Declaration on establishment of the International Association of Children’s Organisations was signed at the National Centre RUSSIA

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On May 30, the declaration on the establishment of the International Association of Children's Organisations (IACO) was signed at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event took place in the new venue of the National Centre RUSSIA — "Space of Opportunities." The idea of IACO was proposed by participants of the children's programme of the 2024 World Youth Festival and received support at the highest level.

The event brought together representatives of 12 international children’s organisations from Russia, Algeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Venezuela, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, India, Belarus, Morocco and South Africa.

Leaders of children’s and youth organisations signed the document officially confirming the creation of IACO. This moment became a symbolic step towards uniting children from around the world to implement joint projects. 

The signing ceremony opened with a video telling the story behind the creation of the association.

As part of the event, an expert panel was held with the participation of representatives of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, Rossotrudnichestvo, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Movement of the First. The speakers discussed the prospects of international cooperation among children and young people, as well as IACO's role in strengthening friendly relations between countries.

The association will facilitate the unification of children's organisations for joint project implementation, support the development of child diplomacy, strengthen international cooperation, and serve as a platform for sharing ideas and promoting children's initiatives. 

"This is an event that will go down in history. Together, we are laying the foundation for the development of friendly and partnership relations between children’s and youth organisations from different countries. IACO is that very space of equal partnership, a platform for the development of joint initiatives in the fields of science, education, culture, sports, tourism and, of course, volunteering. These young people are leaders in their countries. Their friendships will form the foundation for friendship between nations. Together, we will make the world a better place," emphasised Chairman of the Board of the Movement of the First Artur Orlov.

The event once again confirmed that the National Centre RUSSIA is a space where meanings are shaped and projects of the future are created. Here, children and young people are given the opportunity to bring their ideas to life, take part in global initiatives and become part of major international projects.