Thousands of young people from around the world are preparing to converge in Russia for the upcoming World Youth Festival Assembly, scheduled to take place in Nizhny Novgorod from 17th to 21st September 2025.

The Assembly forms part of a legacy established by the World Youth Festival (WYF) of March 2024 in Sirius, Russia, which gathered over 20,000 young leaders from approximately 190 countries.

Under a presidential decree, WYF is now to be held every six years; in the intervening years, smaller but still significant gatherings, such as this Assembly will maintain momentum for international youth cooperation.

Ghana’s role and representation

From Ghana, a group of promising entrepreneurs and emerging leaders is expected to attend.

The 2024 National Preparatory Committee (NPC) Chair for Ghana, who also serves as Founder & CEO of HIRED Consult and Ghana-Russia Center for Commerce and Relations, Mr. John Aggrey is very instrumental to this year's preparations.

Mr. Aggrey played a central role in preparations for WYF 2024 and continues to champion youth engagement, international cooperation, and cultural exchange.

Among Ghana’s delegates is Michael Brown Koomson, founder of DOB Multimedia and CastVote Ghana, an indigenous firms contributing to media, civic engagement, and youth-led innovation.

According to Koomson, “WYF gives the platform for young leaders all over the world to meet and network. I am looking forward to building international connections, meeting young leaders and innovators, and experiencing the diverse cultures the event has to offer.”

What to expect at the assembly

• A total of 2,000 participants: 1,000 from Russia and 1,000 from other countries.
• Activities will include intercultural dialogues, workshops, networking sessions, and youth-led presentations. The goal is to strengthen understanding, develop leadership capacities, and promote collaborative solutions to global challenges.

Significance and future outlook

This Assembly is viewed as more than a gathering, it is part of sustained diplomatic and social investment in youth.

Young delegates are expected not just to exchange ideas, but to develop partnerships, inspire innovation, and return to their communities equipped to lead change.

For Ghana, participation underscores a commitment to youth development, international relations, and the empowerment of entrepreneurs.

The experiences, skills, and networks gained are likely to yield long-term dividends in leadership, policy influence, and civic engagement.