Russian Embassy in Cyprus

🇷🇺🇨🇾 On November 21, 2025, the annual youth forum "Be Yourself – 2025" was held at the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Nicosia. This year, it was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Russian people’s diplomacy.

🌍 This large-scale event brought together numerous guests: youth delegations, creative groups, diplomats, representatives of diasporas and international cultural organizations from Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, India, Kazakhstan, Cyprus, China, Cuba, Moldova, Nigeria, Russia, Serbia, and Uzbekistan.

💬 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Cyprus Dr. Murat Ziazikov addressed the forum participants with a welcoming speech, noting the special role of people’s diplomacy and emphasizing the value of cultural diversity:

People’s diplomacy is, above all, human interaction, genuine interest in each other's cultures, and willingness to listen and understand. We are honored to see such a vibrant and international community of like-minded people here, including representatives from the BRICS countries and European states.

Today, venues where people can meet, talk, create, and understand each other more deeply are more in demand. It is precisely such lively human contacts that strengthen the atmosphere of friendship and trust between peoples. And it is young people who bring fresh energy and modern ideas to these processes, shaping new horizons.

Each country is rich in its own unique culture – vivid, multifaceted, with its own traditions, tastes, and history. It is a great source of pride to be able to share this wealth with others, while learning about the unique traits and values of our neighbors. By promoting friendship and mutual respect, we learn to appreciate and understand the diversity that makes our world brighter and richer.

I would also like to emphasize the enduring significance of the 80th anniversary of the Victory over fascism, celebrated this year, and the establishment of the United Nations. I also want to note that representatives of the diasporas of many countries participating in today's forum actively participated in the Immortal Regiment march in Limassol, as well as other commemorative events on the occasion of the Great Victory anniversary held in Nicosia, Larnaca, and Paphos.

The forum program combined a variety of formats highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the participating countries:

• Creative performances, including folk music, songs, and dances.

• A presentation of national cultures, during which guests learned about the traditions, costumes, national dishes, and symbols of the countries represented.

• A fair featuring themed tables with souvenirs, traditional treats, and attributes of national cultures.

🤝 The event took place in a warm, relaxed atmosphere of friendly international communication – young people from different countries exchanged ideas, creative initiatives, and contacts. They discussed opportunities for cooperating and implementing cultural projects.

🎉 "Be Yourself" forum was a truly vibrant and significant event, demonstrating the value of open dialogue and cultural diversity that unites peoples and countries.

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