The regional program of the International Festival of Youth 2026 for international participants has concluded in 35 regions of Russia and the federal territory of Sirius, as well as in the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia. Over the course of a week, 1,000 young leaders from 117 countries explored cultural code, scientific and technological potential, natural resources, and traditions of peoples of Russia and those of the countries participating in the regional program. The program was organized by Rosmolodezh’s More Than Trip program, the World Youth Festival Directorate, and the hosting regions and countries. The Festival was held as part of the Youth and Children national project.

“The regional program of the International Festival of Youth gave young leaders from around the world an opportunity to see the real, sincere, and welcoming Russia in all its diversity. The trips followed 33 unique routes, from the Arctic and the Volga region to the Caucasus, Siberia, and the Far East, and also included the Donetsk People’s Republic and the federal territory of Sirius. Participants also traveled to the neighboring Republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Our country is open to the world and ready to share its best practices and scientific achievements and to work on the principles of equality and mutual respect. During this eventful week, the participants did not simply travel thousands of miles; they also found reliable friends and like-minded peers in Russia’s regions with whom they will continue to develop joint research, humanitarian, and social initiatives,” said Grigory Gurov, Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh).

Each route was designed according to the standards of the More Than Trip program, which combines tourism, education, and socially beneficial activities.

“For 1,000 young people, traveling across Russia became an experience of genuine human connection. We moved beyond the format of traditional sightseeing tours: the participants became involved in the everyday life of the regions, worked on practical cases, planted tree-lined avenues, and created joint creative projects. They saw firsthand how dynamic and modern our regions are and came to understand one important thing: Russia is open to honest dialogue and partnership. I hope that the connections formed between young leaders from different countries and residents of our cities during these days will develop into long-term international projects,” said Olesya Brykova, Director General of ANO More Than Trip.

In every region, participants were welcomed at railway stations and airports in accordance with Russian traditions of hospitality, including bread and salt ceremonies, dance and vocal performances in traditional national costumes, and performances by folklore and ethnographic ensembles. The first participants in the regional program traveled to small and medium-sized cities in Central Russia and the Northwestern Federal District. There, the international guests experienced the careful preservation of cultural heritage, high standards of urban improvement, and comfortable urban environments.

In the Smolensk Region, guests learned about the history of one of the country’s oldest cities, which this year holds the title of Youth Capital of Russia. The IFY–2026 participants visited the Dormition Cathedral, the fortress wall, museums, and the Gnezdovo archaeological complex. At the Alexander Griboyedov Drama Theater, they explored the work of Alexander Pushkin through a play of Eugene Onegin. They also visited the Teremok complex in Talashkino, where they learned about Russian art traditions.

The trip through the Tver Region followed sites associated with Alexander Pushkin. International participants also visited the embankments of the Volga and Tvertsa rivers, the historic town of Torzhok, and museum complexes dedicated to the development of the country’s transportation infrastructure.

“I am visiting this region for the first time. I fell in love with the river, the museums, and everything we saw. We visited the railway transport museum and learned a lot about the history of railways in Russia. Everything they showed us during these days surprised me. What I liked most were the river and the wonderful people we met during the trip. We met people not only from Russia but from all over the world. And one of the things I like most about Russia is Russian cuisine. I think traditional dishes are the best way to learn about a country’s culture. For example, one of my favorites is pelmeni,” said Juan Ignacio Moyano of Argentina, a participant in the regional program.

In Kostroma, international researchers and students explored monuments of wooden architecture, traditional crafts at the Museum of Flax and Birch Bark, and the traditions of Volga merchants. Participants in the regional program shared an interest in the Russian language and literature.

“Russian language is very popular in Cuba. Russian authors’ books are popular as well. Pushkin, Tolstoy, Gogol, Lermontov – we enjoy reading these authors. We have Russian language classes in our schools. And getting to know Russia personally is, of course, a special and very meaningful experience for me,” said Estrada Pato Enrique de Jesus Enrico of Cuba.

“I graduated from university in New Delhi with a degree in Russian language. I love the language, as well as Russian literature and Russian culture in general. For example, I wrote my thesis on the image of home in Russian emigre literature. I have always been interested in learning something new about Russia, its people, and its national culture. I feel very comfortable here in Russia, and particularly in Kostroma,” said Arnica Mishra of India.

