Volunteer activity in Moscow is gearing up for the World Festival of Youth and Students, with Moscow city volunteers set to meet and greet volunteer delegations from other Russian regions and international participants at major transport hubs across the capital. This coordinated effort, announced by the WFM-2024 press service, underscores Moscow’s role as a welcoming gateway for attendees from around the world who will participate in the festival.
A key component of the program is the leadership role assigned to the Moscow coordinator, who will oversee one of the 27 Centers for attracting and training WFM-2024 volunteers. These centers operate on the Mosvolonter resource center model, designed to streamline volunteer recruitment, training, and deployment for large-scale events. The emphasis is on building a robust local volunteer ecosystem that can scale to the festival’s needs while ensuring consistent messaging and support for participants.
The first training seminar, held on February 16, drew approximately 300 Muscovites who prepared to contribute to the festival experience. The initiative envisions a broader goal: mobilizing around 1,000 residents of Moscow to participate as city volunteers, expanding the pool of people ready to assist, guide, and host festival guests. With a growing cadre of trained volunteers, Moscow aims to elevate the guest experience and strengthen the event’s organizational backbone from the outset.
Alexander Levit, director of the Mosvolonter resource center, highlighted the pivotal role of Moscow’s volunteers in shaping the festival’s early impression. He noted that the city’s volunteers will set the tone for international and domestic participants, creating a welcoming atmosphere that travels with attendees as they move toward Sirius and engage with the broader festival program.
Levit emphasized that volunteers will do more than direct people; they will foster positive memories of Russia and its people. The aim is for participants to carry warm associations back to their home countries, helping to build a lasting, favorable view of Russia formed through personal interactions and practical assistance during the festival.
Beginning February 20, Moscow volunteers stationed at airports and railway stations will play a crucial logistical role. They will greet volunteers arriving from 36 Russian regions who are bound for the festival in Sochi, traveling through Moscow or departing from it. Volunteers will also facilitate seamless transfers for international participants, assisting them in navigating the capital and connecting to festival venues with efficiency and care.
Beyond the festival’s peak activities, Moscow volunteers will continue to support foreign guests taking part in the regional program. Their responsibilities include ensuring a hospitable and comfortable city environment and helping visitors gain a more nuanced understanding of Moscow. By guiding guests, offering practical information, and assisting with local transportation, volunteers contribute to a smoother, more memorable experience for every participant, residential or international alike.