On July 31, the International Children's Center "Artek" hosted the key event of the program " World of BRICS - World of the Future": a working session on the development and adoption of the Declaration-Appeal of Artek children to all heads of world powers.
The document was prepared by children from more than 67 countries participating in the program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the International Children's Center "Artek" and the 100th anniversary of "public diplomacy".
In the format of a video conference, the children were also able to ask questions of interest to them and discuss the draft Declaration with the First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dmitry Polyansky.
"Today it is especially important to convey to the world why you came to Artek. It is important for everyone to hear how here, in this unique space, children from dozens of countries not only get to know each other, but learn to hear and understand each other, form true friendships, build bridges of mutual respect and support. You are showing an example of what a world without borders can look like, where differences become the basis for dialogue, and not a reason for conflict. This is the truth that everyone should hear!", Dmitry Polyansky inspired the children.
The Director of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Alexander Alimov also arrived in Artek on an official visit. He emphasized the importance of the initiative as a model of practical diplomacy.
"What you are doing now makes you diplomats. It is not without reason that Artek has been considered an international center of children's diplomacy for many years. Today you are diplomats. Today you are my colleagues. You communicate with each other, tell each other about your countries, build friendship and mutual understanding. This is diplomacy," noted Alexander Alimov.
The declaration was drawn up by children participating in the international program "World of BRICS - World of the Future", inspired by Ekaterina Lycheva, the first Soviet Peace Ambassador, laureate of the Gold Medal "For Peace", dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the UN. More than 30 years ago, she received a promise from US President Ronald Reagan to reduce arms, and today she is passing the baton to a new generation.
During the session, participants presented a Declaration that called for an end to military conflicts, strengthening international trust, respect for national cultures and shared responsibility for the future of the planet.
The final version of the Declaration was adopted by all participants of the program and will soon be sent to the UN and world leaders. For the first time in the history of children's diplomacy, this document will be presented within the framework of a regular session of the UN General Assembly, which makes the initiative truly unprecedented.
"The declaration adopted in Artek is a call from the younger generation to make trust and mutual respect the main principles of international relations, which is fully consistent with the values that Russia consistently defends in the international arena. The desire of the younger generation for unity and dialogue is the very potential that we are obliged to support. As the organizer of major international youth events, the World Youth Festival Directorate will continue to create platforms and support initiatives that unite the youth of different countries for the sake of peace and sustainable development," said Dmitry Ivanov, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate.
As a result of the program, more than 3,200 Artek children from 67 countries will be invited to the International Children's Center "Artek" to invite five representatives from each country of the world aged 12 to 18 years to participate in the "World Children's Peace Conference", which will be held in July 2026.
This conference will be an important step towards a global children's dialogue based on trust, mutual understanding and the desire for a peaceful future. The program is implemented with the support of Rosmolodezh, the World Youth Festival Directorate, Rossotrudnichestvo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Movement of the First, ANO "UTI-leaders", the Russian "Knowledge" Society, the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", the Association "National Champions", the holding "Technodinamika", Vision Media Centre and VOIR.
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.
