ST. PETERSBURG, September 25. /TASS/. The 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum has brought together representatives of 73 countries and seven international organizations, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a forum session moderated by TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov.

"Our forum traditionally features substantive discussions on the most pressing issues. We are pleased that representatives of 73 countries and seven international organizations have joined these discussions. The very name ‘United Cultures Forum’ is deeply symbolic - we bring our cultures together, and culture brings us together. This year’s forum theme, ‘United Cultures - Shared Values,’ was chosen for a reason. Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared 2026 the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Russia is a multinational country, home to 194 ethnic groups that speak nearly 300 languages and dialects.

But this does not prevent us from understanding each other and uniting in confronting challenges," she said.

The deputy prime minister emphasized that shared values remain the foundation despite ethnic and linguistic diversity. "Life, a strong family, dignity, human rights and freedoms, patriotism, constructive work and compassion. They are universal and without exception, important both for the citizens of our country and the peoples of most countries around the world. This is precisely what serves as the foundation for dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation," Golikova concluded.

The St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum is being held on September 24-26. Its main theme is "United Cultures - Shared Values." The forum features 10 thematic sections. TASS is the forum’s general information partner.

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