Over 30 Ugandan youth have been officially flagged off to participate in the 2024 World Youth Festival, set to be held in the Russian city of Sochi. The send-off ceremony, graced by the Russian Ambassador to Uganda, Vladlen Semivolos, emphasized the abundant opportunities available for young people in Russia.
Scheduled to take place from March 1st to March 7th, 2024, the World Youth Festival will revolve around the theme of “For peace, solidarity, and social justice.” Ambassador Semivolos highlighted the pivotal role of young people in strengthening the bilateral relations between Russia and Uganda, citing initiatives such as education scholarship programs as manifestations of this commitment.
Speaking at the ceremony hosted at the Ambassador’s residence in Kololo, Kampala, Semivolos expressed confidence that Uganda’s participation in the festival would foster deeper ties between the two countries and facilitate connections with youth from diverse backgrounds. He underscored the festival’s focus on universal human values, envisioning it as a platform for promoting a multipolar world.
Davis Akampurira, Chairman of the organizing committee for the World Youth Festival, provided insights into the event’s objectives, emphasizing its role in enhancing international youth cooperation. With over 20,000 participants from 180 countries expected to attend, the festival aims to facilitate discussions, cultural exchanges, sports competitions, and volunteer activities, reflecting its diverse and inclusive nature.
The festival draws inspiration from the rich traditions of youth and student festivals, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of global collaboration and solidarity. Ambassador Semivolos lauded the expanding delegation exchange between Russia and Uganda, citing previous participations in international forums as evidence of growing engagement.
Highlighting recent engagements, Semivolos mentioned Uganda’s involvement in the “Eurasia Global” forum in 2023, which brought together young activists from across the globe. He also referenced the participation of representatives from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in a forum focused on combating neocolonialism.
President Vladimir Putin’s remarks at the forum underscored Russia’s commitment to supporting national liberation movements and dismantling colonial systems. The participation of Ugandan youth in such international gatherings reflects a shared commitment to advancing global solidarity and addressing contemporary challenges.
