Russia has announced that 10,000 young people from across the globe will participate in the International Festival of Youth 2026 in Ekaterinburg, scheduled for 11–17 September.

The announcement came during the first meeting of the Festival’s Organising Committee, held in Moscow and chaired by Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office.

The Festival, part of the national project “Youth and Children”, will bring together 5,000 Russian participants, including 1,000 teenagers aged 14 to 17, alongside 5,000 international delegates selected through an open competition.

Foreign participants will represent creative industries, public administration, science and technology, sports, entrepreneurship, media, and the social sector.

Kiriyenko highlighted that the event will serve as a platform to showcase the best Russian projects and practices, with the motto “Follow your dream. Together with Russia” reflecting the Festival’s goal of uniting youth and fostering international dialogue.

For the first time, foreign delegations will undertake regional expeditions across 30 Russian regions and one to Abkhazia, promoting a deeper understanding of Russian culture and society beyond Western stereotypes.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasised the Festival’s significance within the federal project “Russia in the World”, which promotes international youth cooperation and a positive image of Russia abroad. The volunteer corps will include 2,000 individuals who will assist in organising and conducting the event.

Grigory Gurov, head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), outlined plans for the “City of World Youth”, which will extend Festival activities beyond the venue, featuring cultural programmes, concerts, and collaborative projects.

Participants will also be hosted at the new campus of Ural Federal University, which offers modern facilities and immersive experiences for both domestic and international delegates.

The Organising Committee confirmed that preparations are now moving into a phase of concrete decisions, with specialised working groups focusing on logistics, security, medical support, and the overall programme.

Organisers are confident that the Festival will offer an unparalleled opportunity for young leaders to exchange ideas, foster international cooperation, and experience the breadth of Russian culture firsthand.

This event follows the World Youth Festival 2024 in Sirius, which united 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries.

It continues Russia’s commitment to hosting international youth events annually, culminating in the next major World Youth Festival in 2030.

The International Festival of Youth 2026 is set to be a defining moment for young leaders worldwide, providing a global stage to explore creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.