From June 7 to 9, a representative of the World Youth Festival Directorate paid a working visit to Rwanda, where meetings were held with government officials, representatives of international youth organizations, and educational institutions.
The main purpose of the visit was to strengthen Russian–Rwandan youth cooperation and discuss Rwanda’s participation in the International Festival of Youth, which will take place in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, 2026, as part of the Youth and Children national project.
On June 7, a meeting was held with Hope Azeda, Program Director of the Ubumuntu Pan-African Arts Festival. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in creative industries, cultural exchanges, and joint international youth projects. Later that day, talks were held with Ngabo Oliver, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Arts of the Republic of Rwanda, and Nadine Uwamahoro, Adviser to the Minister. The discussion focused on opportunities for expanding Russian–Rwandan youth cooperation and Rwanda’s participation in the International Festival of Youth 2026. Following the meeting, agreements were reached to involve Rwandan experts in information technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence in the Festival.
“Youth cooperation between Rwanda and Russia is particularly important because young people are the foundation of future relations between our countries. Rwanda has significant expertise in technology, urban development, and community engagement, while Russia is strong in science, engineering, and culture. By bringing together this knowledge and experience, young people are already creating new opportunities for cooperation. The International Festival of Youth offers a unique opportunity to turn participants from different countries into a single community for several days. When young people take part in discussions, competitions, workshops, or project work together, they build connections that last for many years. For Russia and Rwanda, such a Festival can become a true catalyst for friendship and cooperation, because trust is born through shared experiences, respect for each other’s cultures, and joint initiatives. That trust later becomes the foundation of long-term partnerships,” said Nadine Uwamahoro, Adviser to the of Youth and Arts of the Republic of Rwanda.
She also emphasized that student exchanges, joint projects, and business initiatives often begin with youth contacts, while personal interaction helps overcome stereotypes and build mutual trust.
Special attention was paid to cooperation in sports. During a meeting with Candy Basomingera, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Rwanda, the parties agreed to involve representatives of Rwanda’s sports community and sports administrators in the events of the International Festival of Youth.
On June 8, a meeting took place with the Executive Director of YouthConnekt Africa, a Pan-African youth platform launched under the initiative of Rwandan President Paul Kagame to support young people across Africa. The parties discussed the participation of Russian young leaders as experts in the platform’s activities in 2026, as well as opportunities to engage members of the YouthConnekt community in the International Festival of Youth in Ekaterinburg.
As part of the visit, a meeting was also held with Alexander Polyakov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Rwanda. The discussion focused on further developing Russian–Rwandan youth cooperation and expanding humanitarian ties between the two countries.
On June 9, talks were held with Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, during which prospects for cooperation in education and science were discussed.
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.