There are many of us and we are together
Guests came to the festival from all over the world. There were only 20 thousand participants. And also the volunteers, staff, organizers and everyone else who made this celebration of life possible.
“Not counting Russia, we have 188 countries. It’s still fair to count yourself, so it’ll be 189. And the third feature, honestly why still 190: of course there was a fairly significant delegation representing Ukrainian citizens. But for obvious reasons we cannot call them an official delegation; We understand that the guys will now face criminal prosecution,” said Sergei Kiriyenko, head of the organizing committee responsible for the preparation and conduct of WFM-2024, first deputy head of WFM-2024 presidential administration.
Also, according to Sergei Kiriyenko, the participants of the World Youth Festival understood that Russia is fighting for the right of each people to their own sovereignty, their own choice. Others were subjected to harassment because of their positions in so-called democratic Europe.
For example, a volunteer from Germany, Nikolai Fast, leader of the “Brother Engine Aid” movement, said that in 2022 he and a friend brought the first batch of humanitarian aid to Donbass, after which German law enforcement agencies became interested in his work. . Nikolai was forced to move to Russia. The volunteer, who previously lived in Germany for 33 years, has now moved to Donetsk. But it still collects money from the European Union and uses it to buy humanitarian aid.
“After the start of the NWO, the pressure on Russian speakers across Europe was very strong. That’s why we gathered volunteers in Germany to feed Russian truck drivers. We ensured the security of the parking lots where they could spend the night safely. We helped thousands of truckers during that period. Then I brought the first humanitarian aid to Donbass, and Donbass never left it. This land is under God’s protection, it will repay the kindness you give it,” said Nikolai Fast.
The new regions respond with warmth, gratitude and everlasting friendship. The organizers of the festival, Rosmolodezh, invited representatives of all four to the event. And everyone brought gifts with them. For example, the Zaporozhye region treated Melitopol cherry jam with a drop of lemon and honey. Many people gathered to try the Zaporozhye delicacy. Visitors expressed words of gratitude and support literally through one person.
“Before the arrival of the Russian Federation, our young people were not that developed, there was no self-realization, they just studied. And when Russia came, youth policy was opened to us. Various organizations were opened here. We have volunteering, everyone likes our volunteering. As everywhere in Russia, medicine, ecology and charity are developing. And the guys find themselves, join the forums, become aware of themselves. And this is very important. We thank President Vladimir Putin that we are here and that young people in our region not only live, but also develop and realize themselves,” said Anna Ermak from the Zaporozhye region.
cultural code
Balalaika, matryoshka, Kalinka-malinka, Katyusha – all this, of course, was at VFM. For example, Katyusha was sung at the entrance not only by Russian participants, but also by visitors from African countries. Those who were not yet familiar with our songs and cultural codes started dancing.
However, international participants had the opportunity to learn the secrets of Russian culture. Famous Russian and foreign actors talked about him. For example, Milos Bikovich. He is well known in both Serbia and Russia. The actor emphasized that his interest in Russia actually arose a long time ago, thanks to Russian literature.
“When I started reading Russian writers, I felt as if someone had shined a flashlight into some corner of my subconscious and illuminated my unconscious thoughts. So I perceived Russian literature as something very close and dear. Then I was introduced to Russian theater and cinema and eventually fell in love with Russia,” said Milos Bikovich.
According to the actor, Russia and Serbia have the same cultural code and very similar values. The actor particularly pointed out that both countries combine tradition and progressivism.
“I think one feature of our common cultural codes is the ability to accept, forgive and love people with different views,” he emphasized.
People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, laureate of the State Prize of the Russian Federation, artistic director of the Moscow Provincial Theater Sergei Bezrukov noted that the cultural code of Russia consists of a set of values, norms, customs, traditions and historical features. Special culture and lifestyle of the Russian people.
“Compassion, forgiveness, spirituality, family ties, respect for family; All of these are in our character. Duty, honor, the ability to sacrifice for the sake of someone else, the ability to give one’s last shirt even in difficult times,” said Sergei Bezrukov.
