International activity

The Russian Geographical Society, being one of the oldest in the world, occupies a prominent place among geographical societies and other public, scientific, and environmental organizations of the world. The Society establishes partnerships with geographical societies of other countries, international organizations, research centers, and universities, joins international unions, implements joint projects with foreign partners, presents the results of its activities on international platforms, sends its representatives to participate in international conferences and expeditions.

The international direction of activity allows us to expand the network of like-minded people of the Society abroad, including foreign members of the RGS, to draw attention to the historical, cultural, and geographical sites of our country, including with the aim of developing tourism. The Society is also actively involved in the preservation of the Russian heritage in other countries of the world, the memory of Russian scientists and travelers.

To date, the Society has signed agreements with more than 40 geographical societies, associations, research and educational foreign and international organizations.

With the support or participation of the RGS, international forums, conferences, and festivals are regularly held: "Arctic: The Territory of Dialogue", the International Geographical Congress, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, and the International Tiger Conservation Forum.

The events of the Society are also held at the sites of the UN system. For example, in 2019 the Society organized an exhibition at the United Nations Climate Summit (New York, USA); and in 2021, the materials of the RGS were presented in the Russian pavilion at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow. Meetings are held with the heads of structural divisions of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and UNESCO. Since 2020, a new category has appeared in the RGS grant competition: "Preservation of the natural, historical, and cultural heritage of Russia, including through UNESCO programs."

The RGS annually holds exhibitions with international participation. According to the results of the RGS photo contest "The Most Beautiful Country", dozens of exhibitions of the same name are held abroad every year where the works of the winners in various categories are shown. In 2021, Prince Albert II visited such an exhibition, organized in the Principality of Monaco.

In 2017, the largest educational campaign of the RGS "Geographical Dictation" became international. All versions of the Dictation questions are written in Russian and foreign languages. More than 100 countries participate in the campaign. The Dictation is taken by Russian citizens, our compatriots living abroad, as well as foreigners interested in Russia and the Russian language.

The Society also conducts lectures and other educational events for a foreign audience or with the participation of foreign lecturers.

The jury of the RGS Award and other major competitions includes foreign representatives.