From June 18 to 21, St. Petersburg hosted the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Representatives of the World Youth Festival Directorate took part in the event.
Dmitry Ivanov, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate, spoke at the session titled "BRICS and Partners: Shaping a Shared Business Future." He emphasized the importance of developing youth entrepreneurship for the prosperous business future of BRICS nations and announced the BRICS International Youth Business Mentorship Program. The project is being implemented in partnership with the "BRICS Women's Business Alliance" association.
«Entrepreneurship serves as a true bridge between peoples and nations: it is in business that people of different cultures find common ground, forge strong partnerships, and collectively respond to the challenges of our time. To strengthen this unifying role within BRICS, we have established the Mentorship Institute for Women Entrepreneurs in collaboration with the Women's Business Alliance. Women entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly vital role in the economy today leading major corporations, creating innovative startups, and developing effective business strategies. This year, 100 promising young women entrepreneurs will participate in the program, receiving personalized mentorship from top managers of BRICS countries. The program also includes group masterclasses and webinars on management practices and international partnerships, integration of participants into BRICS Women’s Business Alliance and World Youth Festival (WYF) events, and a practical component: upon completion, 10 internships for young entrepreneurs will be implemented with investment support for business development. I am confident that this comprehensive support through education, mentorship, and tangible growth opportunities will create powerful momentum for BRICS cooperation and open new horizons for women’s entrepreneurship,» noted Dmitry Ivanov.
The session featured representatives from business communities and public sectors of BRICS nations and partner countries: Indonesia, China, UAE, Russia, South Africa, and Malaysia.
On the sidelines of the forum, the World Youth Festival Directorate also entered into five partnership agreements. The World Youth Festival Directorate signed an agreement with the "BRICS Women’s Business Alliance" association to develop a joint mentorship program in youth entrepreneurship, and with the "Path Home" Center for Voluntary Resettlement to create a platform for sharing experiences that restores trust and unites people. A framework agreement was also signed with the "Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry." The parties agreed on long-term cooperation and support for the "Start Your Business with Moscow" project. The World Youth Festival Directorate will help attract highly qualified specialists from around the world for internships in Russia.
The World Youth Festival Directorate signed an agreement with the Russian Music Union. The parties will jointly launch international projects and platforms for representatives of creative industries aimed at developing international youth creative initiatives. The World Youth Festival Directorate and ANO «Dialogue Regions» signed an agreement to establish informational cooperation on matters of mutual interest in implementing international youth projects.
Furthermore, the World Youth Festival Directorate facilitated the participation of foreign bloggers in covering SPIEF'25.
“The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is a platform for building new friendships between countries. Cooperation between our nations is not only possible but necessary. We all share a common goal to create a better and just multipolar world. Undoubtedly, under these conditions, we must actively expand business opportunities,” said Serbian political blogger Lazic Nebojsa.
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.