Global Youth Leaders Gather in Russia for 2026 International Festival of Youth and Innovation

The 2026 International Festival of Youth has officially commenced in Ekaterinburg, Russia, bringing together over 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries. Running from September 11 to 17, the festival serves as a global platform for international collaboration and cultural exchange under the theme "Follow Your Dream." This year’s event is distinguished by its focus on youth empowerment, featuring a robust Children’s Programme and a dedicated team of young journalists who are documenting the proceedings for a global audience. Among the participants is 16-year-old Hssaine Akram from Morocco, one of 1,000 teenagers selected for the Children’s Programme. Akram, like many of his peers, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to collaborate with specialists from diverse fields. The programme is designed to be highly practical, offering 60 specialized workshops across various sectors. These sessions aim to produce approximately 60 implementable projects, encouraging young innovators to develop real-world solutions to contemporary global challenges while fostering a spirit of international unity. Adding a layer of professional development to the festival, a team of 100 young journalists has been selected to lead the event's media coverage. Coordinated by the Children’s Newsroom of the Movement of the First, these emerging media professionals are responsible for producing live broadcasts, news reports, and podcasts throughout the week. This initiative provides participants with hands-on experience in high-stakes journalism, allowing them to interview international experts and peers, thereby enhancing their technical skills and preparing them for future careers in the global media landscape. As the International Festival of Youth unfolds, it underscores the importance of cross-border dialogue in shaping the next generation of leadership. By combining project-based learning with professional media exposure, the event aims to equip young people with the tools necessary to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. The outcomes of the festival, including the various social and technological projects initiated during the workshops, are expected to leave a lasting impact on the participants' home communities long after the closing ceremony on September 17.