Ethnographic routes through Russia’s national republics became an important focus of the regional program as part of the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia. In the Republic of Mordovia, guests learned about the work of sculptor Stepan Erzya and the culture of the Moksha and Erzya peoples. In Chuvashia, they explored Suvar-Bulgar traditions at the Chuvash Kerem ethnographic complex. In the steppes of Kalmykia, they experienced elements of the nomadic way of life at the Bumba site, while in Kabardino-Balkaria they traveled to the medieval towers of Upper Balkaria.

The IFY–2026 participants also learned about the culture and way of life of Russia’s indigenous peoples. At the Kainyran ethnographic settlement in Kamchatka, guests visited a yaranga and heard throat singing. In Kalmykia, they tried on traditional costumes, practiced archery, and rode camels. In Udmurtia, they met with the Buranovo Grannies ensemble. In Mordovia, they met with the Parynza folklore ensemble, while in the Republic of Mari El, they explored Mari games and dances at the Uno Kudo traditional homestead.

Traditional crafts were another important part of the routes. In the Komi Republic, participants followed sites associated with abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky and painted wooden pieces themselves. In Adygea, they learned gold embroidery and wood carving and received souvenirs they had made themselves. In the Kirov Region, each participant painted a clay toy using a traditional Dymkovo pattern.

The Arctic provided a striking contrast to the Volga landscapes, southern climate, and Siberian autumn. In the Murmansk Region, young people visited the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker, Lenin, the largest wind farm north of the Arctic Circle, and the Sami cultural site of Sam-syit. They also experienced the rugged beauty of the Barents Sea coast in Teriberka.

“I am incredibly happy that I was brought to the Murmansk Region. I am taking home something heavier than any suitcase: emotions, new friends, valuable contacts, and plans for the future. I had often been told about the people who live in the North, about their remarkable friendliness, and about the saying that ‘in the North, you cannot survive alone.’ All of this turned out to be absolutely true, and even more—the local people are always ready to help. I will definitely come back,” said Inal Tujba of Abkhazia.

“The program in Murmansk covered absolutely everything, from sports, phygital activities, and tastings to encounters with northern animals and breathtaking landscapes. Teriberka left the strongest impression—it is a very magical place! Thanks to the Festival and to meeting people whose eyes are full of enthusiasm, you become even more inspired yourself and leave with renewed energy and new ideas,” said Margarita Mironova of Belarus.

Beyond the Ural Mountains, the international delegation was welcomed by Siberia. One of the highlights for the participants was Altai Krai, where centuries-old mining and industrial history, the country’s achievements in space exploration, and protected natural sites come together. In Barnaul, the delegates visited the historic Demidov architectural ensembles on Polzunov Street, the historic Gornaya Apteka (Mountain Pharmacy), Nagorny Park, and the exhibition halls of the State Museum of the History of Literature, Art, and Culture of Altai. In the village of Polkovnikovo, young leaders visited the German Titov Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics, dedicated to the second person in space and a native of Altai. Guests saw original artifacts documenting humanity’s first steps into space, a Vostok rocket, and a history of the country’s space program.

“I knew almost nothing about German Titov. But after seeing the museum exhibition, you understand the scale of his achievements—the second person in space—and the story is presented in such a way that you want to read and learn more. It is important to me that this is a shared history of the peoples of the Soviet Union, and that we need to carry it forward,” said expedition participant Yulia Zubrova of Kyrgyzstan.

The Altai route continued with an exploration of the legendary Chuysky Tract, a visit to the science city of Biysk, a tour of high-tech laboratories at the Evalar pharmaceutical complex, a cable-car ride in the foothills of Belokurikha, and an introduction to the distinctive culture of the Indigenous Kumandin people in Krasnogorsk District.

The final eastern destination of the program was the Russian Far East. In Khabarovsk Krai, young leaders went rafting on the Anyuy River, saw the pristine beauty of Lake Amut in the highlands, and learned about the customs and spiritual heritage of the Indigenous peoples of the Amur River region.

“I never thought Russia could be so similar to my country. You can fly for two days, travel by train, and eventually arrive somewhere that feels very much like home. In Khabarovsk Krai, I feel at home, just as I do in Canada,” said Eteri Kizil of Canada.

