The Livadia Palace hosted a round table discussion entitled “Artek – the Center for Children’s Diplomacy”

The international shift of Artek this year includes winners of various competitions and olympiads. Many of the children who came from other countries were born and raised in multinational families, and for many, Russia is their second homeland.

The round table was also attended by representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry, politicians, and representatives of the expert community. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sent a greeting to the round table participants, in which he wished the participants to exchange opinions informally and get acquainted with the unique historical heritage, cultural diversity, and beauty of Crimea. The moderators of the round table were Director of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Alimov, Chairman of the Council of Young Diplomats of the Russian Foreign Ministry Konstantin Kolpakov, Representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Crimea Artem Berezovsky, and Director of Artek Konstantin Fedorenko. On behalf of the Yalta leadership, Lyubov Gribkova, Assistant to the Head of Administration Yanina Pavlenko, took part in the event.

Children from Turkey, Qatar, Mongolia, Russia, Egypt, Belarus, South Ossetia, Kyrgyzstan, Burkina Faso and other countries spoke at the round table. One of the representatives of Belarus sang the song «Belovezhskaya Pushcha» during her speech to further convey the culture of her country to those present. The speeches of the Artek children were devoted to the need for cooperation within the BRICS framework and the construction of a multipolar world order, the importance of preserving traditional family values ​​and exchanging cultural ties, and environmental safety.

The Artek International Shift lasts 21 days and soon its participants will go home, where they will tell about the unforgettable time in Crimea, and some will return to Artek next year as mentors for younger children.

According to information from Lyubov Gribkova

source: Information Policy Department of the Yalta City Administration