Participants of the World Youth Festival Discuss Opportunities for Russia-Africa Cooperation
On April 22–26, MGIMO University hosted the first “Russia-Africa” Forum of Young Diplomats, focusing on the “Diplomacy of Victory”. The forum was organized by the Council of Young Diplomats of the Russian Foreign Ministry with support from the World Youth Festival Directorate.
“Today, special attention is paid to fostering international youth cooperation with African countries, keeping in mind that this is the 'youngest' continent in terms of the population’s average age. Nearly 1,000 young leaders from African countries participated in the WYF-2024, and we look to maintain these established connections and expand the community of proactive youth with new participants. These are precisely the goals of the first 'Russia-Africa' Forum of Young Diplomats, held with support from the WYF Directorate facilitating the participation of over 30 representatives from African states. These are experts in political science and history, representatives of foreign policy agencies engaged in efforts to shape a shared future of our nations. We hope the forum will become a platform for new initiatives and contribute to strengthening trust between our countries”, said Dmitry Ivanov, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate and co-organizer of the first “Russia-Africa” Forum of Young Diplomats.
The forum brought together young diplomats from Russia and African countries to discuss pressing issues and strengthen international cooperation. The plenary session focused on key areas for further collaboration and initiatives aimed at establishing long-term friendly ties and partnerships.
“In March 2024, the World Youth Festival took place on the ‘Sirius’ federal territory. This event brought together a large number of young leaders, including about 1,000 participants from African countries. As part of the festival legacy, the World Youth Festival Assembly is scheduled to take place in Nizhny Novgorod this September. I call on African youth and all participants of today's forum to apply and take part in this international youth event”, said Konstantin Kolpakov, Head of the International Sports & Youth Cooperation, and Tourism Division of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The plenary session also featured a speech by a foreign partner of the World Youth Festival Directorate, WYF-2024 participant, and CEO of StudEx Group, Tumelo Ramaphosa from South Africa.
“I first visited Russia during the World Youth Festival. I think it was a great opportunity for the youth of Russia and the whole world to make their voices heard. Many people learned more about Russia and how to partake in shaping a better world”, said Tumelo Ramaphosa.
The discussion “International Information Security: Prospects for Cooperation Between Russia and African Countries” featured Junior Isidro, producer, youth activist, and WYF-2024 participant rom Guinea-Bissau.
“Russian and African youth share common values, and these must be preserved. Russia can both share much with Africa and also gain from it. The Festival showed the world that Russia is an open and friendly country. I am confident that young people from abroad can live in Russia, create, and develop their projects here. I would advise young people not to be afraid, to believe in themselves, to be independent, and to analyze information correctly. We, the youth, are the leaders of the future. I urge young people to grow together with Russia and not be afraid to express themselves”, shared Junior Isidro.
According to him, events like the World Youth Festival unite young people from many countries, allowing them to make new connections and learn about other cultures.
“There have always been warm relations between Russia and Egypt, and Africa as a whole. Russia has always adhered to the principle of mutual benefit, aiding Africa, which is very important for the continent. Therefore, I would like to see cooperation between Russia and Africa develop further as it is beneficial for both sides. It is important for young people to learn more about each other. Initiatives like the Forum of Young Diplomats and events organized by the World Youth Festival Directorate strengthen relations and increase mutual understanding between our countries”, said Yossr Ghazy from Egypt, participant of the World Youth Festival.
The Forum of Young Diplomats is held as part of the fourth “Russia-Africa: What’s Next?” Forum. Since 2019, the forum has brought together over 1,500 representatives from various countries, including ministers, heads of African diplomatic missions, representatives from Russian ministries and agencies, business, media, and leading scholars in African studies.
Overview:
The World Youth Festival took place on March 1–7, 2024 in Sirius, according to the Decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the development of international youth cooperation. The WYF-2024 brought together 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries.
On the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, the WYF will be held in Russia on a regular basis – once in six years. Also, every six years 10,000 young people from all over the world will get together at the World Youth Festival Forum, and in between, international themed assemblies for 2,000 participants will be held under the auspices of the WYF. The first Assembly is scheduled to take place in September 2025 in Nizhny Novgorod. Festival events of various formats will be held in Russia annually.
According to the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation on the preservation and development of the Festival legacy, the World Youth Festival Directorate continues the work aimed at strengthening international youth cooperation.