On April 10th in Ryazan State University named after Sergey Esenin held the International Dialogue “Youth against fascism”, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 and the Year of Defender of the Fatherland in the Russian Federation.
During the plenary session and three sections devoted to various methods of countering modern manifestations of fascism and Nazism, the rewriting of history and the substitution of meanings in media space. The participants exchanged opinions and presented their projects to support historical memory among young people. More than 70 representatives from 20 countries (Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Ethiopia, France, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Palestine, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Tunisia, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Venezuela) took part in the international dialog.
Dmitry Bokov, Acting Rector of RSU named after S.A. Yesenin, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech: “Today's meeting should be a dialog of youth. The fight against fascism should be constantly talked about, the exploits of our elders should be remembered and transmitted to the younger generation”.
The event brought together a large number of partners, which confirms the importance of such events and their demand by the society. Dialogue partners: Association of Public Associations "National Council of Youth and Children`s Associations of Russia", Youth Club of the Russian Historical Society, Autonomous Non-profit Organization "Eurasian Center for Project Initiatives", Independent Non-profit Organization for the Development of international cooperation and digitalization, BRICS & SCO Innovative Diplomacy Center, the Russia–BRICS International Youth Cooperation Project Office, the International Friendship Club of the Ryazan Region, the Coordination Center of the S.A. Yesenin Russian State University, the network of Coordination Centers of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, the Council of Young Scientists and Specialists of the Ryazan Region.
“Our joint efforts will be a step towards preserving historical memory and building a new future. Our Center sees its mission not only as a fascinating journey to develop international cooperation with the countries of association. Our mission is to preserve historical memory and verify the truth, especially in the context of the fight against Nazism and fascism in all its manifestations” noted Nina Ladygina-Glazounova, General Director of the partner organization “BRICS and SCO Innovative Diplomacy Center”. Junior specialists of the Center also took part in the organization of the dialogue and discussion of topical issues.
The plenary session also included speeches by foreign colleagues, who also emphasized the importance of maintaining a dialogue on such topics. All speakers emphasized the need to preserve history, to pass it on to the next generation and to fight a flourishing fascism by drawing on the experience of their allies and the past. The speakers emphasized the important role of Africa in supplying strategic resources to the front.
It was also noted that there is a successful experience of children's diplomacy in the framework of open dialog with the main goal: to create a world where there is no place for manifestations of fascism.
Gennady Rogalev, Counselor of the Department for the Preservation of Historical Heritage of the Department for Relations with Compatriots and Historical and Memorial Work of Rossotrudnichestvo noted that fascism, as such, has not disappeared anywhere, it thrives to this day, especially in modern realities. “The fight against fascism and its manifestations is not a monologue, but a full-fledged dialog with the public.”
Waddah Al-Jundi, Ambassador of Russian Education and Science, Director of the Center for Russian-Arab Cultural and Business Cooperation in his speech noted the need to preserve national culture. “It is necessary to revive historical memory and openly talk about it. We support your initiative and strive to make it to become permanent. It is important to unite people who care about justice and peace in the world.”
Néan Christel Karin, French journalist, war correspondent, citizen of the Russian Federation emphasized: “It is important for all young people to realize that it is everyone's role to fight against fascism, to study their history and pass it on to the next generations. If you think someone will do it for you, you will repeat the mistakes of Ukraine and the West“.
Andrea Lucidi, an Italian journalist, war correspondent, and Russian citizen, highlighted in his speech the role of Soviet partisans in Italy who formed their own units, participated in sabotage, ambushes, and direct combat.
Mawanda Vincent, coordinator of the Association of Ugandan Students in Russia, emphasized the special role of Africa during World War II. "The Second World War united nations and continents, including Africa. Even today, the struggle must remain a global effort."
The first section, "The Role of NGOs and Media in Countering Fascism," featured speeches by representatives from Canada, Brazil, Ethiopia, Italy, and CIS countries. Much of the section was devoted to a historical analysis of regional processes in resisting fascism. For instance, Zenge Abeng Dolin Ines, a graduate student at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, explored the reasons behind the interest of right-wing regimes in controlling Africa. Significant attention was given to the role of new media in shaping public perception and Russia’s role in World War II.
Olga Degtyareva, Deputy Head of the Department of Social Communications at Azov State Pedagogical University, stressed in her report that the media has become a source of historical knowledge for citizens, drawing attention to various topics. One of the most important ways media influences historical memory is by observing holidays and commemorative days, which establish a hierarchy of significance and greatly impact national identity. The results of joint projects with Alexander Malkevich, Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Communications at Kherson State Pedagogical University, were also presented.
In the second section, "Open Dialogue: Coordination Centers as a Key Element of Patriotic and Preventive Work in Regional Educational Spaces," students showcased innovative projects, including the development of tourist routes to sites of military glory. Projects for creating applications to preserve historical memory among youth were also proposed. During the session, representatives of RSU named after S.A. Yesenin and students of Polotsk State University named after Euphrosyne of Polotsk (Republic of Belarus) agreed on further exchanges of ideas and cooperation/
Special attention was paid to the student patriotic club "I Am Proud" at Kalmyk State University named after B.B. Gorodovikov. The club actively engages in educational activities: meetings with veterans, organizing events, and excursions to sites of military glory. "History is not just dates and events. It is the fates of people, their feats, and self-sacrifice. These are lessons we must learn to avoid the horrors of war. We must protect the truth about the past to build a bright future," said Damir Kharinov, the club’s chairman.
The third section, "Activities of Teachers and Schoolchildren Aimed at Preserving Historical Memory of the Great Patriotic War," featured reports on courage lessons, the nationwide "Memory Watch" campaign, excursions, meetings, and volunteer activities. Speakers highlighted how culture, history, and art shape a child’s worldview and foster respect for others.
Maxim Sotskov, Chairman of the Board of the public organization for the development of public diplomacy and civic initiatives "Your Choice," emphasized that the roots of Nazism must not be forgotten. This movement emerges and is promoted from a young age, requiring study at scientific and ideological levels rather than solely through military means. “It would be a great initiative if we could establish an international anti-fascist movement. Russia is the benchmark of the anti-fascist movement" the expert stressed.
Dialogue program included cultural events, such as visits to memorials dedicated to the history of the Great Patriotic War and a screening of a film about the Resistance movement.
Although the fight against fascism may seem like a historical process, dialogue participants repeatedly demonstrated the role of this ideology in shaping modern political and cultural attitudes. For this reason, speakers from around the world underscored the immense importance of knowing the truthful and objective history of those years. As the organizers themselves noted, discussions on the topics raised during this event will continue within the framework of a comprehensive international dialogue.
The text was prepared by the partner of the International Dialogue "Youth Against Fascism" t.me/rgu_esenina, BRICS & SCO Innovative Diplomacy Center.
Editor: Galudzina Valeria
Authors: Btemirova Anna, Timoshenko Nikolay, Lazovskaya Anastasia, Lenya Elizaveta, Normuradov Firuz
Translated into English by: Lazovskaya Anastasia, Btemirova Anna