Interview with social entrepreneur German Lizandro from Peru. The interviewer was Elena Shchuryakova.
The international youth forum Eurasia Global took place in Orenburg from June 24 to 29, 2025, bringing together 300 participants from around the world. Among them was a youth activist from Peru, Herman Lisandro, who shared his impressions of the event and spoke about the experience he gained.
Elena
First question: Why did you decide to participate in “Eurasia Global,” and what are your overall impressions of the forum?
German
To be honest, I applied because I was sure it would be an amazing opportunity to meet young people from all over the world.
Moreover, I already had a similar experience last year at the Youth Festival in Sochi. So my impressions are just excellent. I have this strong feeling… I know for sure that I’m going to miss all of you a lot. Because I’m certain that here at the forum, just like in Sochi, incredibly talented people have come together. That’s a fact. And I’m so glad that the organizers did an enormous amount of work to select those who can truly make a difference in this world, in politics, and in life in general.
Elena
Great! So, the second question: Which topics at the forum did you find the most relevant?
German
You know, all the topics were important in their own way, but what impressed me the most was the lecture by our instructor. He talked about entrepreneurship through history, about the product itself and how to add value to it, and basically about how one should truly appreciate their own work.
After all, the most important thing isn’t just profit, no. The key is the connection with people and the market. But even more important is the intrinsic value of the product and how you convey it to people. So that they understand: “Wait a minute. There’s something much more interesting in this product than it seems at first glance.”
That really moved me; I immediately remembered how I started myself. I even presented my project at a workshop. I had a prototype with me, and I explained how we later came up with innovations, design, and what we achieved. It was amazing because I was showing everyone with my whole attitude: “If I could do it, you can too! You can all start your own ventures in your countries.” What we’re taught here isn’t empty words — it’s real. And here’s a concrete example — we are already supplying products to more than twenty countries. I was thrilled that the forum teaches practical and useful things. It even inspired me again. Sometimes you forget where it all began five years ago, but events like this refresh your memory and can’t help but inspire.
Elena
And in your opinion, what opportunities does the forum open up for participants in terms of international youth cooperation?
German
As I mentioned earlier, if I managed to take my Peruvian project to the international level, then all the young people who came here can do it too. But the most important thing, I think, is that now we know each other face to face, we’ve become friends, and we’ve grown closer.
It’s not like we were just messaging each other — we saw each other’s emotions. Understanding and personal contact are the most important aspects in any kind of negotiation.
Thanks to this opportunity, I believe we can achieve much more on an international level. Something truly useful, to make the world better. And socially as well. As I mentioned, our project is very social—we work with indigenous communities. And again, the forum inspired me in this regard… We were taken to meet local indigenous peoples here in the Urals. And for me, that was a very powerful moment because I know there are similar people in Senegal, in Rwanda… So, in a way… we all share the same roots.
So yes, this can be an excellent starting point to build from. As I said, it was amazing. It really inspired me. You know, it’s so energizing that I want to do even more in Peru after everything I’ve seen. Here, we were reminded once again: we must protect indigenous peoples. We must take pride in them and never forget their traditional values, their knowledge… because it’s our shared heritage.
Elena
Absolutely! And the final question: how has the forum influenced your understanding of how young people from different countries communicate?
German
Speaking of language, for example, I would say that, for me, it’s not a problem at all, but rather an opportunity for growth. I’m very glad that you, the Russians, invited us. And, honestly, personally, I want to learn Russian. It’s also a way to express my gratitude to you as the host country. We should learn your language. And I know it’s far from an easy language, but it’s very beautiful. And, you know, the most important thing, I think, is that when you deeply — truly deeply — immerse yourself in a language, you start to understand everything better.
Elena
Of course, I understand. Russian really is a difficult language.
German
Yes! But when it comes to communication… I met many journalists here, people from the media… they came from Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt. Yet, they all have something in common. They don’t want to incite wars; they want to deliver the truth. And that is very valuable. It’s also very inspiring. You know, I myself worked in social communications a few years ago because I’ve always liked the idea of bringing real, truthful news to people in my country.
So, to go where no one else goes. For example, when natural disasters happened in the northern part of our country, our media didn’t pay much attention. But I did. I tried to be that independent journalist, to be the voice of ordinary people, you know, those who need help the most.
And here I met people just like that. People who do exactly the same in their own countries. And it turns out that we are all somehow connected. We do the same things, but in different corners of the world. Thank you very much!
Elena Together we are stronger! Well, that’s all I wanted to ask you. Thank you very much for your time!
