Moscow, Russia - A Pageant of Beauty, Character, and Lifestyle took place at the Russian Federation Social University in Moscow on May 18. Among the participants were students of Moscow universities. This contest is unique because the jury takes into consideration not only the external appearance of the contestants but also their character and lifestyle.

Observances of the International Day of Families 2013 took place throughout the Russian Federation.

Khabarovsk, Russia - Initiated by representatives of UPF, an interactive lesson on "Love and Infatuation" was held for 7th-formers of school №76 of Khabarovsk, on April 27. The theme is interesting for young people; moreover, it is socially significant.

The long-awaited Spring Week of Goodness under the motto "We are creating our future together!" was launched in Russia on April 20. Each year there is a growing number of people wishing to participate in cleaning streets and parks, planting trees, giving charity concerts, assisting children and war veterans, and taking part in sports activities. Each year, UPF and the Young Ambassadors for Peace organize various events during Russia's Spring Week of Goodness. This year events took place in Moscow and Novosibirsk.

Khabarovsk, Russia - The 1^st-formers of gymnasium №8 of Khabarovsk continue with their education that helps these girls and boys become global citizens. Representatives of UPF-Far East Russia help them to hit the target.

In connection with the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/66/292 issued on September 14, 2012, that established the Global Day of Parents to be celebrated in honor of all parents around the world on June 1, we, the participants of the conference "Towards the Global Day of Parents" in Moscow, we express our support for the General Assembly Resolution and UN efforts in promoting worldwide family and moral values.

Moscow, Russia - UPF-Eurasia organized a conference on the theme "Towards the Global Day of Parents" on April 6 at the Peace Embassy in Moscow. Among the participants were experts in science, culture, and education as well as representatives of public and youth organizations.

Komarovo, Russia - The first workshop on Unification Thought took place in the village of Komarovo not far from St. Petersburg on March 30, 2013. Its purpose was to highlight the motivation and the basis for the activities of the Universal Peace Federation. Marianna Sokurova, Ambassador for Peace and a volunteer of the Universal Peace Federation, gave two lectures: "Introduction to Unification Thought" and "The Peace Principles of UPF."

St. Petersburg, Russia - The XIII Conference of Schoolchildren on "The Baltic region yesterday, today, and tomorrow" took place in St. Petersburg on March 22 – 23, 2013. As usual, it consisted of two blocks: students' work and teachers' work. Tatyana Krasnosumova, leader of UPF in northwest Russia, was invited to be a member of the jury of the section on communications and social problems.

Khabarovsk, Russia - World Water Day was the theme of the lesson conducted by UPF activists at gymnasium №8 in Khabarovsk on March 22. The lesson focused on the importance of water for humans and nature,  listing the properties of water and the names of the largest natural fresh-water reservoirs. Finally, in order to draw attention to the necessity of a careful and responsible attitude towards water resources and living organisms in them, the children created designs of an octopus that dwells in the southern seas.

UPF-Russia organized programs in Moscow and Novosibirsk in commemoration of International Women's Day 2013.

Commentary on the Role of Culture in the Era of Globalization

Khabarovsk, Russia - Russia's Armed Forces Day, February 23, served as a good opportunity to discuss with children gender differences and social roles of boys and girls. This topic is particularly relevant since many young people have little idea not only about the role of a mother and father in the family but even about the value of the family as such.

Novosibirsk, Russia - A roundtable on "Promotion of intercultural understanding for creating a peaceful and inclusive society in Novosibirsk" took place on February 7, during World Interfaith Harmony Week. The event was attended by religious and public figures.

Ufa, Russa - During World Interfaith Harmony Week, a RYS program took place February 1-5 in Ufa, capital of Russia's Bashkirian. The object of the event, according to organizers, was to bring together young people of different faiths to promote a tradition of tolerance in relations between different religious traditions and encourage fruitful cooperation for peace in Ufa.