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
🇸🇾 Mohamed Esmail is a journalist from Syria, an International Content Center creator and an IFY–2026 ambassador! Today, he lives in the UAE and has a blog where he shares his journey of learning Russian step by step. ⭐️ And it was actually a trip to Russia that became a turning point for Mohamed. After that journey, his life changed in a way he never expected! ▶️ Our friend shares the whole story in the video!
A message from AY YOLA! 👋 In case you missed it: the are the official ambassadors of the IFY–2026! AY YOLA blend Bashkir musical traditions with a modern sound, and they do it beautifully 💚 🎶 You'll hear them soon at the ethno-folk show "Each of Us", where music from different countries and cultures comes together on one stage. 13 September, the Main Stage 🔥 Ready for it?
First taste of Russian food right on the train! 🚂 🇪🇬 The delegation from Egypt is on its way to the IFY–2026! Their neighbours figured the cultural exchange could start early and shared what was on their table: crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and the nation's favourite, kefir. Watch the video for their honest reactions!
What to see in Ekaterinburg between IFY–2026 events? 👀 As part of the hospitality program, residents of Ekaterinburg and other Russian cities are welcoming Festival participants and sharing their favorite places in the Ural capital. ❓ Where should you go for a walk, and what should you definitely see in the future World Youth City? Watch the video and save these ideas!
Digital skills that travel across borders 🌐 At the IFY–2026, the Young Digital Ambassador Award will be presented as part of the youth track of the International Internet Security School for Youth. The award looks for young leaders from Asia, Africa and Latin America who are ready to grow the international IT community, raise digital literacy and promote safe digital technologies back home — with the support of the Russian Youth Digital Ombudsman team. 🎓 Alongside the award, participants can take the Digital Dictation: a chance to test how well you actually navigate the online world! The safer the internet becomes in one country, the safer it gets everywhere.
Russia inspires me to… 🇷🇺✨ Our friend Zizou Bounou from Morocco 🇲🇦, the creator of Zizou Vlogs channel, knows that feeling well. He's already been to Russia several times, most recently for the WYFD Media School at SHUM Youth Center in Kaliningrad. And now he's on his way back: Zouhir is heading to the IFY–2026, so you'll be able to meet him in Ekaterinburg very soon! 🎥 Watch the video to hear what Russia inspires him to do. And you? What does Russia inspire you to do?
+2
The IFY–2026 is bringing the world together before it even begins! 🌏 Participants are getting ready to head to Ekaterinburg, while Russian Embassies and Russian Houses are meeting future Festival guests around the world. 🔥 Belgium, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Ethiopia and more are already getting ready. Here are some highlights! Belgium 🇧🇪 Denis Gonchar, Ambassador of Russia, met with participants and talked about the Festival program — from sports and culture to ideas for our shared future. Colombia 🇨🇴 Future participants shared what they expect from their trip and the ideas they’re bringing to Ekaterinburg. Next up — new connections and joint projects with young people from around the world. Mexico 🇲🇽 Alexander Batadeev, Chargé d’Affaires, and the Future Team Mexico spoke with the delegation about the multipolar world, Russia and the initiatives they hope to develop together. ➡️ Plans discussed, ideas ready — now there’s only one thing left: bringing them to life at the IFY–2026!
