The participants of the “Eurasia Global” International Youth Forum have put forward proposals for the Cultural Mentorship program, which will be implemented during the International Festival of Youth — 2026 in Ekaterinburg. Within the thematic space of the IFY-2026, which is to be recreated as part of the national project “Youth and Children,” representatives of Russian regions will organize a range of activities designed to immerse foreign participants of the Festival in the traditions, culture, history, and contemporary life of Russia.
During the “Eurasia Global” Forum, participants discussed and developed potential formats for the Cultural Partnership program at the IFY-2026. Taking an unconventional approach, teams were devising ideas on how to make the Cultural Partnership at the Festival in Ekaterinburg as ineffective and formal as possible—a playful exercise in deliberate error that allowed them to analyze pitfalls and refine high-quality proposals. The aim was to ensure that foreign youth would enjoy a vibrant and memorable experience while gaining exposure to Russian culture and regional distinctiveness.
Dmitry Ivanov, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate, noted that this format contributes to fostering strong bonds of friendship between young people in Russia and abroad.
“The Cultural Mentorship Program was implemented at the World Youth Festival in Sirius. On that occasion, young people from Russian regions offered our foreign friends dozens of engaging activities that genuinely helped our guests fall in love with Russia. I must admit that I myself discovered new facts about the traditions and cultural diversity of our country’s peoples thanks to this program. I recall a memorable moment when a delegation from the Tula Region held a concert for children from Algeria—their host country. What was more remarkable is that young people from Tunisia, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and other nations joined in. The younger generation from Sirius, together with representatives from Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, the United Kingdom, and Iceland, planted trees together on the International Friendship Alley. Russian youth from the Ulyanovsk and Nizhny Novgorod regions greeted the Brazilian delegation with a flash mob set to the familiar tunes of the world-famous Brazilian song ‘Nosa’ and the Russian folk song ‘Kalinka-Malinka.’ These are just a few examples of how memorable the 2024 Festival was. I am confident that we can recreate that same welcoming atmosphere for young people from around the world in Ekaterinburg,” emphasized Dmitry Ivanov.
Participants from the Orenburg Region proposed enveloping foreign guests of the IFY-2026 in genuine Orenburg warmth, hospitality, and cheerfulness. For instance, plans include welcoming international visitors at the airport or railway stations with the region’s famous traditional loaf of bread. In addition, young people from the region will introduce foreigners to the globally renowned Orenburg downy shawl. The Orenburg residents will bring a unique lacework piece in the shape of a Russian tricolor flag, measuring over nine metres in length, which will be brought to the Festival venue. Notably, this achievement by Orenburg’s shawl makers has been officially recognised in the Book of Russian Records.
Representatives of the Kirov Region suggested introducing foreigners to another folk craft long embedded in Russia’s cultural heritage: the Dymkovo toy. Foreign youth will be invited to paint them and take home as souvenirs. Young people from the Republic of Mari El decided to familiarize foreigners with folk musical instruments. For example, young guests from 190 countries will not only be introduced to the Mari gusli, but will also be offered hands-on lessons in playing them.
Foreign participants at “Eurasia Global,” representing 24 countries, also contributed their own ideas. One proposal involved closer acquaintance with the families of Ekaterinburg members of the International Friendship Club. They suggested joint evening walks, during which delegates could converse with relatives of active club members, learn about family traditions, and discover local landmarks in Ekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk Region. The international participants noted that such interactions would not only deepen their understanding of the region and of Russia, but also help them feel embraced by a warm family circle.
Furthermore, the foreigners decided to extend the Cultural Partnership Program beyond the IFY‑2026 itself, planning to implement certain initiatives after the Festival. Partner countries and their youth associations are expected to act as hosts in an online format. The delegates proposed to conduct tours of their cities, to share insights into their youth environments, local traditions, music, and more. Such meetings could evolve into a regular series of international online events, enabling participants from across the Festival movement not only to learn about Russia but also to exchange their own experiences and best practices in youth policy.
“For two years now, we have been implementing cultural patronage for our partner countries. It is now essential to prepare for this program well in advance, developing engaging cultural activities for foreign students in order to showcase the rich history, modernity, and potential of our vast country,” said Alexey Chenskikh, Head of the Forum Campaign and Volunteerism Development Department at the Sakhalin Youth Resource Centre.
All events under the Cultural Partnership Programme will be announced shortly before the International Festival of Youth in Ekaterinburg.
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.