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The forum was attended by representatives of federal ministries and departments, regional commissioners for children’s rights, professionals in the fields of performing arts (including circus and music), literature and fine arts, as well as representatives of non-profit organisations and expert communities.

At the beginning of the event, Maria Lvova-Belova read out a message of greetings from the President. Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, and Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova also sent their greetings to the participants, organisers and guests of the forum and the congress.

In her remarks, Maria Lvova-Belova pointed out that culture has a large role to play in strengthening the institution of the family, which is why it is so important for commissioners to develop cooperation with the federal Ministry of Culture, regional ministries, culture professionals, and non-profit organisations for implementing various family projects.

She emphasised that cultural activities should be integrated into the prevention authorities’ individual work with families. Speaking about the need for additional cultural education for children, the Commissioner focused on the importance of making this education accessible. She also proposed using the premises of cultural facilities to implement commissioners’ projects , such as teenage spaces, day centres for children with disabilities, Stable Family clubs, and parents’ lounges.

She also noted that a comprehensive plan for the development and support of social theatres has been adopted at the Office of Children’s Rights Commissioner. Over the past three years, 29 festivals of social theatres have been held in 16 regions jointly with the Federal Teenage Centre. Over 4,500 children attended them.

Maria Lvova-Belova extended her gratitude to the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, Tula Region Governor Dmitry Milyayev, and the Fund for Children in Difficult Life Situations for organising the forum.

Governor Dmitry Milyayev briefed the participants on the region’s experience in the field of cultural development. He said that comfortable conditions for family bonding time are being created in the Tula Region. In particular, 16 model libraries have opened in the region with support from the federal Ministry of Culture.

The programme of the forum included a gallery of regional sociocultural practices for families with children from 21 regions. The forum’s guests took part in panel discussions, strategic sessions and discussion platforms on supporting large families and families with children with disabilities. There were also blitz performances by social theatres.