From March 1st-7th, 2024, the Center for Political Innovation had the historic opportunity to lead the US delegation to the World Youth Festival in Sirius Federal Territory, Russia. With over 20,000 attendees from countries all over the globe, the festival sought to unite and connect young leaders under 35 years old in business, science, art, media, and other fields. CPI was able to send three representatives: Caleb Maupin, Noah Schenk, and Thomas Michalak. The US delegation also included representatives from American Student Union and the Party of Communists USA. The festival presented a number of excellent opportunities to speak, network, and connect with other anti-imperialist forces worldwide. The Center for Political Innovation gave press interviews, a presentation, and even asked questions directly of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Overall, this event was one of CPI’s highest-profile appearances on the world stage to date, and represents a strong step forward for the organization.

For CPI’s representatives, the festival was truly positive, optimistic, and inspiring. “The World Youth Festival is something that cannot be described in words,” said CPI founder and WYF US delegation leader Caleb Maupin. “It’s an experience, to embed yourself in the new world emerging beyond  imperialism, to attach yourself to youth, the future of the world.” Similarly, CPI member Noah Schenk was struck by “how deeply patriotic and sincere” the youth attending the conference were. “There were so many people I met who were proud of where they were from,” Noah continued, “who loved their country and their countrymen, and who wanted to take every opportunity to better the lives of the people who lived around them.” He described the experience as “life-changing,” saying “you can develop a certain perspective as an anti-imperialist in the West… but it’s not until you go to one of these countries that you finally get it.”

CPI representative Thomas Michalak was particularly moved by the international friendships and comradery he experienced at WYF 2024. “I had the opportunity to befriend many people from places where I would not ordinarily have the opportunity; from Barbados, Iran, Haiti, Pakistan, numerous Russians, as well as individuals from many other countries,” said Michalak. “I could sense the uniqueness of my presence as an American. Aside from the novelty… there was something more profound politically given the position of the US government concerning Russia at this time. Many people asked me if I was concerned for possible reprisals from my government for simply traveling to Russia. At no point, however, did I feel anything but genuinely welcomed and embraced, despite the hostile attitude of the government whose actions are done in my name toward the peoples in attendance at the festival.”

 

The festival presented numerous opportunities for CPI to connect with others and spread its unique perspective. CPI’s highest-profile appearance was when members Caleb Maupin and Noah Schenk were each able to ask a question of Vladimir Putin at a conference event, as detailed in our coverage here. In addition, members received a number of speaking and interview opportunities. Press interviewed Noah Schenk and Caleb Maupin, the latter of whom also received a talk show appearance. Thomas Michalak also had the opportunity to give a presentation on “The Role and Place of Youth in the Struggle for a Multipolar World,” which can be viewed here.

The World Youth Festival 2024 was the Center for Political Innovation’s first time representing the United States of America at an international conference, and CPI’s delegation worked diligently to make the most of this opportunity. With new international connections, visibility, and experience, the Center for Political Innovation is surging ahead in 2024.

 

Read our coverage of CPI’s questions for Vladimir Putin here.