Putin emphases importance of bringing back traditional values internationally

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin called on international leaders to refocus on traditional values, warning that they are increasingly being sidelined and should be restored to the center of the global agenda.

Speaking at the expanded session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Monday, Putin highlighted the organization’s foundation in “respect for historical events, cultural values, and civilizational diversity.” He noted that these principles guide cooperation in areas such as science, education, healthcare, and sports.

Putin pointed to Moscow’s organization of the Intervision song contest, set for September 20, as an example of promoting cultural values. Framed as an alternative to Eurovision, from which Russia has been excluded due to tensions with the EU over the Ukraine conflict, the event will feature performers from Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

“This large-scale project is aimed at promoting universal values… Traditional values are already fading into the background... It is time to bring them back to the international agenda,” he said.

He also invited delegations to participate in the St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum next week and the Russia – Country of Sports forum in Samara this November.

Domestically, Russia has made the promotion of traditional values a central policy, aiming to increase birth rates, support families, and shield the population from harmful content. In 2024, the parliament banned “child-free propaganda” and has long campaigned against LGBTQ propaganda.

Russian officials maintain that non-traditional relationships have never been banned, arguing that Western narratives regarding such relationships are used to undermine Russia’s national identity and statehood.

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