“The nature here is incredible. I am amazed by its scale and beauty—I have never seen places this majestic back home in Poland. I did not know that there was such a rich multinational history here, or that different peoples had lived and continue to live together here. I want people in Poland to know how interesting the Russian Far East is. As soon as I have the opportunity, I would be happy to come back here—perhaps I will find a job here or create a joint project in the future,” said Daniel Patrick Krzeminski of Poland.

“In Khabarovsk Krai, you can feel that people are thinking about the future and creating conditions for young people to realize their potential. I am grateful to Russia for its openness and trust, and for sharing its experience. It truly inspires us to build a common future together,” said Fatoumata Ballo of Mali.

Russia’s natural diversity was another component of the regional program. In Kamchatka, guests traveled into the Pacific Ocean toward Russkaya Bay and saw a Steller sea lion rookery at Kekurny Cape. In the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, they took part in a ceremony marking the crossing of the Arctic Circle at the 66th Parallel monument. In the Novgorod Region, participants hiked the Great Valdai Trail, where ecosystems transition from spruce forests and broadleaf forests to pine forests, rivers with beaver dams, and clear blue lakes. Guests also explored the nature of the Elbrus foothills in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and completed the Lake Traverse route in the federal territory of Sirius.

Many of the routes were designed as immersive experiences of Russian culture and history. In the Vologda Region, guests visited the open-air Sugorye Museum, where they experienced the atmosphere of Ancient Rus and the Viking Age, watched a blacksmith at work, and tried pies baked in a traditional Russian oven. In Staraya Russa in the Novgorod Region, participants completed a quest based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov and received an English-language edition of the book. At the House of Music, they explored interactive exhibitions dedicated to Sergei Rachmaninoff and listened to recordings of the renowned composer’s works.

“I have visited Russia several times, but this trip allowed me to see the country from a different perspective. Visiting Moscow or St. Petersburg, or attending a major international festival, is one thing; visiting a region, learning about its history, smaller cities, nature, and people is quite another. The Novgorod Region helped me gain an even deeper understanding of Russia’s cultural and historical diversity. After this trip, I was left with the feeling that seeing only the largest cities is not enough to truly get to know the country. Russia needs to be discovered through its regions, because that is where its history, culture, traditions, and the character of its people can be experienced most clearly,” said Vladimir Gorin of Cyprus, a participant in the program.

A unique format was implemented in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, where international participants spent an evening as guests of Yugra families. Nine families in Yugra welcomed international guests into their homes. Together, they prepared traditional dishes, shared family traditions, and learned the movements of traditional dances.

“First and foremost, I was impressed by the local culture and the incredibly warm welcome. I come from Africa, where people are known for their generosity and hospitality, but here I felt the same warmth. It was wonderful. I was also amazed by the food. There were so many different dishes on the table that I could not resist trying every one of them. In my family, we have a tradition of creating a menu where each day has a particular dish. On Monday we eat one thing, on Tuesday another, and on Wednesday a third. Here, many different dishes are served at the same time. It seems that to change such a diverse menu every day, you would have to cook and eat constantly. But it is wonderful, because I love to eat,” said participant Kakese Melchizedek Twisa of Tanzania.

Participants saw Russia not only as a tourist destination but also as a country with modern industry and significant scientific potential. In the Kaluga Region, guests visited the world’s first nuclear power plant in Obninsk and the Konstantin Tsiolkovsky Museum of the History of Cosmonautics, where they saw rocket models and spacesuits. In Krasnoyarsk Krai, participants visited an aluminum plant where new environmentally friendly electrolysis buildings using RA-550 technology are being constructed. In the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, they explored Yugra’s oil industry potential: they handled core samples—rock samples obtained from wells—observed glowing crude oil, and made commemorative oil handprints. In Altai Krai, participants visited dairy plants and a precision-engineering facility.

Following the program, many participants highlighted the cleanliness, technological development, and safety of Russia’s regions. After participating in the regional program, Gratiana Isabel Andrade Lourenco of Belgium began considering ways to promote intercultural understanding and constructive dialogue between her country and Russia. She would like to organize exhibitions dedicated to Russian art and crafts, as well as workshops that engage audiences in creative activities; hold conferences; introduce people to Russian history and culture; strengthen ties through travel and storytelling; and publish books about travel in Russia.

