“We need modern childhood policies based on recognised international norms and taking into consideration the specific features of our large country.”

“The main goal of modernising education in Russia is to create an environment for the ongoing intellectual and creative development of our young people. This goal can only be achieved through reforming the entire system from preschool education all the way through university.”

The prime minister and the governor discussed the establishment and operation of new agro-industrial facilities based on innovative production processes.

“We have set an ambitious goal of increasing the proportion of high technology and science intensive economic sectors in the national GDP by 30% by 2018 as compared with the level of 2011. This is a major challenge.”

“Officials need feedback from the public. It is important both to hear what is said and to let the public influence those decisions that directly concern their interests.”

The 2012 federal budget allocates eight billion roubles for a comprehensive programme of support and development of children’s preschools and the construction of new kindergartens. “On July 20 the government made the decision to earmark another eight billion roubles for this purpose in 2013,” Dmitry Medvedev said.