• Start date:  29.06.2024
• End date:  29.06.2024
• Status: Completed

Sochi Dialogue Secretariat awarded a commemorative presidential medal for its contribution to the organisation of the World Youth Festival

On Youth Day, June 29, at VDNH, a ceremonial presentation of presidential medals took place. Representatives of partner organizations and volunteer centers were honored for their contribution to the organization and conduct of the 2024 World Youth Festival.

The Russian-Austrian Public Forum "Sochi Dialogue" received a commemorative medal for facilitating the participation of the Austrian delegation.

S.V. Kirienko, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, and D.N. Chernyshenko, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, spoke from the stage of the Youth House at VDNH with words of gratitude to the organisers and partners of the World Youth Festival.

"The atmosphere at the Festival was sincere, emotional and touching. Participants from 190 countries not only learnt but also fell in love with Russia, made new friends and new acquaintances. And the most important thing is that now nobody can tell them any untruths about our country. They know what Russia is, they have real friends here. This is crucial for the struggle that Russia is facing today - a struggle not only for its right to self-determination, but also for the right of all other people in the world to choose their own path. This festival of dreams and joy would not be a success if there was no pride for our country, for Russian youth and the achievements we have represented to the whole world," Sergey Kiriyenko addressed the participants of the ceremony. Dmitry Chernyshenko noted the important role of international partners in holding the Festival and thanked them for their contribution to the organisation and holding of the Festival.

The Festival was attended by young people from 190 countries, 13 foreign ministers, 40 foreign ambassadors, while 95 National Preparatory Committees from 112 countries and 500 foreign partner organisations took part in the preparations for the event. Sochi Dialogue's contribution was to ensure the participation of the Austrian delegation at the festival. Delegation participants praised the excellent organisation, the rich and interesting programme, and the incredible atmosphere of friendliness and unity. Many noted that they continued to communicate with festival participants from other countries; in their opinion, the World Youth Festival significantly contributes to mutual understanding between people.

We are very pleased to mention that this is also the mission of our bilateral forum, so we look forward to continuing our fruitful co-operation with the World Youth Festival Directorate in the future. Thank you for your appreciation of the work done and the trust placed in us!

Secretariat of the Russian-Austrian Public Forum "Sochi Dialogue"