Young People Strive for Dialogue. Issues discussed at the Online Forum on the Anniversary of the Potsdam Conference in 1945

On July 16, the VI Youth Forum “Potsdam Meetings” was held in an online format.

“Germany-Russia-EU: the Pandemic and Its Impact on Foreign and Security Policy”. The event was attended by representatives of the Russia and Germany younger generation; young people who receive education and professional skills both at home and in other countries of the Eurasian continent: Austria, India, Israel. 

One of the key topics of the forum was the development of dialogue between civil society representatives from different countries during the pandemic. Representatives of youth non-governmental organizations, students and novice specialists maintain contacts with colleagues from the Eurasian countries in an online format, and also hope to continue a productive live dialogue as soon as the situation with the spread of coronavirus stabilizes. The participants of the discussion noted that the modern phenomenon known as “zoom-diplomacy” will not be able to replace the “magic” of live communication.

First of all, young people strive to develop relations between countries and promote the ideals of peace and friendship. For example, young people are interested in developing exchange programs for volunteers and visa liberalization. Dirk Wiese, a member of the Bundestag of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Government's Commissioner for cooperation with Russia, Central Asia and the Eastern partnership countries, stressed that the process on this issue is progressing.

Kristina Tatarnikova, Manager of Youth Projects and Programs, took part in the VI Youth Forum of the Potsdam Meetings on the part of the International Union of Non-governmental Organizations the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly: “Nowadays, the youth of the Eurasian countries stand for peace and friendship, all countries and people want better relations. We are united by good aspirations, a desire to become a part of the international volunteer movement and to get new knowledge within the educational exchange programs in the countries of the continent. The Eurasian Youth Assembly invites young people to participate in joint social and creative projects, in programs aimed at the development of scientific diplomacy and international cooperation. Together we will make our world better.”

The Youth Forum was held on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Potsdam Peace Conference in 1945. The main discussion revolved around the topic of global fractures and their consequences. The Forum was organized by the Gorchakov Foundation and the German-Russian Forum.