Youth diplomacy under COVID-19: VSUES graduate student Alina Kirishchuk made a presentation at the Russian-Japanese Youth Forum

The Russian-Japanese Youth Forum is held annually by MIREA - the Russian Technological University, which acts as the Coordination Bureau of Russian-Japanese youth exchanges, and the Japan-Russian Center for Youth Exchanges (Japan). The Forum 2020 was held online from December 1 to December 2. Forum participants: students, young professionals, representatives of youth public associations interested in the development of Russian-Japanese youth cooperation - more than 40 people in total. The main goal of the forum is to discuss new opportunities and points of contact, as well as exchange experience on four main topics: the contribution of young people to the development of sister cities and regions of Russia and Japan, Russian-Japanese youth exchanges in the field of sports, cooperation and specific proposals under the Covid pandemic -19, the role and prospects of Russian-Japanese youth exchanges under the Covid-19 pandemic.

 Opening the forum, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Yelena Druzhinina emphasized that it is of great importance for the Ministry to be able to maintain a direct dialogue between the youth of Russia and Japan even during a pandemic:

- In the year of sister city exchanges, we have planned a wide program, including a whole range of joint events, covering cultural, sports, scientific and other important areas of youth life. I am convinced that the ideas and concrete proposals for youth cooperation developed at the forum will contribute to the development of youth exchanges within the framework of twinning cities and regions, and will contribute to the strengthening of Russian-Japanese relations.

 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Russia, Mr. Toyohisa Kozuki noted:

 - This year you could not meet each other in person, but thanks to the online format, it has become easier to take part in the forum. In order to deepen the friendship between Japan and Russia, it is very important to continue exchanges without losing the existing platforms for discussion. I would like to express my respect and gratitude to everyone who made their best efforts to organize this forum.

The students of the Far East at the forum were represented by the 1st year student of the VSUES master's program, the direction of training "International Relations", Alina Kirishchuk.

 - It is a great honor for me to represent the university and the region at such a comprehensive forum, - Alina commented. - For me, as a future international scholar, it is very important to be included in the global diplomatic and political context. Thanks to VSUES for the opportunity to develop in the field of international relations.

VSUES student made a presentation on "The role and prospects of Russian-Japanese youth exchanges under the COVID-19 pandemic."