The World Youth Festival Assembly was officially launched by government of Russia, welcoming 2,000 young leaders and innovators from across the globe to the historic city of Nizhny Novgorod for a five-day programme of dialogue and discovery.

The first day was dedicated to immersing delegates in Russia’s rich historical and cultural tapestry through a series of tours, immersive exhibitions, and the pioneering spectacle of phygital sports.

The delegates' introduction to Russia began with explorations of Nizhny Novgorod's iconic landmarks, including the formidable Kremlin, the bustling Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street, and the picturesque confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers at Strelka.

Tours, led by the ‘Guides of Meanings. Tour Guides’ community and supported by the ‘More than a Trip’ programme, provided deep cultural and historical context.

The itinerary featured the ‘Atom. Future’ exhibition, celebrating 80 years of the Russian nuclear industry, and the innovative WORKSHOP multimedia art space, offering a blend of business and cultural insights into the nation’s achievements.

A warm welcome: Delegates respond

The initial impressions from international participants were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the city’s beauty and resonant history.

“The tour was incredibly interesting, and I enjoyed the guide’s stories greatly. I admire the Russian architecture! Nizhny Novgorod fascinated me with its beauty, coziness and special spirit,” said Malak Shaaban from Egypt.

Nelson Kumagah is Ghanaian based in Russia, he said, "I love Russia, the people here are friendly, I have peace of mind here and I am not thinking of going back home (Ghana) soon. This (the festival) is another opportunity to tell the world that Russia is peaceful and I expect to learn more before leaving Nihzny."

Delia, a participant from Italy, noted the city's familiar charm, saying, “I found it very similar to Italian cities. I saw the Kremlin and can tell that it is a wonderful place which played an important role during the Second World War. I greatly respect the peoples of your country.”

For Nolvazi Zhuber Mabilisi, the view of the Volga River was a standout moment. “I heard a lot about it, but today I had a chance to see it myself. This is definitely a place I wish to live at,” she shared.

An immersive journey through time

The cultural immersion culminated in the ‘Symphony of Time: Feel, Live, Create!’ immersive show. This multimedia spectacle transported the audience through key epochs of Russian history, from ancient Rus and the golden age of culture to the Soviet era, before arriving at the dynamic image of 21st-century Russia.

A powerful soundtrack blending classical compositions by Sviridov with modern folk tunes and pop icons like Muslim Magomayev enhanced the visual narrative.

“I liked the show very much; it had an amazing vibe. We felt ourselves like in cosmic space,” said Diana Abdulkhairova from Crimea. “It is very important to show something like that at events, especially for foreign guests, to make them familiar with our culture and history.”

A glimpse into the future of sport

In a forward-looking segment of the day, Nizhny Novgorod solidified its status as a hub for innovation by hosting the Phygital Games 2025.

Assembly participants were among the first to witness high-stakes competitions in phygital basketball and hockey, where athletes compete in both digital (virtual) and physical realms.

“I think it’s a great idea to combine the physical and digital space!” remarked Khodor Hamdan from Lebanon. “I will watch the game with pleasure and familiarise myself with this new sport.”

Fostering the next generation: The children’s programme

Running parallel to the main assembly is a dedicated children’s programme for 200 schoolchildren aged 14-17. Focused on developing youth diplomacy and international friendship, the programme includes workshops on personal branding, communication skills, and collaborative project development within international teams, under the guidance of the International Association of Children’s Organizations (IACO).

The World Youth Festival Assembly in Nizhny Novgorod continues until September 21st, with further days set to explore themes of international cooperation, innovation, and youth leadership.

The event stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to strengthen global ties among the next generation of leaders.

The Festival is organised by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) and co-organised by the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod region and it is implemented as part of the national “Youth and Children” project.