More than 40,000 young people from around the world have already applied to participate in the first-ever World Youth Festival Assembly, scheduled to take place from September 17 to 21, 2025, in the historic Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod.
The global event will bring together 2,000 young leaders, 1,000 from Russia and 1,000 from other countries, for five days of intercultural exchange, innovation, and dialogue. The application process, launched on April 16, will remain open until July 20 through the official website https://asm.wyffest.com/en/.
Organizers report a strong international interest, with applicants from 176 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, and Australia. Roughly one-third of all applications are from outside Russia.
“This level of interest confirms that young people across the world seek unity, cooperation, and meaningful exchange,” said Grigory Gurov, Head of Russia’s Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh).
The Assembly builds upon the momentum of the World Youth Festival 2024, aiming to strengthen the global youth community under the theme “Russia Warms Hearts.” Activities will include high-level debates on topics like artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and sports, alongside immersive workshops, cultural exhibitions, and creative showcases.
Participants under 35 from sectors such as media, education, science, IT, public administration, and creative industries are encouraged to apply. Selection will focus on international experience, leadership in youth projects, and English proficiency.
In a significant expansion from the 2024 edition, 200 teenagers aged 14–17 will now be fully integrated into the program. Over 9,500 youth, including 1,500 from outside Russia, have already applied to join.
“We aimed to attract participants from 120 countries, but applications from 176 nations have exceeded expectations,” noted Dmitry Ivanov, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate. “We’re seeking active changemakers, those already making an impact in their communities.”
Russia’s 89 regions are also well represented in the application pool, with the highest numbers coming from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Krasnodar Krai, among others.
The Assembly will feature unique experiences such as creating the world’s largest painting, an international gastropicnic, and ice-skating workshops with Hockey Club Torpedo, turning the event into a dynamic celebration of youth potential and global collaboration.
The festival is organized by Rosmolodezh, with support from the Nizhny Novgorod regional government and the World Youth Festival Directorate.
Written By Rodney Mbua
