On June 18, in-person training for candidates for the volunteer corps of the International Festival of Youth 2026 commenced across Russia’s regions. The training will run until July 5 and represents the final stage of the competitive selection process for volunteers.

Around 3,500 candidates, comprising both the primary team and the reserve of the IYF 2026 volunteer corps, will take part in the in-person training.

"This year, the competition for the volunteer corps of the International Festival of Youth reached 11 applicants per spot, and selecting the best among them is not an easy task. Over 7,000 interviews have been conducted, and 3,500 candidates have been invited to attend in-person training. The participants will be introduced to the landmarks of the Sverdlovsk Region and the main venues of Ekaterinburg, while also learning about the festival’s structure, its key stages, and the skills required. Personal qualities such as geniality and sociability will be equally important for volunteers, since their role is not only to provide assistance but also to shape guests from around the world into perceiving the kindness and hospitality of our Motherland. And, as we know, first impressions are formed in just seven seconds," said Artem Metelev, chairman of Russia’s State Duma Committee on Youth Policy and head of the Dobro.ru ecosystem.

The training program is comprehensive, designed to thoroughly prepare volunteers for their work at one of the largest international youth events. Throughout the sessions, participants will become familiar with the values and concept of the International Festival of Youth 2026, study functional responsibilities across various areas of work, learn about the Festival Volunteer Code, and gain insight into the specifics of interacting with different categories of participants. Considerable attention will be paid to intercultural communication, guest service support, and the practical analysis of real-world scenarios based on the experience of hosting major international events in recent years.

The training will be delivered by specially trained instructors who completed their own preparation in May 2026. The general training mentors will help future volunteers grasp the specific nature of the upcoming Festival and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for effective work as part of the volunteer corps.

The International Festival of Youth 2026 will take place from September 11-17, 2026, in Ekaterinburg. A total of 2,000 volunteers from all over Russia will be involved in organizing and running the event. The volunteers will operate across 17 functional areas, ranging from logistics and accreditation to delegation support and content creation. Following the conclusion of the festival’s main program, volunteers will continue working with foreign participants as part of the regional program, accompanying delegations during expeditions to various regions of Russia.

Overview:

The World Youth Festival took place in Sirius on March 1-7, 2024, according to the Decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the development of international youth cooperation. The WYF-2024 brought together 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries.

In line with the Russian President’s instructions to preserve and further develop the legacy of the World Youth Festival, festival events are now held annually across the Russian Federation. In 2025, the World Youth Festival Assembly was held in Nizhny Novgorod, bringing together 2,000 young people from 120 countries. In 2026, the International Festival of Youth will welcome 10,000 participants. The next World Youth Festival for 20,000 participants will take place in 2030.

The World Youth Festival Directorate continues its work to strengthen international youth cooperation and develop a global community of young people committed to shaping a better future.