Smolensk delegation takes part in the forum "Small Motherland - the strength of Russia"

Representatives of Safonov, Gagarin, Pochinkovo, Roslavl and Khyslavich districts take part in the regional days of the IV All-Russian Municipal Forum, held in Moscow.

The key event of the first day was a direct dialogue between representatives of municipalities and Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut. The Minister noted that the development of rural areas needs constant cooperation with local authorities. She stressed the importance of timely identification of risks and joint search for solutions to problematic issues. According to Oksana Lut, municipalities bear the main responsibility for creating comfortable living conditions for the population, since it is the local authorities who know the needs of their residents and the characteristics of the territories.

The importance of the first day of the forum dedicated to the development of rural territories was also noted by the co-chairman of VARMSU and the chairman of the State Duma Committee on Regional Policy and Local Self-Government Irina Guseva. Rural areas are the country’s “root system,” she said, and their viability depends on strong municipal communities that turn communities into development zones. Irina Guseva stressed the need to transform grassroots initiatives into systemic solutions and eliminate existing barriers. She also added that municipal teams are actively implementing projects in the field of rural tourism, creating jobs and involving young people in production activities.

Following the results of the last day, VARMSU together with relevant departments will finalize the proposals received from the heads of municipalities. These initiatives will be included in the agenda of the federal part of the forum, scheduled for April 2027, which will end with the solemn presentation of the Service Award. Receiving applications continues until November 29 on the portal Municipality.rf.