On October 4, the IV International Olympiad on Financial Security concluded with a formal closing ceremony at the Sirius federal territory, where 166 school and university students were honored as winners and prize-winners. The Olympiad, which began on September 30, featured nearly 600 participants from 36 countries.
The winners and prize-winners were approved at the organizational committee of the Olympiad chaired by Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Russian Federation. Of the winners, 28 were schoolchildren from Russia, and 138 were university students—82 from Russia and 56 from other countries.
In his speech at the formal closing ceremony, Dmitry Chernyshenko highlighted the significance of the Olympiad, held in the Sirius federal territory, now in its fourth edition.
“Today Sirius brings together the most talented and determined young people who are committed to fighting for the financial sovereignty of their countries and fostering global friendships. You face the vital task of shaping your countries' futures, and I hope this movement, born before your eyes, will spread across the globe, expanding the boundaries of light and pushing back darkness,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
Yury Chikhanchin, Director of Rosfinmonitoring, also commended the finalists for their proactive approach to financial security and encouraged them to continue their professional journey in this field.
“Dear participants, you have not only demonstrated your knowledge and skills but also gained valuable experience and made new connections and enhanced your desire to make this world a safer place. I hope this meeting is not the last one as you might choose to pursue careers in this important field. My congratulations and wishes of success in your studies!” the head of Rosfinmonitoring said.
Other notable attendees included Dmitry Afanasiev, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Olga Koludarova, Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation, Oleg Barybin, First Deputy Chair of PSB, Sergey Teterukov, Executive Secretary of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, Oleg Yastrebov, Rector of the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, and Maxim Rumyantsev, Rector of the Siberian Federal University.
During the ceremony, the new mascot for the International Financial Security Movement was unveiled – Fini the Raccoon, symbolizing the guardian of transparency in the financial system.
Over the five-day event, participants engaged in a wide range of activities, including lectures, interactive workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, Conversations about Important Matters, Quizzes, Competitions, a festival of Russian traditional games, an opening of the Culture and Traditions of the Peoples of Siberia exhibition, and sport tournaments. An International Dictation on financial security was held in person for the first time, providing a unique learning experience for the Olympiad's guests.
Significant international events took place alongside the IV International Olympiad on Financial Security, such as a round table for the heads of financial intelligence services from participating countries; the 21st session of the Council of the International Network AML/CFT Institute; a meeting of representatives from BRICS countries on the issues of involvement of young people in the financial security sphere; the 3rd annual EAG Competition among compliance specialists of financial institutions for the best financial analysis for the purpose of countering money laundering and the financing of terrorism; and the Sirius 2024 III International Forum on Financial Security.
The International Olympiad on Financial Security is held under the auspices of the President of Russia and the Government of the Russian Federation. This year, representatives of 36 countries made it to the Olympiad finals, including Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa (RSA), Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, UAE, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
