Russian and African youth join forces for sustainable multipolar future

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 RUSSIA-AFRICA DIPLOMACY 

The State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia hosted the year’s key humanitarian event Africa Youth Day 2026 in Moscow.

The forum, held under the motto "Unity of Nations and Sustainable Development", became a platform for large-scale dialogue between young people and high-ranking diplomats.

The opening ceremony was led by Louis Gowende, President of the African Club and the forum's main organizer. He emphasized that today, Russia and Africa are synchronizing the African Union's Agenda 2063 and Russia's focus on the Year of Peoples' Unity.

The organizer announced the launch of the "Ambassadors of the Russian-African Club" programme and preparations for the Russia-Africa Expo 2027, an international business forum.

The event was given special significance by the participation of Violetta Nikolaevna Medvedeva, Chair of the Board of the Moscow Regional Branch of the International Public Foundation (Russian Peace Foundation), which acted as the general partner of the event.

In a ceremonial setting, Medvedeva announced the appointment of Gowende as the official representative of the Peace Fund in African countries.

During the ceremony, participants were also presented with certificates of honour and medals from the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, signed by Leonid Eduardovich Slutsky.

The forum's co-organizer, the Youth Council of the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia, played a particularly important role in organizing the event.

Thanks to its support, the event was held in a historic building in the heart of Moscow, on Tverskaya Street.

In his address, Pavel Sapotko, Chairman of the Museum's Youth Council, welcomed the guests and emphasized the venue's commitment to supporting projects aimed at strengthening international dialogue.

He noted that the Museum not only preserves the memory of the past, but also actively contributes to the creation of a modern history of Russian-African partnership, ensuring a high level of organization and comprehensive support for youth initiatives.

Anicet Gabriel Kochofa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Benin (2012–2016) and Ambassador of Russian Education and Science, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech.

As an associate professor at Moscow State University and a legendary figure in international cooperation, he offered insightful advice to the youth, noting that their energy is key to the prosperity of both regions.

The forum, covered widely by the media, was honoured by the presence of Asghed Petros Tseggai (Ambassador of Eritrea), as well as high-ranking advisers of the Embassy of Gabon in the Russian Federation: Ontsugu Rolland Georges and Bayni Akimova Diana-Priska.

A significant event in the educational sphere was the announcement by Vladimir Zinovievich Golobokov (advisor to the rector of MTUCI), who presented the university-developed Artificial Intelligence Olympiad for African universities, which opens new avenues for scientific and technical exchange.

The event's organizational strength was provided by co-organizer Natalia Zeferovna Nigamedyanova (Chair of the ANO "Path to Unity," head of "RosAF-Youth"), Ambassador of the Pan-African and Caribbean Regions, and Member of the Moscow Association of Entrepreneurs.

The festive atmosphere was created by outstanding figures of art:

• Opera singer Margarita Shagina and her children, talented musicians Mark (violin) and Timofey (saxophone)
• Representative of RosAF-Youth Anna Gorbotenko
• Tatyana Tataeva’s team organized costumed Russian folk games that involved all the guests in a circle of friendship

The fashion section attracted particular attention.

Emaiqwu Patience Onyeamoche (founder of PATOCH Gardner's Home) presented a stunning display of African clothing.

As a sign of friendship, designer Anastasia Maximovna Vdovkina presented the African ambassadors with unique gifts — original Russian folk clothing, symbolizing their deep respect for each other's traditions.

The eventful programme concluded with an exclusive tour of the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia. Participants and guests of the forum explored exhibits chronicling the most important stages of Russia's development, a symbolic conclusion to a day dedicated to construction.