The international session at the Sondowon camp in North Korea concluded on August 2, with approximately 50 teenage participants from Russia. The trip was organized by the World Youth Festival Directorate, the Movement of the First, and the International Children's Center “Artek”.
“Expanding youth exchanges provides a new impetus for the development of bilateral cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. It is especially important to establish friendly ties between the younger generations of our countries, who will soon be building a just multipolar world. As part of the legacy of the World Youth Festival, which for the first time ever in 2024 included participants aged 14 to 17 from around the world, opportunities for international cooperation will be expanded, and good neighborly relations between the teenagers and youth of our countries will be strengthened” said Daniil Bisslinger, Advisor on International Affairs to the Head of Rosmolodezh and Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate.
During the international shift, participants built friendships and introduced each other to the culture traditions and history of their countries. Russian teenagers took part in taekwondo and folk-dance master classes, learned the basics of the Korean language and calligraphy, and organized a festival. During the festival, participants from North Korea were introduced to Russian folklore, traditions, and cultural heritage. The programme also included Korea Day and Russia Day.
“Undoubtedly, Russia and the DPRK will share a long-lasting and strong friendship! I see this interaction happening through communication between the youth of our two countries. I believe that in the near future, we will be able to hold major joint events, forums, and activities because it is so wonderful to learn new and interesting things about a country directly from its residents. It is up to us, the younger generation, to develop relations between Russia and the DPRK and take them to a new, higher level”, said Ksenia Tsiva, a Movement of the First participant from the Stavropol Territory.
The session also included sports competitions, educational contests, and quizzes. The young Russians went on an excursion around Pyongyang, visiting the country's main attractions, including the Liberation Monument, Pyongyang Bowling Alley, Munsu Water Park, Masikryong Ski Resort, Wonsan Botanical Garden, and other places.
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.
In the future, the World Youth Festival will become a platform for the development of a permanent international youth movement aimed at creating a just multipolar world. 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 International Youth Festival, and international themed gatherings and events will be held under the auspices of the WYF.
The World Youth Festival is organized by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh). The WYF-2024 was operated by the World Youth Festival Directorate.