On June 23, the 11th International Youth Forum "Eurasia Global" was inaugurated in Orenburg, located in the heart of Eurasia. The forum has brought together 160 participants, including representatives from 59 regions of Russia and 24 foreign countries, among them India, Iran, China, Cuba, Uzbekistan, South Africa, and others.
In 2026, the forum convened curators and leaders of International Friendship Clubs (IFCs), active participants in the club events, and representatives of partner countries. Over 1,400 people from Russia and 72 other countries have applied. At the opening ceremony of "Eurasia Global," the international youth audience was welcomed by Yevgeny Solntsev, Governor of the Orenburg Region.
"We are opening the International Youth Forum 'Eurasia Global' for the 11th time. Let me remind you that the idea for its creation was supported by President Vladimir Putin. Over the years, our forum has become one of the most significant events for youth on the international calendar. A packed 5 days lie ahead of you: discussions, masterclasses, and creative laboratories. You will gain unique tools for developing your International Friendship Clubs. But most importantly, you will feel the power of teamwork. May the days you spend in Orenburg mark the beginning of a great journey and new discoveries. Welcome, friends!" – Yevgeny Solntsev, Governor of the Orenburg Region, addressed the participants.
Commenting on the launch of the forum, Anastasia Petukhova, Director of the Project Management Department of the World Youth Festival Directorate, noted that the IFCs, established after the World Youth Festival 2024, have become an effective instrument of people-to-people diplomacy, giving fresh momentum to international youth dialogue.
"The 'Eurasia Global' forum traditionally brings together the most active representatives of the International Friendship Clubs. For us, this is a highly significant event, offering a space to discuss the further development of the IFCs, find new growth points, and develop joint initiatives. It is important that Eurasia brings together young people from abroad. This provides an opportunity to forge new connections in a 'here and now' format, outline plans and chart steps for implementing joint projects between Russian and foreign youth. The forum in the Orenburg Region, along with the extensive range of events organized by the World Youth Festival Directorate, helps us build an international community of proactive and engaged young people who are not afraid to take responsibility for the future. This is our shared great contribution to a multipolar world of equal opportunities, mutual respect, balance of interests, and open and honest dialogue. All international events held in our country are designed to help participants realize their dreams. For talented young people, regardless of their citizenship, nationality, or religion, this is an achievable goal. We are ready to support them in their most ambitious endeavors," emphasized Anastasia Petukhova.
The forum program is structured around three main blocks: the development of the IFC community; the strengthening of humanitarian international cooperation; and the formulation of proposals for the Cultural Partnership programme, which will be implemented at the International Festival of Youth in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17.
Participants will concentrate on all stages of IFC formation and growth, from identity and motivation to growth cycle and tangible actions. The work will be conducted in a format of laboratory, where each participant acts not as a listener but as a co-author. The young delegates will analyze the clubs’ goals, conduct diagnostics, and develop metric systems, participant motivation frameworks, roadmaps, and mentorship proposals. Curators and club leaders from regions of Russia and partner countries will not only share their experiences but also design mutual support networks, cultural mentorship mechanisms, and motivational strategies. The outcome will be a comprehensive management toolkit for each IFC.
"In my view, 'Eurasia Global' is a popular and sought-after platform for young people in many countries because it is not about 'listening and leaving,' but about 'creating and taking with you.' The forum offers a clear pathway from idea to implementation: it is not just about developing a project, but also about receiving immediate feedback, refining its mechanics, adopting proven and effective formats, and finding mentors and partners. For me, our experience with the IFC in Novorossiysk is telling: the idea was born at the 'Eurasia Global' forum in 2024, and today the club is the most active in the region. This is the main indicator of the platform’s value: it creates conditions where young people from different countries not only meet but also begin to take systematic action," said Marina Fedoseenko, a participant from the Krasnodar Territory.
The International Youth Forum "Eurasia Global" is organized by the Government of the Orenburg Region, co-organized by the World Youth Festival Directorate, and supported by the Russian Federal Agency for Youth Affairs.
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.