Meeting of the Russian Geographical Society Board of Trustees

Prior to the meeting of the Russian Geographical Society Board of Trustees, the President toured the RGS exhibition. He was presented with the project "100 reliable facts about Novorossiya," maps of the Russian Empire, Russian and foreign commemorative medals and tokens from the Society's collection. The President was also briefed on the work of the underwater search expedition The Voices of the Perished Ships, being implemented as part of the Bow to the Ships of Great Victory project. The expedition is engaged in searching for and perpetuating the memory of Soviet ships and submarines that sank in the Baltic Sea during the Great Patriotic War.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon once again,

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to all members of the Russian Geographical Society Board of Trustees once more. I briefly conveyed this during my address at the congress, but I wish to reiterate: many of you have been supporting the Russian Geographical Society for years in organising research and expeditions. You provide backing for exhibitions, festivals, book publications, and documentary films - all those positive and substantive initiatives that help people gain a better understanding of their Homeland, its multifaceted culture, traditions, and Russia's history. They enable individuals to apply their knowledge, experience and talent to worthy, beneficial, and constructive endeavours.

Your assistance offers our scientists and enthusiasts the broadest opportunities for successful professional and creative fulfilment. The results of the Russian Geographical Society's work, its relevance and prestige, only confirm this.

We have just attended the congress meeting, where elections for its president were held. However, this is but one of the congress's tasks - electing governing bodies and shaping plans for the forthcoming years. The most crucial aspect is the implementation of these plans, which will largely depend on those gathered around this table: on you as trustees.

I consider it necessary to once again draw your particular attention to the Russian Geographical Society's educational projects related to promoting and studying our country's cultural, historical, and natural heritage. These projects ensure broad accessibility - for young people and children - to the legacy of the Geographical Society itself.

Your support will be required foremost for large-scale projects. One such example is the Museum of Geography, which will showcase unique artefacts collected throughout the Russian Geographical Society's history, alongside materials highlighting modern achievements in Russian geographical science.

I am aware that the Moscow Government is working productively with the Russian Geographical Society. When Mr Sergei Shoigu called on the Mayor of Moscow to support the idea of establishing the museum, I noticed Mr Sergei Sobyanin smiling from his seat. However, I know that the Mayor of Moscow traditionally supports all such initiatives. I hope he will support this one as well - by assisting with premises or land for the Museum of Geography. Meanwhile, members of the Board of Trustees can contribute to its development.

Additionally, I ask you to oversee two other major projects: the Arctic Exploration Park and Museum and the organisation of the Ice Base operations. These projects are significant for the country and appear sufficiently promising for business involvement.

Naturally, the Russian Geographical Society never lacks meaningful and vibrant ideas. I trust that your support for specific projects of the Russian Geographical Society will only continue to grow.

Simultaneously, I am confident that you, too, can rely on the Russian Geographical Society as a dependable partner in implementing your own initiatives - both commercial and charitable.

I have known all of you for a long time. And I know for certain - I am well aware - that practically everyone in this room wholeheartedly engages in what might be called charitable work. Each of you has very interesting, vibrant initiatives, and I sometimes take pleasure in learning about the results of your efforts. In this regard, the Russian Geographical Society can simply suggest the most compelling and significant themes for joint collaboration.

Thank you.

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