On October 10, the opening ceremony of the federal stage of the "GosStart" project took place at the National Center “Russia”. The event was attended by 250 young people from more than 65 regions of Russia, as well as young people from the Republic of Abkhazia - students, government representatives and municipal employees.

Rafida Anua from Abkhazia became the first Abkhazian to undergo an internship at the World Youth Festival Directorate. Within two weeks, she will master the theory of intercultural communication, gain practical skills in planning international events and working with partners.

“Together with Rosmolodezh and specialized organizations, we are working to build comprehensive cooperation with the Republic of Abkhazia in the field of youth policy. This includes the exchange of experience with Abkhazian colleagues, assisting in the development of their youth infrastructure, and most importantly, expanding opportunities for their young people. The World Youth Festival Assembly in Nizhny Novgorod, that was attended by a delegation from Abkhazia, was one of the examples of our cooperation. The next step is an internship program for Abkhaz young people at youth organizations in Russia, including the World Youth Festival Directorate. I am convinced that this format will not only contribute to the professional growth of young professionals but also create the foundation for future joint projects and strengthen long-term ties between our countries' youth. I wish the first group of interns success, inspiration and fruitful work!" said Dmitry Ivanov, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate.

Rafida Anua, a student at the Abkhazian State University, actively participates in youth events. In 2024, she became a participant of the World Youth Festival, the Youth Forum of Abkhazia and the Eurasia Global International Youth Forum.

"I am an economist by education, but after attending the World Youth Festival, I became passionate about youth policy. This internship offers me the chance to see firsthand how international projects are developed, and I plan to apply this valuable experience to my home country, the Republic of Abkhazia. Developing youth cooperation between Russia and Abkhazia means, above all, sharing experience, gaining new knowledge, and establishing contacts. After completing the internship, I hope to use my newly acquired skills to establish a youth community in Abkhazia. It's an opportunity to merge my interest in economics with my passion for youth policy and turn it into real projects and initiatives," shared Rafida Anua.

It is worth noting that after the completion of the federal stage of the “GosStart.Internships" a rating of the 50 best interns recommended for employment in federal government agencies will be formed, as well as an individual career directions for candidates will be formed and selected.

Overview:

The World Youth Festival took place on March 1–7, 2024 in Sirius, 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 accordance with the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on preserving and developing the legacy of the World Youth Festival, which took place on the Sirius Federal Territory in 2024 and united 20,000 young people from 190 countries of the world, festival events on the territory of the Russian Federation will be held annually. The next World Youth Festival for 20,000 participants will be held in 2030. In 2026, there will be a smaller event, an International Youth Festival with 10,000 participants. In between, the World Youth Festival’s themed Assemblies will be held annually for 2,000 participants.

The firsr World Youth Festival Assembly was held in Nizhny Novgorod from September 17 to 21, 2025 and brought together 2,000 young people from 120 countries.

The World Youth Festival Directorate continues the work aimed at strengthening international youth cooperation.