UPNG student represents Papua New Guinea at the World Youth Festival in Russia

A Law student at the University of Papua New Guinea is representing PNG at the World Youth Festival in Russia this week.

Samson Hone who is doing his third year will participate in the largest youth event in the world that will be held by the Decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The festival will host 20,000 young Russian and foreign leaders in such fields as business, media, international cooperation, culture, science, education, volunteering and charity, sports and various areas of public life. Teenagers representing children’s organizations and associations will join the festival as well.

Hone who hails from Hela Province was recognized and selected out of an overwhelming 300 ,000 applications spanning 188 countries.

He is grateful to join arms with youths around the world with bright minds and exchange information.

“I have several engagements with those NGO’S, Best Diplomats Ambassador representing Papua New Guinea, Global Youth Peace and Leadership Ambassador, Asian World Youth United Nation Ambassador, International Global Network Ambassador.

“This is my first experience with the World Youth Festival. I see this experience as incredibly valuable and inspiring. It is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from different perspectives, and gain new skills that can help me make a difference in my community and beyond.

“I am motivated to engage in activities like the World Youth Festival because I believe in the power of youth to drive positive change in the world. Events like these provide a platform for young people to come together, share ideas, and work towards creating a better future for all", Hone said.

Samson’s commitment to participate in youth advocacy programs and social change activities has rewarded him with such exciting, memorable and life changing trips.

The first international trip Samson took was in 2023 when he was accepted to attend the Best Diplomats conference in Thailand, Bangkok.

For this second trip to a communist world, Samson is excited because such opportunities come once in a lifetime and he's confident that his participation in that platform will be a life changing trip.

“I am anticipating a week teaming with enriching educational sessions, cultural exchanges, scientific discussions, and sports events", Hone said.