Nizhny Novgorod, September 22, 2025 — The grand opening of the World Youth Festival (WYF) Assembly took place today at the historic Main Fair Building in Nizhny Novgorod, uniting more than 2,000 participants from across Russia and 120 countries worldwide.
Recognized as the key international youth event of the fall, the Assembly gathered young leaders, innovators, and change-makers from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and North America.Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to participants, highlighting the success of the 2024 World Youth Festival in Sirius and stressing the importance of continuing global youth cooperation.
He underlined Russia’s commitment to creating conditions for international dialogue, collaboration, and professional exchange through initiatives such as International Friendship Clubs, summer schools, and large-scale annual youth festivals.Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, delivering the President’s message, praised the participants’ passion for friendship and achievement, stating: “You speak different languages, but you are united by one thing – the desire for friendship and excellence.
We will succeed!” He also engaged with youth-led projects focused on international cooperation, cultural preservation, and historical memory, encouraging their further development for presentation at the International Youth Festival in Krasnoyarsk in 2026.
Head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov emphasized Russia’s long-term vision: “By 2030, we plan to bring together about 40,000 participants from Russia and abroad at our international events. We want young people to see the real Russia with their own eyes and understand that it is a country of friendship, partnership, and opportunity.”
Following the Assembly, 200 international delegates will travel across 10 Russian cities to experience regional culture and history.Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin welcomed the international guests, noting the city’s proud status as Russia’s first “Youth Capital” and its unique cultural heritage.
“Our city is ready to show ‘100% Real Russia’ and provide a creative atmosphere where young people can exchange ideas, build friendships, and create projects with global impact,” he said.
The Assembly program brought together young leaders and professionals in seven key fields: media, creative industries, public administration, entrepreneurship, sports, education and science, and digitalization/IT.
Participants engaged in master classes, project teamwork, and pitching sessions, with a strong focus on intercultural dialogue, respect for diversity, and teamwork. Special programs were also prepared for younger participants (14–17 years), organized by the Movement of the First.
The opening ceremony featured a dynamic cultural showcase with performances by Timur Rodriguez, Petr Nalich, DJ Zorche, Anastasia Kirsanova, Zventa Sventana, Ruslan Ivakin, and others, setting the stage for an inspiring week of dialogue and collaboration.
The World Youth Festival Assembly in Nizhny Novgorod has reaffirmed its mission: to empower the next generation of global leaders, strengthen international friendships, and provide young people with the tools and inspiration to shape the future together.
