A 116-member Vietnamese delegation joined tens of thousands of delegates from around the world to attend the grand opening ceremony of the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students (WFYS) in Sochi, Russia, on October 15.

Addressing the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed almost 30,000 participants, guests and volunteers, from more than 180 countries from across the globe, to the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students, which he described as a forum for the planet's youth and the most comprehensive event in its history.
He stressed that the younger generation continuously provides the world with innovative ideas and urged them to create their own future, whilst striving to make the world a better place and embodying the boldest and virtuous dreams and thoughts.
During the week-long festival, the Vietnamese delegation, led by Le Quoc Phong, First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCMCYU) Central Committee, will attend the major conferences and symposiums and organise a youth exhibition and a friendship pavilion.
The delegates will also attend a number of bilateral exchanges and meetings, cultural and arts programmes and sporting events. Particularly, the Vietnamese delegation will contribute several pieces of musical performances for Asia Pacific Day.
The delegation’s activities aim to promote the image of Vietnam, the country’s history, land and people, as well as its socio-economic achievements after over 30 years of its Doi Moi (Renewal) policy, whilst advertising a variety of products imbued with Vietnamese identities, to our international friends,.
The WFYS, first held in Prague in 1947, was created by the World Federation of Democratic Youth and the International Union of Students to combat fascism and imperialism following World War II. This year’s event marked the third time Russia has acted as the host, following the two previous editions in 1957 and 1985.