African Delegates Join 10,000 Global Youth in Russia for 2026 International Festival of Youth

Approximately 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries have converged in Ekaterinburg, Russia, for the 2026 International Festival of Youth (IFY). Running from September 11 to 17 under the inspiring theme "Follow Your Dream," the festival has brought together 5,000 Russian participants and an equal number of international delegates. Among those representing the African continent are vibrant delegations from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo, all aiming to foster global cooperation and share cultural perspectives in an increasingly interconnected world.

The week-long gathering provides a multifaceted platform for participants to engage in critical sectors including media, entrepreneurship, science, technology, and civic engagement. Beyond the intellectual and professional exchange, the festival emphasizes hands-on social and environmental responsibility. This was demonstrated on September 12, when delegates transitioned from seminar rooms to the shores of Lake Shartash for a massive ecological initiative organized under the "Waters of Russia" banner. This program, which has mobilized over 13.2 million people since its inception in 2014, highlights the festival's commitment to tangible global impact through collective action.

During the Lake Shartash clean-up, volunteers—including delegates from Cameroon and Congo—successfully collected 22 cubic meters of waste. Participants demonstrated innovation and dedication by using paddleboards to access remote, hard-to-reach areas of the lake to ensure a thorough cleaning. Cameroonian delegates participating in the exercise emphasized the importance of collaborative ecological practices, noting that environmental sustainability is a shared global challenge that transcends national borders. This blend of cultural exchange and environmental activism underscores the festival's broader goal of empowering the next generation of global leaders to tackle pressing issues with creativity and unity.