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Vladimir Legoida, chairman of the Russian Orthodox Church Synod's department for church relations with society, generalised the experience of Russian religious associations in various areas of work with youth.

Head of Rosmolodezh (Federal Agency for Youth Affairs) Alexander Bugayev described specific forms of cooperation between religious figures and the state in implementing the youth policy.

The discussion was attended by members of the council representing Russia’s different religious organisations.

Following the discussion, the participants adopted recommendations for government agencies on information support for youth policy activities and streamlining joint efforts in conducting preventive work with young people who found themselves in a socially dangerous position.

The participants came out in support of specific projects on the spiritual and moral upbringing of young people, fostering the Russian identity among students and the development of national sports.

The council members listened to a report by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, on the development of theological education and science in Russia and the rendering of humanitarian aid to the population of Syria.

In accordance with the council’s recommendations, the Ministry of Education and Science decided to include theology in the list of scientific professions; the first theses on theology were defended.

Over 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid bought by Russia’s religious organisations were delivered to Syria in 2017. In February 2018, a delegation of the council visited Syria and Lebanon.

A campaign unprecedented in the scale of one-time aid – 77 tonnes – was organised and conducted jointly with the leaders of Christian and Muslim communities of Syria and Lebanon.

The council endorsed the project on providing aid to the population of Syria and decided to continue this work.