World Youth Festival Directorate

🇷🇺🇳🇦 On September 4, the Russian Embassy in Namibia hosted a meeting with the Namibian participants of the International Festival of Youth – 2026, taking place on September 11–17 in Ekaterinburg. The conversation covered the upcoming trip to Russia, the Festival programme, and the opportunities the event offers for building new professional and personal connections. The diplomats wished the Namibian delegation a successful festival experience, memorable moments discovering Russia, and meaningful conversations with young people from all over the world. 🌏 The International Festival of Youth will bring together over 10 000 participants from 191 countries. Its programme spans a wide range of fields, including science and technology, entrepreneurship, public administration, media, sport, and the creative industries.

Dear passengers, you are now arriving in Ekaterinburg! ✈️🚂 These words sound extra special right now! Trains are pulling into the stations, planes are landing, and the capital of the Urals is welcoming IFY–2026 volunteers 🟢 And right away — first meetings, hugs and those long-awaited words: “We’re in Ekaterinburg!” 💗

Flying is faster, but Russian trains have their own vibe 🚂 Russia has one of the largest railway networks in the world, so a train ride here can become an adventure of its own — changing landscapes, new people and plenty of time to enjoy the journey. 🇪🇸 Diego from Spain, one of our active International Content Center creators, captured one of his train adventures for us. And very soon, you’ll have the chance to meet him at the IFY–2026! ▶️ Watch the video and get a taste of what travelling by train in Russia feels like!

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Where can you recharge between sessions at the IFY–2026? 🏋️ The answer is simple — the Wellness Program by the World Friendship Games Organizing Committee! We’ve put together the main sports activities in the cards — from workouts with sports stars to traditional games from around the world. 📌 Save this post so you don’t miss anything!

From Germany to Ekaterinburg! 🇩🇪✈️🇷🇺 Meet Artur Hard, a content creator from Germany who has just received his confirmation for the IFY–2026 — and his reaction says it all! 🔥 He’s excited to meet young people from around the world, make new connections and experience the Festival for himself. 🎥 Watch Arthur’s reaction — and see you very soon in Ekaterinburg!

Kalinka, kalinka, kalinka moya! 🎶 Ahead of the International Festival of Youth 2026, the team at Sima-Land — a major retail and manufacturing company founded and based in Ekaterinburg — launched an online “Kalinka” flash mob and prepared a musical welcome for all IFY–2026 participants and guests 🟢 From September 11–17, Ekaterinburg will bring together 10 000 young leaders from 191 countries. The famous Russian melody may sound different around the world, but the message is the same: we’re excited to welcome you and can’t wait to see you in Ekaterinburg! See you at the IFY–2026!

What will remain after the IFY–2026? 🟢 Ideas you’ll want to bring to life, people you’ll want to meet again, and unforgettable stories that will be shared around the world long after the Festival ends! But what does each participant hope to leave behind? 🤔 💚 We asked future IFY–2026 participants this question — watch the video to hear their answers!

Distance means nothing when we share the same dream 💚 🌏 Thousands of kilometers, different countries and time zones — none of that can keep us apart when we’re all heading towards the same goal! Participants are already packing their bags and getting ready for their journey to the IFY–2026. ✈️ Watch the video and see who has the most exciting route to Ekaterinburg!

Egypt is getting ready for the IFY–2026! 🇪🇬 Members of the Egyptian delegation gathered at the Russian House in Cairo ahead of their journey to Ekaterinburg. 🟣 Vadim Zaichikov, Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office, introduced the key areas of the Festival 🎯 Oksana Hassab Elnaby, Head of the Youth Club, shared details about the upcoming trip WYF–2024 participants also shared their experiences — from international friendships to projects that began at the Festival. ✨ And after Ekaterinburg, the Egyptian team will meet again at the Russian House — this time with new stories, ideas and plans for future projects!

What does the baby sable say? 👀 Our friend Uralik is ready for the IFY–2026 and already waiting for all of you! 💚 But there’s one question… why is he showing the number 7 on his phone? 🤔 Yep, you guessed it right — only 7 days left until the IFY–2026!

Russia inspires me to… What about you? ✈️ For Mohammad Esmail from Syria, Russia inspires him to learn Russian, discover new opportunities and keep moving towards his dream. Very soon, he’ll be heading to the IFY–2026, where thousands of young people from all over the world will come together 🟢 Each of them has a dream, their own path towards it and something that keeps them moving forward. Now we want to hear yours! Continue the phrase “Russia inspires me to…”, record a video or take a photo and share it on social media.

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🤖 Ready to take control of a battle robot? At the IFY–2026, creators from the International Content Center representing 8 countries are stepping into the arena for their own Battle of Robots! 🔥 Come watch them compete on September 14 at 3:00 PM and see who comes out on top. Then it’s your turn! The robot arena will be open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with 100+ battles happening throughout the Festival. Register, grab the controls and join the action!⚡

What do you pack when the IFY-2026 is waiting for you? 👀 Our friends Ernesto Luis from Venezuela and Tariq Mustakim from Morocco are already packing for Ekaterinburg, and showing us what they simply can't leave behind 🟢 And we're not talking about documents or chargers. For a lot of people, the most important thing is a piece of home: something close to the heart, something worth sharing. 🧳 Let's peek inside their suitcases and see what they're bringing along!

From Egypt to Ekaterinburg — Mustafa is joining the IFY–2026! 🇪🇬✈️🇷🇺 Mustafa is a content creator and trainer whose videos about sports and lifestyle reach millions of views. This September, he’s coming to the Festival to experience it for himself — and share it with his audience. 🔥 But what made him want to join the IFY–2026? Watch the video and hear it from Mustafa himself!

The heart of the IFY–2026 is starting to beat! 💛 Our volunteers are arriving in Ekaterinburg and have already had their first meeting before the Festival begins. Very soon, they’ll be everywhere — welcoming you, helping you find your way, accompanying you and making sure you enjoy every moment of the Festival 🟢 And this is just the beginning. Soon, we’ll show you more of the people behind the heart and energy of the IFY–2026! 👀