The forum’s programme featured a traditional crafts fair, exhibitions and photo displays, lectures, roundtable discussions, equestrian competitions and traditional games, as well as a showcase of stylized national costumes created by Abkhaz and North Caucasian designers.

The concert programme included performances by Abkhaz artistic ensembles and the State Academic Dance Ensembles “Vainakh” of the Chechen Republic and “Adyge” of the Republic of Adygea.

The President watched demonstrations by horse riders who are helping revive one of the traditional national sports—horseback archery. Badra Gunba expressed his admiration for the skill of young athlete Kira Trapsh from Gudauta, who struck the target with remarkable accuracy while riding at full gallop. The Head of State emphasized the importance of preserving and revitalizing such national traditions and wished the riders continued success.

The President also toured the forum’s exhibitions. Badra Gunba met with traditional craftspeople from the North Caucasus, visited a weapons exhibition and a display dedicated to the traditional Abkhaz women’s saddle, and viewed products presented by local farmers. He also attended a fashion show featuring collections by Abkhaz designers.

In his address, the Head of State said:

“Dear participants of the Forum of the Peoples of the Caucasus,

Dear friends,

Guests from the fraternal republics of the North Caucasus,

I warmly welcome you to the historic Lykhnashta Meadow, a place that holds a special significance in the spiritual life of the Abkhaz people.

For every Abkhaz, Lykhny is more than a historic village. It is a symbol of national unity, the wisdom of our ancestors, and fidelity to our traditions. For centuries, it was here that issues of historic importance were decided, popular assemblies convened, and key decisions shaping the future of our people were made.

Lykhnashta is rightfully regarded as one of Abkhazia’s sacred places, where the connection between generations and the strength of the national spirit can be felt most profoundly. It was here, in October 1992, during one of the most difficult periods of our modern history, that the First World Abkhaz-Abaza Congress was held. At a time when war was raging on our land, representatives of the Abkhaz-Abaza people from different countries gathered in Lykhny to demonstrate their unity and support for Abkhazia.

Opening that historic congress, the First President of the Republic of Abkhazia, Vladislav Ardzinba, spoke of the unity of the people and their right to determine their own destiny. His words—that the strength of a nation lies in its unity, loyalty to its roots, and readiness to defend its homeland—remain relevant today.

We remember with deep gratitude all those who stood alongside us during the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia. Thousands of volunteers from the republics of the North Caucasus came to Abkhazia not by order, but at the call of their hearts, sharing our pain and viewing our struggle as a common struggle for justice and dignity. The heroism of those volunteers will forever remain in our memory and in the history of our state.

The Forum of the Peoples of the Caucasus holds particular significance today. It brings together representatives of different peoples, cultures, and traditions in pursuit of common goals: preserving historical memory, expanding cooperation, and strengthening fraternal ties.

The Caucasus has always drawn its strength from solidarity, mutual respect, and a willingness to support one another. These values helped our peoples overcome the most difficult challenges, and they continue to serve as a solid foundation for our shared future.

I am confident that this forum will become an important platform for open dialogue and the development of new initiatives. We intend to make such gatherings a lasting tradition, further strengthening ties among the peoples of the Caucasus and creating new opportunities for cooperation.”