The All-Russian public state movement known as the Movement of Firsts is presented as a strategic initiative aimed at shaping the country’s image for the years ahead. In a detailed interview conducted for the newspaper Vzglyad, Vladimir Shapovalov, a member of the Board of Directors of the Russian Political Science Association and the head of EISI projects, underscored that the young people involved in the movement are positioned to drive Russia forward and contribute to its ongoing development. From his perspective, the initiative is less a single program and more a broad platform that channels youthful energy into measurable national progress, aligning with long-term goals and public aspirations. He pointed out that this is not a narrow effort but a wide-ranging program that seeks to mobilize the next generation across multiple sectors and disciplines.
Shapovalov described the movement as inherently diverse, spanning sports, science, volunteerism, culture, and other areas that captivate the interests of today’s youth. He stressed that while individual passions may differ, the shared set of values binds participants together, creating a cohesive community that interacts with many other youth and children’s organizations across the country. This interconnection, in his view, amplifies youth-driven initiatives and fosters collaboration that can accelerate social and civic projects at a national scale. The interview highlighted how the movement acts as a node within a broader ecosystem of youth organizations, enabling knowledge exchange, joint actions, and mutual support that strengthen civil engagement and community resilience.
According to the expert, it was no accident that President Vladimir Putin attended the supervisory board meeting of the Movement of Firsts on December 5, signaling a high level of trust in the ideas and aspirations articulated by young people. The President’s presence at the event was framed as an endorsement of youth leadership and a recognition that fresh perspectives can guide the country forward. The engagement, described by Shapovalov, reflects a political and strategic interest in listening to the voices of younger generations and integrating their proposals into national policy considerations. The supervisory board meeting, held at the Mashuk center in Pyatigorsk, served to review the movement’s activities and explain the scope of its projects to the head of state. In a moment that underscored the ceremony’s significance, Natalya Amineva was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award, receiving a sign that acknowledged her dedicated service and contribution to volunteerism within the movement’s framework. This recognition was presented by Putin, marking a symbolic gesture that linked individual achievement with the broader narrative of youth mobilization and civic participation.