State Council meeting

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,

As per tradition, we are meeting on the eve of the new year. Let me begin with season's greetings - I wish you a happy New Year. The year 2026 has been declared the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia. I have just signed the corresponding Executive Order.

Of course, I would also like to congratulate you on the 25^th anniversary of the State Council of the Russian Federation. This milestone marks a quarter of a century of intense, patient, and productive work, including during periods of serious and complex challenges. The issues considered by the State Council are always substantive, significant, and relevant to the country and its people. I wish you strength, energy, and good health as you continue to address the tasks before us.

The topic of today's meeting is training personnel for the economy. This issue concerns literally every region and every sector. Personnel policy is not only comprehensive in nature; today it is one of the most important and fundamental factors for the country's development.

This year, 19 national projects with clearly defined targets were launched. Eight of them are aimed at ensuring Russia's technological leadership. All national projects are united by a common strategic goal: ensuring sustainable development and strengthening the country's sovereignty.

The overwhelming majority of our citizens - young people and representatives of different generations alike - are involved in this large-scale effort. The achievement of our goals directly depends on their professionalism, knowledge, talent, and competence.

To be continued.