This initiative was put forward by foreign schoolchildren – winners of the international "People of Artek" campaign.

At the 6th anniversary session at Artek on June 15, a discussion took place on the concept of an International Youth Club of Friends of Russia, proposed by schoolchildren from Portugal and Belarus as part of the final event of the international "People of Artek" campaign, which took place on May 26 at the Central Executive Committee of the Party in Moscow.

"Artek's 100-year history is a history of friendship and solidarity, which helps us build a common, peaceful, and just future. The launch of this initiative on Artek's birthday has symbolic significance. "I am convinced that the combined efforts of the United Russia Party and Artek in creating the International Youth Club of Friends of Russia as a continuation of the "People of Artek" campaign will become an effective mechanism for fostering a positive image of Russia among the younger generation worldwide," noted Roman Romanov, Coordinator of the United Russia Party's "World of Opportunities" project.

"The Artek International Children's Center has always been a bridge of friendship between children from different countries, a place where genuine connections and shared dreams are born. The creation of the International Youth Club of Friends of Russia is a logical continuation of our mission: to raise a generation that values ​​mutual understanding, cooperation, and kindness. I am confident that this project will be a new step toward strengthening peace and trust between peoples," noted Konstantin Fedorenko, Director of the Artek International Children's Center.

Quotes from meeting participants (India/Portugal)

"Before the trip, at the Russian House in Trivandrum, I was told about Russian traditions, Russia, and its culture. The moment I stepped onto Russian soil, I saw the beautiful smiles of the people, nature, the sun, the moon, the stars – everything greeted me.
One word that embodies Russia and Artek is magnificence. Russia is not just a country, it is a soul that will now remain with us.

India, MINI AJU AAAQIL

"Artek was definitely something I never expected in my life! I never thought I could experience so much happiness in one place! I felt completely at home and was completely immersed in the atmosphere here! The people, the emotions, and everything else showed me the value of friendship; I really fell in love with this place."
India, Sanker B S Vaiga

"I'll return to Portugal and plan to tell and show my classmates and other Portuguese schoolchildren what I did at Artek during these three weeks. I also suggest telling children from other countries about Artek more about things beyond just VKontakte or Telegram."
Sofia, Portugal

Alexander Alimov, Director of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted, "A constructive, vibrant, and rich dialogue with children from around the world took place. We had the unique opportunity to listen to Artek children from Armenia, Belarus, India, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. The children put forward their suggestions on how the International Youth Friends of Russia Club project could be organized and effectively utilized to spread knowledge about our country. And this knowledge, it was clear, is in great demand. Specific ideas were voiced—I would say, by adults—about creating an online platform that would allow children in different countries to receive information about Artek and other places in the Russian Federation and disseminate it in their own countries. They could hold events, forums, and meetings. They could communicate and share their impressions. And it is essential to receive feedback and support from adult partners. I am confident that many of these proposals will be taken as a basis and incorporated into the work, which will enable this project to become an effective and functioning ecosystem of children's diplomacy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide the necessary support for this work."

As a reminder, the "People of Artek" campaign was held from 2023 to 2025 based on a decision of the Commission of the General Council of the United Russia All-Russian Political Party on International Cooperation and Support of Compatriots as part of the "Friends of Russia Club" program. International schoolchildren from 15 countries attended the sixth anniversary session at the Artek International Children's Center. On June 16, they will take part in celebratory events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Artek International Children's Center.