From September 12 to 16, the World Cultures District will open for participants as part of the International Festival of Youth – 2026 (IFY – 2026) in Ekaterinburg. This interactive venue will become one of the Festival's key hubs, where participants from 191 countries will explore the cultures and traditions of five macro-regions of the planet. The project is supported by the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. IFY – 2026 is being implemented under the Youth and Children national project.

The International Festival of Youth will take place in the Ural capital from September 11 to 17 and will bring together 10,000 participants from around the world. The World Cultures District program includes over 100 cultural activities, as well as large-scale mentorships and flagship formats on the main stage. Five thematic zones will showcase cultural traditions and contemporary creativity from the peoples of Asia, Africa, Europe, America, and the Middle East.

"This is a space where the image of our common multipolar future is being shaped – open, fair, and full of opportunities for everyone," notes Tavrida.ART, operator of the cultural program. "Thousands of young leaders from across the globe will meet to find like-minded peers and growth points for their projects, and to exchange ideas and experiences. The world is united in its diversity, and the art of being together is the core value."

The World Cultures District interactive venue will be located on the campus of Ural Federal University (UrFU), where participants and volunteers of IFY – 2026 will be staying. Guests will explore the cultures of macro-regions in their free time away from the main program, without leaving their accommodation – attending artist performances, taking part in folk games and dances, and connecting with representatives from different countries.

Each macro-region will bring its own flavor and reveal the cultural code of different countries and continents. For instance, Asia will feature a parade of traditional dragons, immersive theatrical performances, and a large karaoke party with a live K-pop group performance. In the African macro-region, guests will witness a large-scale interactive drum show, take part in national games, and learn traditional dance moves. The Middle East zone will immerse visitors in the atmosphere of music and poetry, with a theatrical procession "Caravan of Hope," an interactive musical tale "1001 Nights," and an oriental bazaar setting the mood for exchanging memorable gifts. A carnival flash mob, a dance marathon, and an introduction to the rhythms of forro and samba – the America macro-region will be a true fiesta. The diversity of Russian culture, with its accordion songs, Cossack festivities, folk instrument performances, and Caucasian dances, will be presented to the world's youth by the Europe macro-region.

The main actors of the World Cultures District program will be the Festival participants themselves: all formats will be interactive, so guests can master traditional dance moves, hear authentic music and rhythms, discover folk tales and songs, learn to play instruments, and most importantly, communicate in the universal language of culture and creativity.

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.

Tavrida.ART ANO develops the Tavrida art cluster – a platform of opportunities for young cultural and arts professionals, which includes the Meganon Summer Schools of the Academy of Creative Industries, the Tavrida.ART Festival of Young Art, a federal network of art residencies, and other projects. Events of the art cluster are part of the Russia – the Country of Opportunities federal project under the Youth and Children national project and have been held since 2015.