IYF 2026: All Roads Leading to Yekaterinburg – Russia

In a landmark event, thousands of young people from around the world are set to gather in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in September for one of the world’s most anticipated International Festival of Youth – IYF.

The festival, scheduled to take place from September 11 to 17, 2026, is expected to promote dialogue, cultural heritage, cooperation and connection among 10,000 young people from 175 countries, alongside approximately 2,000 volunteers. Among the participants will be professionals from the areas of information technology, science, public administration and sports, etc.

This year’s event is being organised as part of the Russian Federation’s national Youth and Children project, presented as part of the broader legacy of the World Youth Festival, which the country hosted at the Sirius federal territory in 2024.

The World Youth Festival 2024 brought together around 20,000 young people from 190 countries, followed by the World Youth Festival Assembly in Novogorod, which brought together about 2,000 young people from 120 countries.

According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, during the presentation event of the upcoming International Festival of Youth 2026, the organisers have received over 60,000 applications from 175 countries, underscoring the significance of the event.

The 2026 International Festival of Youth goes beyond, planning to create an opportunity for participants to discuss issues affecting the future of the people and the wider world.

The event will also provide participants with an opportunity to explore beautiful local Russian cultures, traditions, communities and regional development beyond the main festival.

Polycarp Labah.@breakingnews.com,  Courtesy. Sheriff Conteh – Civil Press