On July 7, the World Youth Festival Directorate and the National Centre RUSSIA signed a partnership agreement. The parties have committed to long-term cooperation in the field of youth policy and the joint implementation of international projects focused on civic and patriotic education, the advancement of international youth collaboration, and the promotion of a positive image of Russia abroad.

The first joint undertaking will be the preparation and hosting of the International Festival of Youth, which is being implemented as part of the Youth and Children national project. The Festival is scheduled to take place in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, 2026, and will bring together 10,000 participants from 190 countries around the world.

"Our partnership with the National Centre RUSSIA is built on a shared goal: to show young people from across the globe the real Russia—its opportunities, achievements, and culture. The RUSSIA Centre clearly demonstrates to millions of visitors what our country takes pride in today. I am confident that by joining forces, we will be able to unlock even more opportunities for young people, both in Russia and abroad, to build a future grounded in dialogue and mutual respect," said Dmitry Ivanov, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate.

The agreement provides for cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas, including the organization and execution of joint events, the participation of representatives from both parties in projects as experts, speakers, and participants, as well as mutual consulting support. The parties also agreed on promoting and information support for joint activities across media platforms.

"The National Centre is pleased to become a partner of the World Youth Festival Directorate. We share common values and a mission to create a space where people from different countries can get to know Russia, discover its culture, achievements, and traditions. As part of the Festival, we plan to host an Open Dialogue Day, which will also feature discussions on global economic development megatrends. Festival guests will also have the opportunity to explore our flagship project, Department Store RUSSIA, which showcases the finest products made by Russian manufacturers," said Natalia Virtuzova, General Director of the National Centre RUSSIA.

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.