The 3rd International Youth Festival “Africa in St. Petersburg” united culture and education
St. Petersburg State University hosted the 3rd International Youth Festival «Africa in St. Petersburg — we are together on the world map» organized by the Committee for External Relations of St. Petersburg. The event was attended by international students of Polytechnic University, representatives of scientific foundations, public organizations and the consortium of the Russian-African Network University (RAFU).
The day before in the State Duma of the Russian Federation within the framework of the Humanitarian Forum «Russia-Africa: from implemented projects to new achievements,» a meeting of the Expert Council on the development and support of comprehensive partnership with African countries was held. Maxim Zalyvsky, Head of the RAFU Project Office, made a presentation on Polytechnic’s activities, emphasizing the importance of educational cooperation between Russia and Africa.
The festival opened with greetings from the Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov and Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Alexander Belsky. The cultural program impressed the guests with rousing performances, tasting of African cuisine and the exhibition «Dreams of Africa» created by artists from two continents.
The interest to the African theme is not accidental: on May 25 the world celebrated Africa Day, symbolizing the continent’s aspiration for unity and development. The exhibition «Humanitarian Cooperation between Russia and Africa. Mission of Kindness», presented in the State Duma. At the exhibition RAFU demonstrated its achievements in personnel training for African countries, including the project of establishing a polytechnic university in Mali. Also at the information stands visitors could find information about other participants of the RAFU consortium — Lomonosov Moscow State University, Patrice Lumumba RUDN, S.O. Makarov State Maritime University.
The Festival «Africa in St. Petersburg», launched in 2023 on the basis of SPbPU, has become an important bridge between cultures. Such initiatives strengthen international dialog and open new opportunities for joint achievements in education, art and social sphere.