Do you want to become part of an international community of young leaders? Then this is the place for you! Join our international youth community at wyffest.com and stay updated. Russian-speaking friends, follow us here: @wyffest РКН: № 5203588790
First day at the IFY–2026: where are you heading first? 🌍 There’ll be so much to explore: meet people from around the world, join the educational program, discover Ekaterinburg and experience the Festival atmosphere. 😎 We asked future participants what’s first on their list. Watch the video to hear their answers!
Ever wondered what the IFY–2026 participants dream about? 🟢 Today, our “What I Dream About” series features Alexia Leanna from Germany 🇩🇪 At the Festival, she hopes to meet people who share her interest in German and Russian, find like-minded partners for an educational project, and strengthen connections between Germany and Russia. But she has an even bigger dream — and she’ll tell you about it in the video 👀 See you soon in Ekaterinburg, Alexilianna! Let’s see which of your dreams come true ✨
Women from around the world ready to create together 🏳️ The III BRICS Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum is coming to the IFY–2026 in partnership with the WYFD! The program is built around two tracks: “Do Business!”, entrepreneurship and career growth, and “Create!” creative industries and culture. 🟢 Participants can expect panel discussions, expert talks, workshops, exhibitions, film screenings and much more. With Gazprombank as strategic partner, alongside the Russian-Thai Business Council and Thai sportswear brand Warrix. 🩷 Check out the program and get ready to connect, create and turn ideas into real projects!
Sergey Boytsov is now an IFY–2026 Ambassador! ⚡️ Recently, the extreme sports athlete made a jump from the stratosphere at an altitude of 11 551 metres, setting a world record in support of the Festival 🟢 Sergey knows better than anyone: every great achievement starts with a first step! 🔘 Are you ready to follow your dreams with us in the heart of the Urals?
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Discover the Urals beyond the Festival! 🫶🟢 The IFY–2026 participants can explore Ekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk Region through a special Excursion Program — from iconic city spots and Pavel Bazhov’s hometown to modern companies and creative spaces. 📍 Choose your excursion and register through the International Opportunities Platform. Places are limited! Come for a week — fall in love for a lifetime 🩷
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September 1 already!! In Russia, September 1 is the first day of school, celebrated as Knowledge Day. But for us? It means there are only 10 days left until the IFY–2026! 🟢 For students, today means new notebooks, new goals and the start of a new school year. For us, it’s time to start the final countdown to Ekaterinburg! So open your imaginary planner, set your Festival goals and get ready 💚 Have you packed your bags for September 11–17 yet?
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Your IFY–2026 adventure starts with one choice: where to go first? 🟢 The Festival is getting closer, so it’s time to start planning your perfect route! We’ve put together the main IFY–2026 program tracks to help you find the activities, people and opportunities that match your interests. 👍 Swipe the cards and tell us: which program are you heading to first?
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Meet the people who’ll be there for you throughout the IFY–2026! 💚 In just one week, volunteers from across Russia will arrive in Ekaterinburg for their final training before the Festival begins. They’ll be the ones welcoming you, helping you find your way and bringing that special Festival atmosphere to life. ▶️ Watch the video and get to know the volunteer teams you’ll meet in Ekaterinburg!
Greetings from Kazakhstan! Safina is already getting ready for the IFY–2026 👋 Her dream is to meet people she can create with, start collaborations, exchange ideas and develop new media projects. 🟢 And very soon, that dream could become a reality — with Ekaterinburg, thousands of participants from around the world and countless opportunities to connect ahead! Will Safina’s dream come true at the Festival? 👍
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Emoji Challenge 🌏✨ Can you name the country without opening a map? 👀 We’ve hidden it in just four emojis — try to guess what they represent! And very soon, representatives from different countries — maybe even from this one 👀 — will meet in Ekaterinburg to get to know each other not just virtually, but in person 🤝 Choose your answer and let us know in the comments if you guessed it right ⬇️
This one is the last weekly news recap of August, and the IFY–2026 is getting very, very close 🟢 🔵 Turn your culture into digital art 🟢 “See you in Ekaterinburg!” is already being heard in dozens of languages around the world! 🟠 Looks like your sign to expand your world 🔴 The selection process for the IFY–2026 is officially complete — and the results have already made Festival history 🟣Are you ready for the IFY–2026?
Russian practice continues! 🇷🇺 Today, Jaydip Sakhiya from India, a creator from our International Content Center and a WYF–2024 participant, is sharing his progress 🟢 Watch Jaideep learn some basic Russian phrases that will definitely come in handy in Ekaterinburg! 😎 Now he just needs to learn how to say “cool,” “amazing” and “fantastic” in Russian — so he’ll be ready to share his impressions of the Festival!
Meet a famous figure skater or make new friends? 🟢 At the IFY–2026, anything is possible! We asked participants who they’d most like to meet — and the answers were all different. ✨ Some want to make friends from around the world, others dream of meeting their favourite athletes or artists. And some are simply looking forward to meeting someone they’ll never forget. 👍 Now it’s your turn: if you could meet anyone at the IFY–2026, who would it be?
Are you ready for the IFY–2026? 🟢 We asked our participants how they’re getting ready for the Festival — and it turns out everyone has their own perfect checklist! ✅ Some are learning phrases in new languages, some are preparing souvenirs from their home countries, and others are simply counting down the days until their flight. ❤️ if you’ve already prepared gifts for your future friends from around the world!
Guys, Cheburashka is shocked by this news! 😨 The selection process for the IFY–2026 is officially complete — and the results have already made Festival history. Applications came from 191 countries, with 32 000 more applications from abroad than from Russia. That’s a first! This September, 10 000 young leaders will gather in Ekaterinburg — half from Russia and half from other countries. 1 000 of them will be teenagers aged 14–17. 😍 Very soon, they’ll meet in Ekaterinburg, make new friends, find like-minded people and start turning their dreams into reality together. We’re already counting down the days. Are you? 🩷
Where a new day begins for Russia 🇷🇺 The IFY–2026 Regional Expedition Program is heading to the Russian Far East — where the ocean meets wild nature and every journey becomes a chance to discover a new side of Russia. 📍 Khabarovsk Region Participants will explore the mighty Amur River, visit Komsomolsk-on-Amur and discover a city where aircraft and ships are built. The route also includes local landmarks, workshops and a traditional Russian banya experience. 📍 Kamchatka Region Volcanoes, the Pacific Ocean and the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Kamchatka await. Participants will visit Lake Mikizha, the Volcanarium Museum and the Kainyran ethnic camp, taste local seafood and finish their journey at Russkaya Bay — home to dramatic cliffs, sea lions and orcas. Two regions, two completely different sides of the Far East — and one unforgettable journey through Russia! 🟢 #IFY2026Expeditions