The State Duma Russian Youth Forum took place in Moscow on November 20-21. It was initiated by State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin. The main goal of the forum was to give young Russian political enthusiasts a chance to propose legislative amendments to the deputies. During the forum, the participants discussed their draft laws with experts and then presented them at the plenary session of the State Duma on November 21. The deputies promised to review the best ones.
The forum united young people both from Russia and other countries. They represent youth movements or legislative bodies in the Russian regions; they are local deputies, young academics or postgraduates, whose research is related to lawmaking; and they are members of youth organizations of the political parties represented in the State Duma. The participants discussed youth politics, education, labor and accommodation issues at 18 specialized venues. However, the development of the digital economy was the main focus. Specific proposals to be discussed at the plenary session were developed there.
The young people not only exchanged opinions, they also spoke with mentors from various areas, which helped them design draft laws and advised them on different issues. Director of the Coordination Center for TLD .RU/.РФ Andrei Vorobyev was one of these mentors. He spoke on the structure of the internet and described Russia’s and international experience with network regulations.
“This forum is a good opportunity for young people to take part in solving the current problems and challenges society faces today and also gain experience and skills from various areas straight from the source. The majority of young people today know quite well how the internet works, but the internet related regulations proved to be interesting for them, and they asked many difficult questions. I’m sure that everyone should have digital skills, especially those who work with the law and who regulate social relations in the digital society,” Andrei Vorobyev said.
The forum was attended by 423 people aged 18–35 from 80 regions. They came not only from Russia, but also from Abkhazia, Armenia, Germany, Kazakhstan, South Ossetia and Uzbekistan. There were as many as ten applicants for every opening at the forum.
