On 24 June, the ceremonial opening of the International Youth Forum “Eurasia Global” took place in Orenburg. The event brought together 300 participants from 53 countries, including delegates from 82 regions of the Russian Federation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, sent his greetings to the participants of the International Youth Forum “Eurasia Global”: “The Forum plays a key role in strengthening humanitarian cooperation across the Eurasian space, promoting the Russian language and culture, and fostering an atmosphere of friendship and trust between nations. We are pleased that young Russians, our compatriots abroad, and representatives of countries from the Global South and East take part in these meetings. This year’s central theme – “Uniting to Co-Author a Multipolar World” – is especially timely. It is clear that building a just and sustainable world order is impossible without embracing the diversity of our planet, integrating the potential of different civilizations, religions, and cultures, developing a respectful dialogue among their representatives”.

Over the course of six days, participants will discuss long-term international cooperation and intercultural dialogue, share successful practices, co-create new projects aimed at shaping a multipolar world and explore the technological potential, cultural and historical heritage, and natural riches of the Orenburg Region, which has been welcoming young people from around the world for ten years.

“Eurasia Global” was the first large-scale international youth forum to be held in Russia as part of the forum campaign of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), and today it marks its tenth anniversary. This platform has become truly iconic, traditionally gathering many guests not only from across the country but also from abroad. Among the participants are young people from Serbia, India, Argentina, Venezuela, Tunisia, Bulgaria, Bangladesh and other countries. Such events bring together youth to unlock their creative potential and help unite countries, cultures and nationalities around the values of justice, equality and a multipolar world”, said Grigory Gurov, Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh).

The Forum brings together curators, leaders and members of activities held by International Friendship Clubs of the World Youth Festival Directorate, activists from public organizations and working and creative youth.

“Over the years, our platform has united more than 8,000 young leaders from over 100 countries! We are proud of this but it also brings great responsibility: we must deliver not only a large-scale and vibrant event but also one that is truly beneficial to all participants. This year, by Presidential mandate, the Forum continues the mission of the World Youth Festival – we are strengthening cultural bridges between Russia and the world. Our region has historically connected Europe and Asia. Today, we reaffirm that the Orenburg Region is a territory of dialogue”, – emphasized Evgeny Solntsev, Acting Governor of the Orenburg Region.

Together with experts, participants will design a system of international cooperation based on principles of friendship and mutual respect.

“Eurasia Global has long ranked among the top international youth dialogue platforms held in Russia. Just a year ago, right here in Orenburg, we were only discussing the concept of the newly emerging International Friendship Clubs under of the World Youth Festival Directorate. Today they have become an effective tool for communication among young people from different countries. At present, 90 International Friendship Clubs have been established across all Russian regions and in the federal territory of Sirius. Over 32,000 people from 140 countries have taken part in their events, with more than a thousand activities already held. A year later, representatives of the Friendship Clubs from Russia and abroad have gathered again to engage in face-to-face dialogue, plan new projects, launch joint initiatives, and strengthen international ties”, – noted Vakhtang Khiklandze, Deputy Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate.

The Forum’s programme is divided into two main blocks: discussion of the development prospects of International Friendship Clubs and work on the adaptation of foreign nationals in Russia. Participants will also enjoy a rich excursion programme, which will introduce them to the region’s unique landmarks and showcase its tourism potential.

“I had never previously participated in Eurasia Global, but I had followed the Forum for a long time and admired the opportunities it provides for young people. Every year, the Forum gathers participants from a wide array of countries, creating a unique platform for discussing the most pressing issues facing today’s youth and for developing joint solutions. Stories from friends who attended in previous years convinced me of how vital such initiatives are for personal and professional growth and for forming a new vision of our planet’s future. After exploring the programme and reading alumni feedback, I finally decided to apply – and now I’m confident I’ll become part of a large family of young professionals striving to build a better world and create conditions for sustainable development”, shared Imen Belgasem, a participant from Tunisia.

The International Youth Forum “Eurasia Global” is organized by the Government of the Orenburg Region, co-organized by the World Youth Festival Directorate with the support of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh).

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.