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SOCHI - Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has emphasised the importance of equality and respect among all nations worldwide as fundamental pillars for the attainment of enduring peace and progress.

Delivering the closing address at the Word Youth Festival (WYF) in Sochi, Russia, on March 6, 2024, he underscored the significance of mutual respect among nations, emphasizing that no nation should claim superiority over others.

The week-long event was held under the theme, “Promoting Peace, Solidarity, and Social Justice.”

This remarkable festival drew the participation of more than 20,000 young individuals hailing from 180 countries across the globe.

The festival consisted of cultural exchanges, sports competitions, an exhibition, joint training, and volunteer activities.

Putin expressed his enthusiasm to address a diverse audience comprising citizens from various corners of the world.

Davis Akampurira, Chairman of the World Youth Festival Committee in Uganda attending the closing ceremony of World Youth Festival in Russia, Sochi on March 06, 2024. (All Photos by WYF)

“There is something that brings us together. This is what we call traditional values despite the fact that we look different, the colour of our skin, there is something that still brings us together because we are all humans and we are all equal,” he added.

“There is no exception in the world for arrogance and segregation and any supremacy based on our traits/features,” he noted. 

Putin stressed that whereas the conditions we grow in are unfair, it is incumbent upon the world to make them better for humanity.

"We will make the world more transparent, more fair, more sustainable, balanced and democratic," he said.

Putin noted that in North America, India, and Europe, there is a belief held by many individuals (well-educated and serious ones), that a substantial part of the economic success in those regions is a result of exploiting other people.

“Today’s well-being of those people is based on exploiting Africa to a large extent exploiting their natural resources, and human resources,” he noted.

He said the prevailing world economic order is inherently unfair and no accident that the majority of governments within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) find it challenging to reconcile their differences during the seemingly interminable sessions.

He attributed this to the unwillingness of wealthy nations to establish a trade and economic system that would promote an open market for emerging economies and create a liberal context.

He highlighted the ongoing endeavors of emerging economies to reshape the global economic order but encounter hindrances that impede their progress.

He cited that during the second Africa-Russia Summit, African leaders pointed out the overwhelming accumulative debt in various African nations, stressing that repayment may prove to be unattainable despite efforts made.

President Vladimir Putin speaking during the closing ceremony of the World Youth Festival.

Putin underlined that Russia arranges such events not prove something to someone or have an argument, but rather to cultivate friendships and establish a platform for communication among young people world over.

Davis Akampurira, the representative of Africa and head of the Ugandan delegation, expressed gratitude to Putin for his unwavering support and dedication towards the cause of Africa's independence.

“We thank you for this struggle because you have not done it in your own interest or the people of Russia but for all people in the world. We just want to know how the people of Africa can work together with Russia to address some of these challenges that are affecting our people,” he noted.

Akampurira also took the opportunity to humorously request Putin to become his mentor, and also take him on like his own son from Africa, which received a round of applause from the audience.

The Russian Head of State, with a smile on his face, replied, "I will not only address you as son but also as president, as you are the President of the student’s union."

The president invited Akampurira and Italy’s representative Ciro Cerullo to join him on stage for a photo opportunity.

During an interview with the New Vision, Akampurira emphasized that Russia has historically played a significant role in assisting African nations in achieving independence in all aspects.

“I feel Putin has been a father to Africa. You are aware of his contribution to Africa like in Uganda we had only about 20 scholarships, which increased to 50 and now we are at 200 annually for Ugandan students who want to study in Russia. He has also been supporting the Ugandan government in different aspects. It is the reason I also want him to mentor me,” he noted.

He said many young people need to be nurtured into leaders with exceptional value like Putin and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.

“President Museveni has been doing it but we feel they should join hands and they nurture future leaders not only for Russia or Uganda but for Africa at large,” he added.

Dr. John Aggrey, the head of the Ghana delegation, expressed that the festival demonstrates Russia's acceptance of diverse cultures and nationalities, highlighting a new world order of multipolarity.