Mythbusters
Foreign guests honestly admitted: when they arrived in Russia, they realized how much the West had lied about this country.
“One myth I no longer believe after experiencing Russia is the idea that it is a dangerous and inhospitable place. Before visiting, I had heard various misconceptions about security issues and unfriendly locals. But my time in Russia completely debunked these myths. “Everywhere I went I found this country safe, with efficient public transportation and friendly and helpful people,” said Bilquiz Ariffini from Indonesia.
One festival attendee admitted that he was truly touched by the warmth and hospitality he received in Russia, whether it was lunch with a local family or getting directions from a stranger on the street.
“This made me realize that the stereotypes we often hear are far from the reality of a place and its people. Russia is a diverse, fascinating country with a lot to offer, and my experiences have changed my perspective in the most positive way,” said Bilquiz Ariffini.
Those who visit Russia once want to come here again and again.
“My first visit to Russia was in 2019, when I attended the exhibition of Archimedes’ inventions and innovations, and since then I have fallen in love with Russia and its wonderful people,” said Janan Al-Shehab from Kuwait. .
Al-Shehab is an electronics engineer. He invented an infrared blood sugar detector to help people with diabetes. And for him the development of science is especially important. Al-Shehab emphasized that it is very important to have a full scientific path at WFM, where children can not only exchange ideas, but also gain truly valuable knowledge from Russian and international scientists, participate in various games, and also communicate. With the authorities of Russia, one of the leading countries in the scientific world.
“The festival is a great event that shows that the desire for communication among young people is much stronger than the various geopolitical difficulties and restrictions that, unfortunately, often exist in this world. And we see exactly high-quality communication: people are committed to friendship, acquaintance, knowledge and new projects, and it seems to me that the festival was successful,” said Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov.
Those who prefer economics and business can look into their areas of specialization and not only meet at the largest networking event for 5 thousand people, but also find mentors, discuss the pitfalls of business development, and also get advice from top managers of Russian companies. It plays an important role in the international market.
Have a nice holiday
During all days of the festival, the festive atmosphere was combined with active work.
“The festival was an extraordinary experience: it opened the doors of Russia to the world and shared its achievements, experiences and efforts to build an educated society focused on family and work; It allowed us to have a clear picture of the world where our efforts should be. to be directed. “I think the airport where the festival site is located is a unique work that allows us to see the efforts they are making to move forward as a country,” said participant Rino Machado from Venezuela.
But work is work and you need rest too. Concerts for children were held every day, where famous rappers performed, including ST, pop artists (Klava Koka, Vanya Dmitrienko and others). Thousands of volunteers worked tirelessly for the comfort of the participants. The organizers also thanked them by organizing a great concert on the last day of the event. Even Leonid Agutin spoke about this. Young people chorused and shouted hop-hey-lalalei, singing songs about those who don’t look like you, those who don’t look like me, and how impossible it is to forget even in the lilac moon.
The closing took place on the eve of International Women’s Day. And women all over the world received congratulations from Russian President Vladimir Putin on the final day of WFW.
“You came to Russia, made many friends here. I want you to know: All of Russia is your friend now. “Our doors are always open to you for all your noble efforts,” said Vladimir Putin, addressing young people from all over the world.
The closing ceremony, called “Bonfire Story of the Future”, took festival participants back to their childhood and youth. They gathered around the fire and remembered how the World Youth Festival week in Russia was.
WFM-2024 participants hugged each other and expressed gratitude for the time they spent together. Every day had a meaning: March 2 was “responsibility for the fate of the world”; March 3 – “Multinational Union”; March 4 – “A world full of opportunities for everyone”; March 5 – “Let’s save the family in the name of children and peace”; March 6 – “We are with Russia.” But we don’t say goodbye, we say until we meet again.
“At the suggestion of the participants, we decided to start an international track at each of them, on April 12, when our youth forums traditionally begin in Russia, because all the festival participants who left on these days fell in love with Russia. And so that they have the opportunity to return and return. And let’s continue projects with our friends. Our 43 all-Russian international educational forums will be open to foreigners from this year,” emphasized Rosmolodezh head Ksenia Razuvaeva.