Natalia Zabolotskikh’s international and public activities have gained a new dimension. The renowned political scientist, media manager, and public diplomat has become Vice-President for Work with Compatriots of the Regional Public Organization “International Women’s Union” (IWU). This appointment is a natural progression of Natalia’s many years of work in consolidating the Russian-speaking diaspora, developing people’s diplomacy, and promoting humanitarian projects abroad.
Professional Profile: From Regional Administration to the Presidential Administration
Natalia Zabolotskikh is a political scientist and media manager who has worked her way from a regional administration to the Russian Presidential Administration. Today, she is an adviser to a deputy of the Moscow City Duma, President of the “Eurasian Center for Project Initiatives” , and Deputy Managing Director of the Foundation for International Business Communications (Directorate of the BRICS International Municipal Forum).
She combines deep expertise in Russia’s domestic political processes with active work on the international stage – in the field of people’s diplomacy, humanitarian cooperation, and Eurasian integration projects.
People’s Diplomacy: Coordinating a Community of 47 Countries
Since 2022, Natalia Zabolotskikh has been serving as the coordinator of a global community of people’s diplomats from 47 countries and head of the educational module of the international competition “Leader of People’s Diplomacy.” The goal of this work is to build a positive image of Russia abroad, promote the Russian language, cultural and humanitarian ties, and traditional values.
She is also:
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Head of the Communications Service of the BRICS International Municipal Forum (IMF BRICS 2025) ;
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Program Director of the First World Public Assembly, Head of the PR and GR Directorate;
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Developer and head of the business game “CIS Model: Humanitarian Cooperation through the Eyes of Youth” (the project was tested at the World Youth Festival in Sochi, received a grant from the Presidential Grants Foundation, and is being implemented across CIS countries);
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Author of the international research project “The Female Face of Public Diplomacy” (in-depth interview method).
Humanitarian Mission and Work with New Territories
Natalia Zabolotskikh organizes the collection and targeted delivery of humanitarian aid to new regions, as well as performances by artists in new regions and military units. She conducts sociological research, the results of which inform decisions at various levels.
Large-Scale Public Projects
Among the key projects implemented by Natalia:
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All-Russian Marathon “Russia Multinational: Cultural Mosaic of Regions” (2022) – included in the plan of main events for the Year of Cultural Heritage of the Peoples of Russia by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. 59 regions participated, and the project received personal support from governors.
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PR Director of the III All-Russian Public Award “Pride of the Nation – 2022” and expert of the “Pride of the Nation” award (2024).
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Head of the project “Military-Historical Tourist Route ‘Guardian. 12 Centuries of History’ (2017–2018) – grant from the Presidential Grants Foundation.
Awards and Recognition
Natalia Zabolotskikh’s activities have been recognized with high honors:
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September 2025 – breast badge “SCO People’s Diplomat” (SCO People’s Diplomacy Center of Uzbekistan, certificate No. 186).
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May 2025 – commemorative medal “80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War” for active work in preserving the memory of the Soviet people’s feat.
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2024 – Medal of the President of the Russian Federation for participation in the organization and holding of the World Youth Festival in Sochi.
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2020 – Laureate of the VII All-Russian Competition “University Press Service” in the categories “Info Leader” and “Expert.”
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2013 – Winner of the republican competition “Best State Civil Servant of the Udmurt Republic” (3rd place).
She also has numerous letters of gratitude from heads of regions, deputies of the State Duma and Moscow City Duma, university rectors, and military unit commanders.
A New Chapter in the International Women’s Union
In her new role as Vice-President for Work with Compatriots of the International Women’s Union, Natalia Zabolotskikh will oversee projects aimed at supporting the Russian-speaking diaspora abroad, preserving cultural identity, and strengthening ties between compatriots and their historical homeland. Her experience in people’s diplomacy, work with a community from 47 countries, and ability to build international communications will be key resources for developing this direction.
The team of the International Women’s Union congratulates Natalia Viktorovna on her appointment and expresses confidence in fruitful cooperation for the benefit of compatriots around the world!