory. These values are understood and cherished by people all over the world – they unite nations, help us understand each other, and build a shared future based on mutual respect.
- Deadline
- 20 December 2026
- Who can enter
- Anyone aged 7+, worldwide
- Formats
- Story, video or drawing
- Languages
- Russian + any foreign language
About the Contest
The aim of the Contest is to demonstrate the universal nature of Russian traditional values and to engage young people from around the world in the development of intercultural dialogue with Russia.
The Contest offers a unique opportunity to share one's thoughts and experiences with peers from different countries, to learn how similar values are reflected in other cultures, and to feel part of a large international community that values sincerity, creativity and mutual respect.
How It Works
- Read the list of traditional values.
- Choose the one that resonates most with you.
- Explore how it is manifested in the culture, traditions and daily life of your home country.
- Act – perform an act that demonstrates this value in real life.
- Present the results of your research as a contest entry in one of three nominations.
Three Nominations
- «Story about a traditional value» – a page-presentation
- «Traditional values in frames» – a video
- «Traditional values in a drawing» – a drawing
All entries are bilingual: they are prepared in Russian and any foreign language.
Who Can Take Part
All interested individuals aged 7 and older, residing anywhere in the world, are invited to participate.
Recognition and Prizes
- Every participant receives an electronic certificate and a letter of thanks; mentors receive letters of thanks.
- Authors of the best entries receive special design diplomas.
- Winners receive diplomas and gifts from sponsors.
- «Mentor-Winner» – a special prize for the foreign mentor who submits the greatest number of entries that meet the criteria of the Regulations.
- «Best work on values that unite us» – a special nomination by the Department of Information and Press of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (details are in the Regulations).
- 1st-place winners aged 7–17 in any nomination are awarded a trip to the «Children's Republic «Polenovo»» (travel expenses not included).
- Special nominations from partners will also feature in the Contest – follow the announcements on the project's official resources.
Where the Best Work Is Shown
- Entries by international participants are posted in the Contest's social media communities to introduce Russians to the values and traditions of foreign countries.
- The best entries are featured on Russian television channels and take part in exhibitions.
- Reports about international winners and laureates are published in Russian and foreign media.
- The best works dedicated to transport will be displayed on over 1,000 digital screens in public transport across Russia – on the advertising media of the Contest's partner, the federal transport advertising operator «Transmedia».
- All Contest participants are invited to the official award ceremony at the National Centre "Russia" in Moscow, with the participation of state and public figures and representatives of the diplomatic corps.
How to Enter
Entries are accepted until 20 December 2026 on the website www.youthy.ru. More detailed information on the Contest terms and conditions and the application procedure is provided in the Regulations. Before creating your entry, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the Methodological Recommendations.
Follow the Contest
Official website and social media communities of the Contest:
In the Media
Reports about international winners and laureates of the Contest are published in Russian and foreign media:
Organiser and Supporters
Organiser: Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation «Innovative Centre for the Development and Education of Children and Youth».
With the support of:
- The Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Rossotrudnichestvo
- The Russkiy Mir Foundation
- The Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation «Directorate of the World Youth Festival»
- The Public Chamber of the Russian Federation
- The Federal State Budgetary Institution «Rosdetcenter»
- The Federal State Budgetary Institution «House of Peoples of Russia»
- Moscow Pedagogical State University
- and other partners
The project is implemented using funds from the Presidential Grants Fund.
Traditional values – strengthening traditions, building the future!