On May 19-20, Khabarovsk hosted an open youth platform “Bridge to the Future: Youth Perspective on Russia-China Cooperation”. The event was organized by the International Friendship Club of the Khabarovsk Region.

The platform brought together over 90 representatives from China and young people from the Khabarovsk Region. They discussed the role of young people in shaping a new world, symbols, and narratives to strengthen patriotism and cultural identity among youth, the impact of educational institutions on personal development, as well as tools to involve youth in innovations and tech startups.

“Friendly relations between Russia and China have a long history. And today, these relations are developing across multiple sectors of economy. We organize a lot of joint events for Chinese and Russian youth. For example, the “Ambassadors of Friendship” festival which brings together youth, including from the Khabarovsk Region. Every year, we send Chinese youth to study in Russian universities, while Russian students attend Harbin Polytechnic University, Harbin Engineering Institute, Heilongjiang University. They study Russian and Chinese because language is the bridge that connects all of us”, noted Chang Yan, participant of the Russia-China Forum and representative of Heilongjiang University.

The event focused on entrepreneurship, patriotism, and creative industries. Young representatives from Russia and China took part in discussions on export and import and explored successful startups and projects. The creative track discussed opportunities to develop joint cultural initiatives. The patriotic platform aimed to exchange experience in youth education, historical memory preservation, and upholding traditions. Additionally, Russian and international youth laid flowers at the Glory Square and unfurled a 300-meter-long St. George’s ribbon.

The event also featured a performance by NANSI & SIDOROV, creators of the World Youth Festival’s official song.

The Russia-China Forum is one of the most significant platforms for expanding economic, technological, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, incentivizing national export, and creating new points of growth for Russia and China.

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.