“The vast Komi taiga has an incredible charm. I was amazed by how clean it was: there was no litter on the streets or in nature. I also felt completely safe there. I would be happy to return to walk through those wonderful places, visit the beautiful National Gallery again, or explore the northern regions. I am also planning projects with Russian regions and with Russia as a whole. The current situation in relations between the EU and Russia saddens me greatly, and I see that many people in the EU imagine Russia in ways that do not reflect reality. At my own modest level, I would like to help promote Russian crafts and works of art in the EU and, through culture and art, try to contribute to a change in perceptions in the EU,” she said.

The program also continued beyond Russia. Twenty-two participants from 16 countries visited the Republic of Abkhazia and explored it from different perspectives, from the resort city of Gagra and the Black Sea coast to the mountain lakes, Auadkhara, and New Athos. At a meeting with President of the Republic of Abkhazia Badra Gunba, participants had an opportunity to ask the head of state questions and present projects they had worked on jointly throughout the regional program. The first project was the organization of Abkhaz Culture Days in the countries represented by the expedition participants. The second was an international volunteer initiative through which volunteers would promote the Republic of Abkhazia on online platforms. The third was a series of scientific expeditions in which young scientists from Abkhazia and other countries could conduct research jointly, exchange experience, and share knowledge.

A useful and constructive program was an integral part of every day of the trips. Young people helped improve memorial sites, planted new tree-lined avenues, participated in environmental initiatives, and generated ideas for the development of youth tourism. International guests shared their genuine discoveries on social media as part of the “More Than Blogger” track, introducing audiences around the world to a real, technologically advanced, and welcoming Russia. Throughout the program, participants also developed their own social and project initiatives aimed at regional development. At the end of their work, each delegation presented its projects to representatives of regional administrations and, in a number of regions, to the heads of the respective regions.

In Mordovia, participants developed an audio guide to Saransk and presented it to the Head of the Republic, Artyom Zdunov. In the Tver Region, the team proposed three projects, ranging from the restoration of natural areas based on Cameroon’s experience to the adaptive reuse of abandoned industrial facilities based on the experience of South Africa. In Yugra, projects focused on ethnocultural exchange with the Khanty and Mansi peoples will form the basis for the work of the International Friendship Club. In Yamal, young people from Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Tanzania, and the Dominican Republic presented projects for adapting the Yamolod Youth School, organizing an Arctic Nomadic Festival, and attracting international tourists. Regional Governor Dmitry Artyukhov said that the region would support the initiatives and develop a franchise for the Yamolod Youth School. In Kalmykia, the project work resulted in three tourism concepts: “The Ideal Guide: 72 Hours in Kalmykia,” “The World Through a Tourist’s Eyes,” and “Travel with Confidence.”

“We have significant potential for implementing meaningful and practical projects in areas that can bring tangible benefits, including healthcare, agriculture and agribusiness, education and professional development, technology and innovation, tourism, trade and investment, and youth development. I am particularly interested in opportunities that offer clear potential for knowledge exchange, investment, technology transfer, capacity building, and long-term business cooperation,” said Ngariba Juma Daudi of Tanzania, a participant in the regional program in Omsk Region.

From September 18 to 20, elections for deputies of the State Duma were also held in Russia, and a specialized electoral track was implemented in parallel with the regional program in 27 regions. Young electoral experts among the international participants took part in monitoring and analyzing voting procedures. They gained practical insight into the organization of the electoral process, including the work of election commissions, voting procedures, conditions for citizens to exercise their electoral rights, and mechanisms for ensuring the openness and transparency of elections.

Following the trips, participants developed dozens of project initiatives in the areas of science, environmental protection, volunteering, and student exchanges. Work on these initiatives will continue through the International Friendship Clubs of the World Youth Festival Directorate in cooperation with Rosmolodezh’s More Than Trip program.

Overview:

The World Youth Festival was held from March 1 to 7, 2024, in Sirius pursuant to a decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It brought together 20,000 participants from 190 countries and established a community of young leaders willing to take responsibility for the future of their countries.

To preserve the legacy of the World Youth Festival 2024 and further develop dialogue among young leaders, international youth events in Russia are held on a regular basis. In 2025, Nizhny Novgorod hosted the World Youth Festival Assembly, bringing together 2,000 participants from 120 countries. In 2026, Ekaterinburg hosted the International Festival of Youth, which brought together 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries.

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