Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili recently in Sochi, Russia
THE World Youth Festival in Sochi, Russia, themed “Let’s Start the Future Together,” concluded on Thursday, marking a significant gathering of young minds focused on shaping a brighter future.
The festival became a melting pot of ideas, with participants from across the globe sharing their visions for future leadership.
The organisational prowess of the World Youth Festival Directorate was commendable, as they successfully managed a diverse group of at least 20 000 young individuals from various backgrounds and nationalities.
“It is a challenge to organise people, what more at least 20 000 young people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities,” the directorate noted, highlighting the complexity of the task.
Preparation for the festival began months in advance, with applications open from June to December of the previous year.
Out of 300 000 applicants, only 20 000 were selected to attend the prestigious event.
“At least 300 000 young leaders and innovators applied to participate in the festival with only 20 000 slots being available,” the WYF Directorate revealed.
The festival’s success was also due to the InteRussia Fellowship Programme Alumni, who reunited for the event.
Zimbabwe’s participation further strengthened its ties with Russia, showcasing the country’s commitment to international collaboration.
Communication barriers were skilfully managed by assigning multilingual Russian students as team leaders to assist groups of delegates.
These volunteers, including Daria Shumova, played a crucial role in enhancing the experience for attendees.
“These assistants were volunteers who were not paid anything,” the organisers explained, underlining the spirit of volunteerism that permeated the event.
In a bold move, Sochi authorities banned alcohol sales near the summit venue from 1 to 7 March, ensuring a focused and safe environment for the youth-centric festival.
The cleanliness of the venue, despite the large number of attendees, was remarkable and set an example worth emulating.
Cultural diversity was celebrated during the WYF’s Culture Day, where nations proudly displayed their heritage.
Zimbabwe’s national dress and the iconic scarf worn by President Mnangagwa received special attention, symbolising the country’s cultural identity on the global stage.
The festival also served as a platform for young entrepreneurs to network and brainstorm solutions to global challenges.
Innovations in STEM fields, AI, coding and robotics were showcased, indicating the direction of future development.
President Vladimir Putin, in his address to the delegates, lauded the event as a “major success,” encapsulating the sentiment of all those involved in this groundbreaking gathering.
“We wanted to create the environment of freedom, creativity, friendship which would allow you to interact with each other, find new friends or maybe even partners for your future projects,” said President Putin.
“You have managed to accomplish even more than we expected. It was precisely you who created here, in the south of Russia, a true city of the worlds.”
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Professor Amon Murwira, speaking on the sidelines of the WYF activities said such global events are key in guiding young people to be responsible adults.
Professor Murwira likened the youth to a potent source of energy that, when properly channelled, can drive significant progress.
Zandile Mazvita, a participant, shared her revelations from the event, particularly regarding the value of patriotism and the importance of international solidarity among the younger generation.
She expressed her admiration for the volunteers’ commitment, noting.
“The presence of over 5 000 volunteers, always willing to assist with a warm smile, showcased a level of dedication that is truly admirable.
“This experience was not just about learning, but also about being inspired by the collective spirit of unity and progress that the festival embodied, leaving a lasting impact on me,” said Mazvita. –@nqotshili
Online Reporter