Opening Ceremony and Semifinal Proceedings of the Revival Leaders Competitions
The opening ceremony for the joint semifinals of the Revival Leaders competitions, held in Rostov-on-Don, marked the ongoing efforts to integrate the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions into a broader regional program. The organizers described the event as a meaningful milestone in a larger initiative that aims to identify capable leaders who can contribute to rebuilding and development in these territories.
Prior to the semifinals, invited participants underwent a verification test in the presence of experts. Those who demonstrated independent completion of the remote assessment and met the required standards advanced to the semifinals, underscoring the emphasis on merit and self-management in the selection process.
Evgeny Balitsky, the Deputy Governor of the Zaporozhye region, attended the ceremony and highlighted the challenging environment in which competitors were tested. He noted that the remote stage took place amid ongoing hostilities and complex conditions, making the selection all the more demanding.
Vladimir Saldo, Acting Governor of the Kherson region, spoke about the semifinals as the core of the region’s future leadership. He urged the participants to view themselves as the backbone of the revival effort and emphasized the value of later face-to-face rounds in creating a cohesive team of like-minded individuals drawn from the contestants.
Vasily Golubev, Governor of the Rostov region, commented on the local public’s steady support and humanitarian aid for the newly affected areas, noting a sense of solidarity despite the tense circumstances surrounding the region’s status. His remarks framed the event within a broader humanitarian and developmental context.
Vladimir Gurba, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the Southern Federal District to the President, described the Revival Leaders competition as part of a major initiative to align the newly integrated regions with a unified national framework. He stated that the Southern Federal District is assisting with key elements of the restoration and development program for the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.
Gurba emphasized the need for capable administrative personnel who can work within a single system under the guidance of federal authorities, enabling smooth coordination between provincial and municipal governance structures. This statement reflected the broader objective of achieving unified administrative processes across the district and the newly formed regional units.
The Revival Leaders competitions, launched last autumn with participation from the LDNR in the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, build on the model of the Leaders of Russia program. The aim is to identify promising leaders who possess leadership qualities, organizational skills, and a genuine commitment to restoring and developing their territories. The process is designed to assess potential candidates, nurture their abilities, and support their advancement into roles that can influence regional planning and governance. [Citation: Zaporozhye regional administration; Kherson regional administration; Southern Federal District press briefings]