In the early days of March, every street and corner in the Sirius Federal Territory is filled with the festive atmosphere of the World Youth Festival 2024.
With the theme of connecting young people around the world to build a common future, the festival is expected to be a good opportunity for delegates from about 180 countries and territories worldwide to exchange ideas, express their views, and propose solutions to global problems, for a just and prosperous world.
In the video broadcast at the opening ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasised the role of the young generation, stressing that multinational solidarity is the highest value that determines most of the principles that state and society exist and develop.
We must work together for the generations to come, fight poverty and terrorism, diseases and drug trafficking, preserve the unique natural riches, cultural heritage, and all the beauty and diversity of the planet.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
“We must work together for the generations to come, fight poverty and terrorism, diseases and drug trafficking, preserve the unique natural riches, cultural heritage, and all the beauty and diversity of the planet,” the Russian leader stated.
The 111-member Vietnamese delegation, led by Ngo Van Cuong, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, has spread the message of solidarity and cooperation for peace and development while promoting the beautiful images of Vietnam and its people at the festival.
Among tens of thousands of people attending the opening ceremony, it was not difficult to find a Vietnamese representative who was distinguished amidst the crowds, thanks to the blue shirt of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.
The Vietnamese delegation was surrounded by many members from other countries who wanted to take group photos with the team. They kept chanting the words “Viet Nam”, “Doan Ket” (solidarity), and “Cam On” (Thank you).
The international friends were also excited to share with the Vietnamese delegates their experiences and memories during their vacations in famous tourist attractions of Vietnam, such as Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Hanoi. This showed that the beautiful country of Vietnam has become familiar to young people worldwide.
During the week-long festival, which started on March 1, Vietnamese delegates actively participated in various educational, sports, business, charity, and international cooperation activities.
They held meetings with foreign delegations, during which they expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation in the youth sector. They also took the occasion to promote the Vietnamese land and culture to international friends.
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| The Vietnamese youth delegation at the World Youth Festival 2024 in Russia (Photo: VNA) |
In an Armenian barbecue restaurant located neatly on the beach road, a young man Karen was singing ballads about love. The atmosphere changed when a group of Vietnamese delegates entered the restaurant and entertained dinners with songs about Vietnam and classical Russian melodies.
The performances, delivered by Duong Van Duc from the Military University of Culture and Arts and Bui Tuan Ngoc from the Military Music and Dance Theatre, received a big round of applause from the diners.
Karen, an Armenian living in Russia, said that through the songs, he can feel that Vietnam is an interesting country with a unique culture.
“Thank you for coming tonight, thank you for this wonderful atmosphere of friendship," he said.
On the sideline of the WYF 2024, the Vietnamese delegation held discussions with those from the Cuban Communist Youth Union delegation, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Venezuela, and representatives of the St. Petersburg city government.
They affirmed their desire to promote companionship, briefed each other on the activities of their respective youth organisations, and discussed measures to strengthen ties between youth organisations.
