The World Youth Festival, officially launched on September 18, 2025, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, has drawn 2,000 youth leaders from 120 countries, marking a significant move towards global collaboration amid rising geopolitical tensions, reports 24brussels.
The festival, which runs until September 21st, serves as a platform for strengthening global youth cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and innovation, organized by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) with backing from the Nizhny Novgorod regional government and Presidential Administration. The event’s agenda features over 86 events covering key areas like media, creative industries, public administration, and digitalization.
During the festival, more than 200 Russian speakers and 60 international experts engage in discussions addressing critical global challenges, including artificial intelligence, youth diplomacy, and digital sovereignty. A notable component of the festival includes tailored training for younger participants (aged 14–17) coordinated by the “Pioneer Movement,” which focuses on personal branding and civic responsibility.
At the heart of the festival is a determination to empower future global leaders. A prominent initiative introduced is the BRICS International Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program, designed to encourage youth entrepreneurship in emerging economies. Experts from Russia, Iran, Indonesia, and South Africa highlighted mentoring as a pathway to economic transformation.
Additional tracks delve into applying sports principles to business, while discussions in the digitalization and IT track emphasize the need for secure digital infrastructure amid rising cyber threats. The consciousness of digital sovereignty underscores the event’s relevance in contemporary geopolitical discourse.
This festival occurs at a critical juncture in international relations as it promotes inclusive dialogue amid shifting alliances. Despite fractured ties between Russia and Western nations, Moscow extends invitations to European youth, reflecting a commitment to fostering people-to-people diplomacy.
The event, characterized by its focus on history, solidarity, and youth-driven diplomacy, showcases a space for diverse perspectives, drawing participants from nations often sidelined in mainstream global discussions. Critics may challenge the neutrality of a state-sponsored event; however, advocates assert that dialogue and engagement are essential to mitigate conflict and foster mutual understanding.
Beyond discussions, the festival incorporates cultural exchanges and networking opportunities, transforming Nizhny Novgorod into a vibrant hub for young leaders from around the world. Various initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural understanding and social impact also formed part of the agenda.
The World Youth Festival encapsulates a vision for the next generation, advocating for a cooperative future built on shared values and collaboration, affirming that youth today are not passive observers but active architects of their future.