The reconstruction of the Multifunctional Youth Center has begun in Tskhinval, the capital of South Ossetia. The project was launched on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with work carried out by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) and the World Youth Festival Directorate.
The event was attended by Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation; Marat Kambolov, Acting President of the Republic of South Ossetia; and Grigory Gurov, Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs.
"The Republic of South Ossetia is not just a neighbor but a brotherly nation, one with whom we share history, pain, and joy of victories. Here, people have never doubted their historic choice, their historic aspiration to stand together with Russia. Today we launched the long-awaited reconstruction of the Youth Center. This will be a place of strength, where people can learn, create, and meet like-minded peers. For our part, we will do everything to make this space truly modern and alive," noted Grigory Gurov, Head of Rosmolodezh.
The Russian delegation toured the future center's premises and spoke with participants of a volunteer clean-up day – young people from South Ossetia who had prepared the building for the start of reconstruction on their own initiative. Russian Student Teams also plan to join the project, taking part in the construction work, while the Russian Znanie Society will be responsible for shaping the center's content and programming.
Young people themselves will choose the appearance of the youth center's building – Sergei Kiriyenko proposed putting facade design options to an open vote. Among the ideas is the image of an Ossetian lyre, evoking the poet Kosta Khetagurov, proposed by Marat Kambolov, Acting President of the Republic of South Ossetia.
During the visit, Sergei Kiriyenko also spoke with young people from across the republic, including activists from Tskhinval and the Leningor, Znaur and Dzau districts. They shared their vision for the future center, discussed ideas for youth initiatives, and asked questions about joint projects with Russia.
Young people from South Ossetia take part in Russian projects, including the Eurasia Global forum and the Train of Memory. In 2024, more than 100 representatives of the republic took part in the World Youth Festival in Sirius, and more than 20 in the World Youth Festival Assembly in Nizhny Novgorod. This fall, young people from South Ossetia will also take part in the International Festival of Youth – 2026 in Ekaterinburg, which will bring together 10,000 young people from 191 countries.
Overview:
The International Festival of Youth will take place in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, 2026, as part of the Youth and Children national project. The decree establishing the international youth event was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 29, 2025.
The Festival will be held under the motto "Follow Your Dream" and will bring together 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries. Participants will include 5,000 Russian citizens and 5,000 foreign nationals, including 1,000 teenagers aged 14 to 17.