Ekaterinburg Set to Host Global Youth Gathering at IFY-2026

By: Dawda Baldeh

The International Festival of Youth 2026 (IFY-2026) was officially unveiled today at the Reception House of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, drawing global attention as one of the most anticipated youth events in recent years.

The presentation brought together 120 representatives from 84 countries, alongside leaders of major international organizations.

Diplomats from countries including Slovakia, China, Argentina, Qatar, Egypt, the Republic of Korea, Peru, Indonesia, and others were in attendance, underscoring the event’s international significance.

Senior Russian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov, introduced the festival’s concept and outlined its ambitious vision.

Since the launch of its application campaign, IFY-2026 has already received more than 60,000 applications from 175 countries and 89 regions across Russia, with particularly strong interest from the Middle East and North Africa.

Scheduled for September, the city of Ekaterinburg will host approximately 10,000 young leaders aged 14 to 35 from 190 countries.

Participants will represent diverse fields such as science and technology, entrepreneurship, media, creative industries, IT, sports, and public administration.

The festival will feature more than 50 program formats centered on seven key themes shaping the future: personal development, technology, culture, urban environment, logistics and communication, health, and quality of life. Over 150 Russian and international experts are expected to participate as speakers.

A dedicated children’s program will also run alongside the main event, bringing together 1,000 young participants from around the world to collaborate on projects with 60 leading companies and organizations.

“This September, Ekaterinburg will welcome 10,000 participants from 190 countries, young leaders ready to shape the future across science, technology, culture, and beyond,” organizers said during the presentation.