In the Kaluga region, on the base of the cultural and educational tourist center «Ethnomir», the International Youth Camp «Dialogue» began its work. The project takes place for the ninth time and is organized by the National Youth Council of Russia in conjunction with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs.
The international youth camp «Dialogue» gathered on its site about 100 participants — representatives of youth and ethno-cultural organizations from different regions of the Russian Federation, participants from the member states of the European Cultural Convention and member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States who are actively involved in the implementation of international and interethnic youth Projects.
The first working day of the camp began with a solemn opening ceremony, where the Chairperson of the National Youth Council of Russia Grigory Petushkov and the Coordinator of Programs and Projects of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe Marina Filaretova greeted the guests and participants.
In his speech, Grigory Petushkov talked about the role played by the National Council in strengthening and developing the youth interethnic dialogue. He noted that one of the priority tasks of the youth organizations of Russia is the formation of a system of values, taking into account the multinational system of our country. «It is the culture of interethnic communication that forms the responsibility and the ability to make independent decisions aimed at improving the welfare of the country, the people and their families. Spiritual and civic values are the basis of the nation’s formation. Educate respect for the position and interests of each member of society, regardless of origin, social, ethnic, religious identity and other characteristics, need from the earliest years. We carry out a huge number of activities aimed at this upbringing. The international camp «Dialogue» is the most important and famous project of this kind. And, of course, the theme of consolidation and unity of the youth of the whole world will be the key in the program of the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students. On its site, each delegation will have a unique opportunity to show their country as a culture, as well as the chance to get acquainted with the traditions and cultures of other countries! «- said Grigory Petushkov.
He also expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation to the Youth Department of the Council of Europe and handed a certificate of honor to its official representative Marina Filaretova.
Marina Filaretova began her speech with reciprocal words of gratitude, stressing that the National Youth Council of Russia has established itself as a reliable and loyal partner, which you can always rely on in any, even the most difficult situation. Addressing the participants, she noted: «You were lucky that you learned about the» Dialogue «camp and became a part of it. A week spent here will open new doors for you, help you find new friends, change or strengthen what is now in your heart, inspire you to create new projects. You will find several interesting days in the company of professionals who believe in international dialogue and friendship. Today young people are able to build bridges, remove stereotypes and take steps to meet each other. Moreover, your participation in the «Dialogue» is a contribution to yourself and to the future of your countries. I wish you good luck. Forward and happy road to a common future! «.
The international youth camp «Dialogue» will continue its work until August 27. Participants expect that the program will include sessions for teambuilding, panel discussions, workshops on approaches to the organization of youth work, search for answers to the challenges of modern society, sessions aimed at developing competencies to work with the topic of intercultural dialogue, developing personal action plans, working in groups on networking, presentation of project ideas, etc.
The purpose of the international youth camp «Dialogue — 2017» is the creation of an educational space that unites youth leaders and activists with different cultural identities and experiences with the goal of developing and applying their competences to promote intercultural dialogue and the strengthening of peace in modern society.
The International Youth Camp «Dialogue» is part of the Action Plan for 2016-2017 for the implementation of the Framework Program for Cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation and the Council of Europe in the field of youth policy.
