Gazprom-Media Holding and the World Youth Festival Directorate have signed a partnership agreement at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

“Through cooperation with RUTUBE, the International Festival of Youth will be able to reach far beyond its physical venues in Ekaterinburg, creating a lasting digital legacy of the event. Thanks to the national video platform, the IFY – 2026 program will become accessible to millions of young Russians, as well as audiences in all countries where the service is available,” said Dmitry Ivanov, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate.

The agreement between Gazprom-Media Holding and the World Youth Festival Directorate secures cooperation in the preparation and holding of the IFY – 2026. RUTUBE will broadcast key events and host video content about youth initiatives, international projects, and educational programs. The parties also agreed to collaborate on media projects, panel discussions, film screenings, workshops, and expert sessions.

“RUTUBE is a national video platform that unites millions of users and content creators. Our mission is not only to show content but also to serve as a platform for meaningful social and cultural initiatives. Our partnership with the International Festival of Youth 2026 will make its events accessible to viewers across the country. We will use live broadcasts, interviews, special reports, and other content formats to maximize the Festival’s reach. I am confident that our joint efforts will contribute to strengthening the cultural code and international cooperation,” said Sergey Kosinsky, Deputy Director General of Gazprom-Media Holding and Head of Digital Assets.

The Festival will take place in Ekaterinburg. The main program is scheduled for September 13-16, 2026, while the regional program will run on September 17-21.

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.