**Putin Welcomes Participants of International Youth Festival in Ekaterinburg**
Ekaterinburg, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed attendees of the International Youth Festival during its opening ceremony on Sunday, emphasizing themes of peace and global unity. The event, held at the Ekaterinburg-Expo International Exhibition Center, aims to foster international dialogue and cultural exchange among young leaders.
In a video message, Putin highlighted the significance of the Russian word ‘mir,’ which translates to both peace and the world. He articulated that this dual meaning reflects the essence of Russia’s multi-ethnic society and its commitment to inclusivity. “We want every person to remain human and for their fate to be determined by things other than nationality, a wallet packed with money, status, or background,” he stated. Putin underscored Russia's advocacy for equitable access to essential resources such as medication, food, water, energy, and education.
The president's call for collaboration resonated with the festival participants, who responded with applause. “If you share these aspirations, let’s change the world together,” he urged, inviting attendees to join in efforts to address global challenges.
Sergey Kirienko, the deputy head of the presidential administration, also addressed the crowd, noting the diverse representation at the festival. “We’ve got representatives from 191 countries here – we’ve practically got the whole world here,” he remarked. Kirienko emphasized the importance of the young leaders present, who are poised to influence the future of various sectors, including politics, business, science, and media.
The festival has drawn approximately 10,000 young attendees from around the globe, with notable participation from countries such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Argentina. Additionally, over 100 young people from Western nations, including France, the UK, and Italy, have also been invited to participate.
Organizers have positioned the International Youth Festival as a platform for discussing pressing global issues and promoting cultural exchange among the youth. The event is set to conclude on Thursday, September 17, with various activities and discussions planned throughout the week.
As the festival progresses, it aims to not only celebrate youth culture but also to empower the next generation of leaders to collaborate on solutions to the challenges facing the world today.