Applications are now open for the Friend of Russia and Ambassador of Russia nominations of the Time of the Young All-Russian Youth Achievement Award. In 2026, these categories will bring together compatriots, youth organizations abroad, and Russian international organizations that develop humanitarian cooperation, promote Russian culture, language, and values, and create opportunities for young people beyond the country’s borders. Applications can be submitted until November 9 (inclusive) on the International Platform of Opportunities of the World Youth Festival Directorate.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that for the sixth year in a row, the Award will bring together leaders of youth associations and business, teams whose solutions improve Russia’s youth environment, and entire cities.

“The Time of the Young Award, part of the Youth and Children national project, is one of the main awards in Russia’s youth policy. Over the past five years, it has recognized the achievements of more than 1,200 people: those who create opportunities for young people, serve society, develop socially significant projects, and show that Russia is a country of limitless opportunities. The winners have been able to scale up their projects, receive informational support, and share their experience with others. This year, the Award is held in nominations across seven thematic areas. I invite you to take part!” said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The Award is implemented by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) as part of the Youth and Children national project. Details are available at время-молодых.рф. The nominations are operated by the World Youth Festival Directorate (WYFD).

“Under the instruction of President Vladimir Putin, international youth events are held in Russia every year. The International Festival of Youth showed that Russia has many friends and like-minded people around the world. It was clear how eager the international participants were to get to know their Russian peers better, and how interested they were in our culture and traditions, the Russian language, the arts, and Russia’s achievements across different fields and sectors of the economy. Young people abroad are open to dialogue, joint projects, and humanitarian cooperation. Many are inspired by Russia and are already launching their own initiatives that help build connections between young people from different countries. Awarding the Time of the Young prize is an opportunity to support people who are interested in building dialogue between countries, to recognize them, and to help their projects develop further,” noted Grigory Gurov, Head of Rosmolodezh.

The Friend of Russia nomination is being awarded for the fourth year in a row. It recognizes the personal contribution of young Russian compatriots to bringing young people together, implementing socially significant initiatives abroad, and strengthening humanitarian ties with Russia. Those recognized in different years include authors of vivid and socially significant projects in culture, education, volunteering, and media. Russian citizens and compatriots aged 18 to 35 inclusive who live and work abroad are invited to take part: leaders, coordinators, or active members of youth communities. Mandatory requirements are at least three years of project experience and at least one completed project within the last three years.

The Ambassador of Russia nomination is being awarded for the first time. It recognizes the contribution of international and Russian organizations to shaping an objective image of Russia, developing international youth and humanitarian cooperation, and implementing significant international projects that strengthen lasting ties between Russia and partner countries. Invited to take part are international organizations developing cooperation with Russia, as well as Russian organizations engaged in international activities. Organizations are not required to have legal entity status; they will need to confirm their activities, membership, and the authority of their representative. Applications are submitted by an authorized representative aged 18 to 35, who must provide information on 3 to 5 projects or practices with confirmed results for the period from November 1, 2024, to November 9, 2026.

The awards ceremony for the laureates will take place on December 19, 2026, at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event will bring together more than 1,000 participants from across the country. The Time of the Young Award has been implemented by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs since 2021 and is the main public award in the field of youth policy. It is presented to specialists, leaders of youth associations, and business representatives who have made a significant contribution to the development of Russia’s youth policy. The Award’s strategic partner is VK.

Overview:

The World Youth Festival was held from March 1 to 7, 2024, in Sirius pursuant to a decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It brought together 20,000 participants from 190 countries and established a community of young leaders willing to take responsibility for the future of their countries.

To preserve the legacy of the World Youth Festival 2024 and further develop dialogue among young leaders, international youth events in Russia are held on a regular basis. In 2025, Nizhny Novgorod hosted the World Youth Festival Assembly, bringing together 2,000 participants from 120 countries. In 2026, Ekaterinburg hosted the International Festival of Youth, which brought together 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries.

The World Youth Festival Directorate continues its work to strengthen international youth cooperation and develop a community of young people committed to the future of the world.