100 Young people from 9 Countries Joined the Historical and Political Model Conferences of the Times of the Great Patriotic War
The International Friendship Club of the Tyumen Region launched the “Historical and Political Model Conferences of the Times of the Great Patriotic War” educational project. It brought together 100 young people from 9 countries: Russia, Lebanon, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kenya, Colombia, and Vietnam.
The project aims to enhance knowledge about the Great Patriotic War among Russian and foreign youth. Interactive formats help participants learn more about key wartime events.
“Participants will explore key moments and details of the talks between Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill, as well as discuss issues of territorial division, peace terms and the establishment of the UN. The Model will reenact historical negotiation sessions and consider alternative scenarios for them. The project also facilitates interaction between Russian and international students in Tyumen”, said Gyunel Bakhyshova, leader of the International Friendship Club.
Model participants take on the roles of delegation representatives from different countries. The multinational team of the International Friendship Club of the Tyumen Region discusses decisions made at the Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam conferences, while also considering alternative historical outcomes. Conference speakers include historians and experts in international relations.
“I believe the Model offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the part of history that affected the entire world. By exploring the anti-Nazi efforts, we strengthen our shared memory and better understand the importance of unity to address challenges. My goal in this project is to contribute to dialogue about historical memory, solidarity and peacebuilding. We share historical parallels, showing how African and Soviet peoples resisted oppression and fought for freedom. I hope our cooperation will help young people see that lessons of the past are key to building a just future. I reckon together we can both preserve the memory of our ancestors' valour and create a world where values of freedom, justice and solidarity prevail”, said Gbetoho Kundenou Agossou Romain from Benin, participant of the International Friendship Club of the Tyumen Region and Chair of the regional African Union.
He also noted that the history of the Great Patriotic War teaches youth that humane attitude, resilience, and mutual aid can overcome any evil, and that realizing this truth helps maintain peace. According to him, mutual respect, dialogue and willingness to understand each other's experiences bring people together, and such events build bridges of trust, strengthen international cooperation and inspire joint creation.
“I decided to join the Model because it gives me a unique chance to develop my leadership, communication and problem-solving skills. Moreover, it allows me to interact with people of diverse views, which is invaluable for expanding my horizons and understanding of the world. The Model is a platform where I can learn from others and share my own ideas. Such initiatives by the International Friendship Club can unite youth from different countries, creating platforms where everyone feels included and valued”, noted Juan Diego Caviedes Vargas from Colombia, participant of the International Friendship Club of the Tyumen Region.
The Model was organized by the International Friendship Club of the Tyumen Region, and co-organized by the regional “Young Guard”. The project launched on March 6 and will continue until May 7, 2025.
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.