Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
AFRICAN youth are increasingly being positioned at the centre of efforts to build a sustainable multipolar world, with young leaders from Russia and across the African continent calling for stronger cooperation in education, technology, culture and diplomacy.
This emerged during the African Youth Day 2026 forum held at the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia in Moscow on May 24 under the theme “Unity of Nations and Sustainable Development.”
The event brought together diplomats, youth leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and cultural figures from Africa and Russia in what organisers described as one of the year’s most significant humanitarian platforms aimed at strengthening people-to-people relations between the two regions.
Delivering opening remarks, President of the African Club and chief organiser of the forum, Louis Gowende, said Africa and Russia were working towards synchronising the African Union’s Agenda 2063 with Russia’s Year of Peoples’ Unity initiative.
He said the growing partnership between African countries and Russia reflected a shared vision of a fairer international system built on equality, mutual respect and sustainable development.
Mr Gowende also announced the launch of the “Ambassadors of the the Russian-African Club” programme, which seeks to strengthen youth engagement, cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.
He further revealed that preparations were already underway for the Russia-Africa Expo 2027 international business forum, which is expected to deepen economic and investment ties between Russia and African nations.
The forum received added prominence through the participation of Violetta Medvedeva, Chairperson of the Moscow Regional Branch of the International Public Foundation “Russian Peace Foundation,” which served as the event’s general partner.
In a ceremonial presentation, Ms Medvedeva announced the appointment of Louis Gowende as the official representative of the Peace Foundation in African countries.
Participants at the event also received certificates of honour and medals from the State Duma Committee on International Affairs signed by senior Russian politician Leonid Slutsky.
The Youth Council of the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia played a key role in organising the forum, which was hosted at the historic museum building on Tverskaya Street in central Moscow.
Chairperson of the museum’s Youth Council, Pavel Sapotko, welcomed delegates and stressed the importance of supporting international dialogue among young people.
He said the museum was committed not only to preserving history but also to contributing towards the development of modern Russian-African relations through educational and cultural initiatives.
One of the most notable speeches came from Anicet Gabriel Kochofa, former Ambassador of the Republic of Benin and Ambassador of Russian Education and Science.
Addressing delegates, Ambassador Kochofa encouraged young people to become active participants in shaping future international relations.
He said the energy, creativity and innovation of young Africans and Russians would play a critical role in strengthening cooperation between the two regions.
The forum was also attended by Eritrean Ambassador Asghed Petros Tseggai and senior officials from the Embassy of Gabon in the Russian Federation, including Ontsugu Rolland Georges and Bayni Akimova Diana-Priska.
Technology and innovation featured prominently during discussions at the forum.
Advisor to the rector of the Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics, Vladimir Golobokov, announced the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Olympiad for African universities.
The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for scientific exchange, digital skills development and technological cooperation between Russian and African institutions.
Organisers said the project would help empower young Africans with advanced technological knowledge required in an increasingly digital global economy.
The event also highlighted the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between Russia and Africa.
Guests were entertained by opera singer Margarita Shagina and her children, Mark and Timofey, who performed violin and saxophone pieces during the celebrations.
Traditional Russian folk games organised by Tatyana Tataeva’s team created a lively atmosphere and encouraged interaction among guests from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
