In Moscow, on the Day of People's Unity on November 4th, the forum of civic society activists 'Community' ended, it was organized by the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. The forum of active citizens 'Community' has become a working platform for open interaction between society, business and government. Regional forums of 'Community' were held from March to November 2015 in nine federal districts of Russia in order to identify the state of development of the nonprofit sector in the regions, to discuss existing problems and possible solutions, as well as support for the most effective practices of civic activity.
More than 3.5 thousand people arrived at the final session of the forum in Moscow. Among them were representatives of non-profit organizations, civic society activists, volunteers, representatives of business and government from all over the country. The forum's participants discussed topics of social control, financing of social projects through grants, subsidies, regional support programs for NGOs, and more.
According to the secretary of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, Alexander Brechalov, the event should become a social elevator for active citizens who want to work in the federal and regional government bodies. For example, he is surprised by the fact the country has deputies, "who have no significant implemented projects." "And the people who gathered more than 20 thousand citizens at their events, are not becoming them (MPs)."
Brechalov said that the resolution, adopted according to the results of the Forum, will be included in the annual report on the state of civic society, which the Public Chamber is preparing for President Vladimir Putin, it will present it to him at the end of this year.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also spoke to those gathered. At the beginning of his speech he noted that it is very important for Russians to realize themselves as a single nation, but that "does not mean uniformity of thoughts, views on the existing problems, the future of the country on the path of its development."
"If we look at history, we see that when we were united, we always achieved brilliant victories. When we were divided, we faced tragedies, decay, misfortunes and the suffering of millions of our citizens. Therefore, it is important to recognize ourselves as a united nation, despite our diversity," he said.
According to the President, the forum is a platform that unites the country and shows alternative ways of solving social problems. Vladimir Putin assured that the authorities of the country will continue to support political and social non-profit organizations (NPOs).
