Representatives of Penza State University as part of the Penza Region delegation took part in the IX Russian-Chinese Youth Forum in the Volga-Yangtze format. The event was held in Saratov from August 22 to 28. Over 300 students from 14 regions of the Volga Federal District and five Chinese provinces studied Russian and Chinese for several days, participated in joint projects and more.

This year, the forum is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Russian-Chinese diplomatic relations and the cross years of culture of Russia and China. For several days, young people discussed the innovative development of the two countries, participated in educational and sports events, and visited popular tourist places in the Saratov Region. The students were able to see the place where the first cosmonaut of the planet, Yuri Gagarin, landed and walk around the Park of Conquerors of Space. There was also a gastronomic excursion: the entire process of making ice cream was shown at a local factory.

Penza State University was represented by: Tatiana Razuvaeva, Head of International Projects Department; Olga Kulagina and Daniil Danilov, students of the Institute of Law; Yulia Legashneva, a student of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Sciences; Aleksandr Dolbin, a student of the Institute of Economics and Administration.

“The Russian-Chinese Volga-Yangtze Forum has become a unique platform for communication between Russian and Chinese youth. And as Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District Oleg Mashkovtsev and Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Kazan Xiang Bo noted in their speeches, the future of our countries is in the hands of young people, and it is they who will have to build cooperation between Russia and China based on the principles of friendship and mutual understanding. Therefore, holding events of this format makes a significant contribution to the sustainable development of our countries”, Tatiana Razuvaeva is assured.

The forum programme was diverse and rich – cultural, sports, educational events, within the framework of which Russian and Chinese participants were able to get acquainted with the cultural traditions of Russia and China, discuss current issues of the development of Russian-Chinese cooperation, find new friends. Representatives of our university took an active part in all events.

“This forum was unique. Only here was I able to get to know Chinese culture so closely that I fell madly in love with it! An incredibly beautiful forum, incredible people and the beautiful city of Saratov. It was unforgettable!” Olga Kulagina shared her impressions.

The Penza delegation went through networking, workshops, and attended creative meetings. Participants had the opportunity to meet their peers from another country. This contributes to the creation of international connections and friendship.

"The Volga-Yangtze Forum has become a significant event for the youth of Russia and China, providing a unique platform for the exchange of ideas and cultural experiences. It has become an important step towards strengthening Russian-Chinese relations among young people and has provided excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth. I hope that such events will be held in the future!" Aleksandr Dolbin expressed his hope.

Student Yulia Legashneva noted that participation in the event allowed her to get acquainted with one of the most interesting cities with a unique history — Saratov:

"During the week of the forum, we immersed ourselves in the atmosphere of national color and creativity. We became participants in a dialogue of cultures between representatives of the Russian and Chinese delegations. I especially liked getting acquainted with the history of the city where the forum was held."

The forum became a platform not only for strong friendly ties between the two countries, but also a place for creativity. A 150-meter mural, "Volga and Yangtze - Great Rivers of Friendship," was created on the Saratov embankment. The image of Russian and Chinese artists occupied an area of 600 square meters. On one side, the sights of 14 regions of the Volga Federal District are shown, and on the other, six Chinese provinces. In the center, they are united by girls personifying both rivers. The student Daniil Danilov was impressed by the graffiti:

«Now, walking along the Volga River embankment, residents of Saratov and its guests have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the sights of the Volga Federal District regions and the provinces of the Yangtze River. The Penza Region is represented by the graffiti of the Spassky Cathedral».

Gleb Sintsov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, thanked the members of the delegation for the worthy presentation of the Penza Region and active work within the forum, and also noted the strategic importance of developing cooperation with Chinese partners and the importance of participating in events of this format.

The forum ended with the summary of its results and a demonstration of creative performances by talented teams