“This is a unique format that is now held once every few years. I spoke with participants, representatives of official delegations and representatives of civil society. They say, let’s create something so that the communication that arises on this platform becomes something more,” she stated.

The diplomat commented that she was able to communicate with World War II veterans, participants in the 1957 Festival of Youth and Students, who were guests of honor this year.

“We met by chance, discussed what was happening here, compared what it was like in 1957. They assured me that now the event has reached a new level. People today have many more communication skills than 60 or 70 years ago,” she said.

Zakharova noted that the meeting was attended by young people from the United States, Canada and the European Union, “regardless of the differences between governments,” she added.

The World Youth Festival is taking place at the Sirius Center in Sochi from March 1 to 7, 2024.

From March 10 to 17, a regional program will take place in which participants will visit 30 Russian cities.

According to organizers, 20,000 outstanding young people in the sectors of education, science, international cooperation, culture, volunteer work and charity, sports, business and media, including 10,000 foreigners, will participate in the event.

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