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On June 29, 2025, the First Congress of Ambassadors of the Russia–Africa Club at Lomonosov Moscow State University took place in Moscow.
The event was organized by the Russia–Africa Club at Lomonosov Moscow State University with the support of the Secretariat of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, the Faculty of Global Studies of Lomonosov MSU, and the Public Diplomacy Foundation.
The Congress brought together over 150 participants: students from Africa and other countries, experts in journalism, geopolitics, and sociology, public figures, representatives of African embassies and diasporas, and media outlets.
The main goal of the Congress was to establish a platform for public diplomacy, enabling motivated and engaged African students to become “goodwill ambassadors” who will promote the Club’s values and initiatives. These ambassadors will share their personal experiences, insights into the application and education processes in Russian and African universities, and contribute to awareness-building and educational outreach.
An ambassador is a representative of the Russia–Africa Club at Lomonosov MSU whose core mission is to publicly advocate for the Club’s goals and values—among friends, at their universities, and in their home countries. As cultural experts, ambassadors from African countries can help foster mutual understanding and dismantle stereotypes. Upon returning home, they may become key figures in the development of Russia–Africa relations, using their knowledge and experience gained in Russia.
As part of the Congress, a presentation competition was held featuring Moscow university students and members of African student communities. Participants were selected based on recommendations from university departments working with international students and African community organizations. The reports presented focused on various aspects of Russia–Africa cooperation, including science, education, technology, medicine, economics, diplomacy, global processes, culture, sports, and sociology.
The jury of distinguished experts included:
Organizers and jury members addressed the participants with welcoming remarks. The Club’s Executive Secretary, Alexander Fyodorovich Berdnikov, noted that the idea of launching an ambassadors’ movement in the Russia–Africa cooperation sphere was born during the first Youth and Students Festival in Sochi. The movement aims to unite young people from diverse cultures and professions committed to strengthening comprehensive collaboration between Russia and Africa.
Louis Gouend emphasized that African students in Russian universities who share the Club’s values and are ready to promote them can become ambassadors. These ambassadors will actively participate in the Club’s festivals and events, building long-term connections with Russian youth.
Jury members Kochetkov and Gladkova stressed the strategic importance of the Congress and the upcoming competition. Dmitry Soin highlighted its relevance within the framework of the Russian State Youth Policy Program. Representatives from Rossotrudnichestvo—Anisimova and Khlevnaya—spoke about efforts to promote Russian education in African countries. Bukin underlined the importance of deepening cooperation amid current geopolitical challenges, while Epishkin emphasized the need for stronger Russia–Africa coordination on international security issues.
Kinfu Tafesse Zenebe (Ethiopia), Head of the Scientific and Discussion Platform of the Russia–Africa Club, and Professor Maurice Okoli discussed the importance of uniting African student communities, alumni of Russian universities, and current students to ensure the transmission of experience and to build stronger cooperation.
Chesnokov highlighted the value of the competition, where young, energetic, and charismatic youth leaders—the new goodwill ambassadors—will represent Russia on the African continent.
Mr. Vital Placide Simporé, Cultural and Public Affairs Attaché of the Embassy of Burkina Faso, expressed gratitude to the Russia–Africa Club for organizing the Congress and wished the new ambassadors success in their mission to strengthen Russia–Africa friendship.
A total of 11 presentations were delivered by students from various African countries.
All speakers demonstrated professionalism, creativity, subject-matter depth, and passion for their fields. The jury unanimously decided to award all contestants the honorary title of Goodwill Ambassador of the Russia–Africa Club at Lomonosov MSU.
The newly appointed ambassadors are:
At the awards ceremony, Jury Chair Vladimir Kochetkov congratulated the winners and expressed confidence that comprehensive cooperation with friendly African nations will continue to grow, with the ambassadors playing an important role in this effort.
The Congress also featured the presentation of AFREE (https://afree.ltd/), a next-generation social network designed for Africans worldwide. The app offers messaging, group chats, open and private groups, and high-quality video calls, making it a vibrant space for connection and collaboration.
The event was covered by numerous media outlets, including long-term partner RT France, which featured the Congress in its international segment.
(https://disk.yandex.ru/i/hTXm_FNbGvUgew)
The First Congress of Ambassadors of the Russia–Africa Club at Lomonosov MSU took place in a warm, creative atmosphere. During musical interludes, popular African singer Junior performed soulful songs filled with African rhythms and color.
The Congress concluded with a friendly tea gathering where participants shared impressions and discussed future plans.
New Goodwill Ambassadors of the Russia–Africa
New Goodwill Ambassadors of the Russia–Africa
New Goodwill Ambassadors of the Russia–Africa
