Prior to the opening, Russian Deputy Prime Minister and forum organizing committee chair Tatyana Golikova noted that 2,500 people are participating, including many from countries Moscow classifies as “hostile,” though she did not name them specifically.

Golikova also mentioned that, following 2022, Russia re-evaluated the approaches it held prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and even changed the forum’s name, emphasizing Russia’s unifying role as a promoter of spiritual, cultural, and traditional values.

Specifically, the professional community will present proposals for the development of theater and museums; according to Golikova, the results of these discussions should be followed by concrete actions.

It was also announced that the forum’s opening coincides with the start of the National Ballet of Cuba’s tour; the company is set to perform “Giselle” this Thursday, September 24, on the historic stage of the Mariinsky Theatre.

This performance by one of Latin America’s leading ballet companies will be part of the program for the 12th International United Cultures Forum in St. Petersburg.

The major event is taking place from September 24 to 26 and is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Russian government, the Russian Ministry of Culture, and the St. Petersburg administration.

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