Moroccan youth sign cooperation deals with Russia at World Festival

Morocco’s youth have struck new partnerships with Russian counterparts, opening the door to cultural exchanges, joint projects, and international cooperation.

The local project office of the World Youth Festival (WYF) signed memorandums of understanding in Nizhny Novgorod with youth organizations from Russia’s Tyumen and Kaliningrad regions. 

The agreements put Morocco at the center of efforts to bring young people from different countries together and give them a platform to share experiences and ideas.

The deals cover a wide range of activities: language clubs, volunteer programs, joint cultural events, and participation in international forums. 

Moroccan youth are also expected to take part in training, masterclasses, and even exchange visits to Russia, while Russian groups would travel to Morocco.

“This is only the beginning. We want Moroccan delegates to join Russian language clubs and quizzes, and in the future organize trips both ways,” said Daria Kononenko, deputy leader of the International Friendship Club of Kaliningrad.

Gunel Bakhyshova, head of the Tyumen Friendship Club, added that the signing was the result of months of talks with Nabil Belkass, head of the WYF project office in Morocco. “We see opportunities not only in cultural exchange but also in education and social projects,” she said.

The World Youth Festival has become a major platform for international dialogue since its 2024 edition in Russia brought together 20000 participants from 190 countries.

Smaller assemblies are planned every year, with Morocco now playing a role in shaping future cooperation.