In Moscow at the site of MIREA – Russian Technological University with an online connection from Strasbourg, a regular meeting of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Framework Program for Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Council of Europe in the field of youth policy was held.
The event was attended by Denis Ashirov, the Director of the Department of State Youth Policy and Educational Activities of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Antje Rothmund, the Head of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, Miriam Theuma, the Chairman of the European Steering Committee for Youth Affairs of the Council of Europe, Grigory Petushkov, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Russia as well as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, the Advisory Council for Youth Affairs of the Council of Europe, the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the Council of Europe and the Program Office of the Council of Europe in the Russian Federation.
During the meeting participants discussed the current agenda, assessed past events in 2021, defined an Action Plan and outlined the key stages of interaction for 2022.
Bilateral cooperation between the Council of Europe and the Russian Federation in the field of youth policy began in 1992. It is currently being implemented in accordance with the Framework Program for Cooperation between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and the Council of Europe in the field of youth policy for 2020-2023.
The Framework Program aims to promote the further development of youth policy in the Russian Federation, cooperation between the Council of Europe and the Russian Federation in the field of youth policy and the participation of the Russian Federation in the activities of youth sector of the Council of Europe.
The joint Action Plan approved for 2022 includes both traditional events such as the International Youth Camp “Dialogue”, the International Seminar for Youth on the Preservation of Historical Memory in Europe “Memory and Lessons of the Second World War”, the Training Seminar “50/50 for youth workers from authorities and public organizations as well as new projects that will be held within the framework of the new youth campaign of the Council of Europe “Democracy here. Democracy now.”
“In the line of events one of the most significant for us remains the International Youth Seminar on the Preservation of Historical Memory in Europe “Memory and Lessons of the Second World War” which emphasizes the importance of preserving historical memory and passing it on to new generations. It contributes to increasing the interest of leaders of youth associations from different European countries to the history of the Second World War, awareness of the significance of its results for the formation of the world order based on international law,” Grigory Petushkov, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Russia, said.
Also, as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of youth sector of the Council of Europe in 2022, it is planned to visit the Russian delegation to Strasbourg and participate in the Youth Festival of Democracy that is the flagship event of the youth campaign “Democracy here. Democracy Now” which will bring together 500 young leaders – representatives of the Member States of the Council of Europe.
Summing up, meeting participants noted that despite the current pandemic situation caused by the spread of coronavirus infection cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Council of Europe in the field of youth policy remains effective, as evidenced by the fully implemented Action Plan for 2021 as well as the growing interest of young people and the increase in the number of participants in joint activities.
