It’s all systems go for the inaugural Russia-Africa Young Diplomats Forum, set to open in Moscow next Tuesday, April 22.
Around 60 diplomatic representatives from 40 countries, including Kenya, will participate in the four-day summit at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).
The event aims to strengthen cooperation between Russian and African youth, promote African studies, and foster a positive image of Russia across the African continent.
The fourth international youth forum, titled ‘Russia-Africa: What Next?’, will be held at MGIMO from April 22 to 25. It forms part of a broader series of international initiatives by Russia, which is expanding its presence in Africa.
According to a presser hosted by TASS, the Forum will feature some 60 representatives of foreign policy institutions from around 40 countries, leading politicians from Russia and Africa, representatives of the academic community, and entrepreneurs.
The World Youth Festival Directorate (WYFD) which is a partner is sponsoring 33 African delegates to participate in the event.
“They included young leaders, representatives of foreign policy institutions, and experts in political studies and history. The Forum offers an eventful programme featuring open discussions, roundtables, brainstorming sessions, and world cafes”, said the organisation.
In addition, the World Youth Festival Directorate will organise a guided tour to the “Partisan Village” Military and Historical Complex to introduce foreign guests to Russia’s great military history and legendary armoured vehicles.
The conference was attended by Vakhtang Khiklandze, Deputy Director General on External Communications of the World Youth Festival Directorate, Stanislav Surovtsev, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, Social Work and International Relations at MGIMO University, Ekaterina Akopyan, Chair of the Council of Young Diplomats at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Sergey Karyakin, International Grandmaster and Senator representing the Republic of Crimea in the Federation Council.
Others are Igor Tkachenko, Executive Secretary of the Programme Committee for the “Russia-Africa: What’s Next?” Forum, and David Okpatuma, Co-Founder of the Organisation for Development and Cooperation in Africa.
The speakers who unveiled the programme of events emphasised the summit’s significance in uniting young diplomats from Russia and African countries to address pressing issues and enhance international cooperation and bilateral ties.