This isn't just a lineup — it's a dream come true 🔈 Every day at the IFY–2026, you'll hear music for every taste: rock, pop, folk, techno. Popular artists are taking the stage — the kind whose shows fill stadiums and echo way beyond them. ❤️ Performers from all over the world bring the color, while beloved local acts bring the Russian cultural vibe. Young and bright talents will add extra energy to the festival — plus a secret guest from VK Music, an artist whose tracks are already the biggest hits in the country. Who is it? We'll tell you soon, no rush 🎥 Which artists do you already know? Tell us in the comments 🔥
🛫 Next stop — Ekaterinburg! Russian Houses and Russian Embassies around the world are bringing together future IFY–2026 participants. This time, meetings took place in Cyprus, Abkhazia, Serbia and Cuba. Here are the highlights! Cyprus 🇨🇾 At the Russian Center for Science and Culture, participants met with Evgeny Demin, Head of the Center, and Vladimiros Gorin, a representative of the Festival movement in Cyprus. They also discussed what the delegation will bring to Ekaterinburg — national symbols and souvenirs from the sunny island. Abkhazia 🇬🇪 At the “We Are Together” Center, Russian Ambassador Vyacheslav Gladkov presented Said Kulanba, Chairman of “Young Abkhazia”, with a medal and certificate from Russian President Vladimir Putin for his contribution to the preparation of WYF–2024. The delegation also discussed joint educational projects and the role of young people in the development of the republic. Yulia Krastsova, Director of the WYFD Representative Office in Abkhazia, presented the Festival program. Cuba 🇨🇺 At the reception house of the Young Communist League, Embassy diplomats met with future IFY–2026 participants. Madeleine Brossard, Head of the International Department of the YCL National Bureau, thanked the Russian side for its work with candidates, while Embassy Counsellor Vitaly Sprinchan spoke about the role of young people in building a fairer world order. Serbia 🇷🇸 One of the Festival’s largest delegations — 86 people — gathered at the Russian House in Belgrade! Alexander Konanykhin, Minister-Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in Serbia, and Olga Golubeva, Head of the Science and Culture Department at the Russian House, welcomed the participants. Alumni of previous festivals also shared stories about the places they visited during their trips to Russia. 📍 Right now, participants are getting to know each other in their home countries — and very soon, they’ll all meet in the Urals!
Mountains, traditions, and friendship between nations!💘 For the first time, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are joining the regional program of the IFY–2026. Deep historical and cultural ties connect them with Russia. Participants can choose between 2 formats: an individual route to Abkhazia, and an interregional route through Kabardino-Balkaria with a visit to South Ossetia. 📍Republic of Abkhazia The journey starts with a tour of Old Gagra and a choir concert by the Colonnade. Ahead are a sunset sea cruise, a jeep ride to Auadhara and Lake Ritsa, walks around Sukhum, and a visit to an ethno-park in Mgudzyrkhua. Participants will try archery and blacksmithing, and even cook abysta, adjika, and khachapuri over an open fire. 📍 Kabardino-Balkaria — South Ossetia As part of the interregional format, participants will visit Kabardino-Balkaria and take a trip to South Ossetia. They'll learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Caucasus peoples, and talk about the role of youth in strengthening ties between nations. 👍 Want to see how it all looks? Check out the videos!
❗️Have you packed your bags for the Festival yet? While participants are packing their suitcases, we peeked inside to see what they're bringing along. Besides a passport and a notebook, they're also packing a little piece of their culture: national costumes, flags, favorite books, souvenirs, and even chocolate! 👆 Watch the video now and find out what other unusual things participants are bringing to the IFY–2026.
One day, Russia inspired him to start telling her story 🇷🇺 🇫🇷 Sébastien Piriou is a French content creator who shares his life in Russia — its cities, its people, and his own impressions. It was here that he decided to start a blog, to show Russia to those who don't know it yet. ✨ And what inspires you? Finish the phrase "Russia inspires me to..." and share your thoughts on social media with the hashtag #RussiaInspires ❣️
Only 2 days left before the Festival! 🔥 We asked participants to name 3 words they associate with the IFY–2026. ⚡️ Everyone sees the Festival in their own way, but for all of us, it will be a place where dreams come true. What comes to mind when you think of the IFY–2026? 🩷
Telegram doesn't show this post on the web. Open it in Telegram to see it.
Surprising facts about the many languages spoken by Russians 🇷🇺 What language has literally dozens of cases? And which one contains more than 50 words for different types of snow? Gateway to Russia reveals this and more in 60 seconds! ↩️ Gateway to Russia
Telegram doesn't show this post on the web. Open it in Telegram to see it.
Keeping it a secret… but not for long 🤫 On September 11, 10 000 participants, content creators, and guests from all over the world will arrive at the venue. Cool initiatives, new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships that last a lifetime — all just a couple of days away! 🔥 Get ready, the IFY–2026 is about to take over your feed!
+1
Festival mood: fully ON 💌 So we decided to give it the perfect look! Pick your favorite postcard and send it to someone who’ll get it without any explanation. Which one are you saving for yourself? 👀
❤️ One dream, one destination — Ekaterinburg! The IFY–2026 is almost here, and soon young people from around the world will finally meet in the heart of the Urals. 🇫🇷 Today, meet André from France. His Festival dream is to discover new cultures and connect with experts from different countries. ❤️ Will his dream come true? We’ll find out very soon at the IFY–2026!