Sixty years ago, almost every boy wanted to become a cosmonaut. Yuri Gagarin’s first flight ushered in an entire era when space became within reach. Children read books about his conquest of space, built prototype rockets, and wrote in their school essays: “When I grow up, I will fly to the stars.” There was one dream, but it united millions of people. Today, everything is different. Young people of the 21st century rarely dream of a single specific profession, instead they seek to explore a world of possibilities. Some want to create a startup that will change life in their region, others want to become environmentalists and save the forests of their homeland, or launch an educational project for children in small towns. Dreams have become more diverse, but no less bold. And the main question young people across the globe are asking themselves today is: “What will I leave behind?” A connection that never breaks In a landmark broadcast as part of the World Youth Festival at the Sirius Federal Territory in Russia in March 2024, cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station addressed 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries around the world. From space, at an altitude of about 400 kilometres, words of support and encouragement resonated with those just beginning their journey. This moment became a symbolic bridge between eras. Those who once dreamed of space passed the torch to a new generation—those who today dream of their own future. The cosmonauts told the participants how important it is to believe in oneself, not to fear difficulties, and to remember: every great journey begins with a single step. For many young people, this was not just a beautiful gesture, but a true source of inspiration—proof that dreams come true if you fight for them. Today’s dreams If you ask today’s youth about their dreams, the answers will vary, but they are united by a desire not just for personal success, but for concrete actions that benefit society: some want to create innovative technologies and applications that solve real-world problems, others want to address environmental issues and pursue sustainable development as a matter of survival or mix business with social impact, preserve cultural heritage through contemporary creativity while others want to foster international cooperation by overcoming borders through dialogue. Follow your dream: The International Festival of Youth 2026—a key platform for future-aware individuals It is precisely these active, bold, and passionate young leaders, striving to make the world a better place, that the International Festival of Youth 2026 in Ekaterinburg will bring together. A place where dreams begin to turn into reality, the Festival will bring together 10,000 young people from 190 countries, serving as a platform where everyone can find a friend, partner, or ally, tap the minds of experts, and build their path toward their dreams or scale their projects. The event will be organised into nine tracks. 50+ educational formats will help participants gain new knowledge and hear expert advice on realising their dreams from world-renowned experts and speakers. The agenda will feature discussions where participants can expect open dialogue and the opportunity to pitch their own research and projects. A series of team-building activities will help you find like-minded people to bring your ideas to life—a unifying programme designed to help you make initial connections that will grow into friendships and partnerships for years to come. A healthy body means a healthy mind. As part of the Festival, young leaders will be able to attend group workouts, and master classes led by famous athletes will inspire everyone to achieve greatness. The Youth in Culture track—the event’s cultural programme—will enable participants to be inspired by the diversity of cultures in Russia and around the world. Participants can look forward to a grand opening ceremony, concerts featuring famous Russian and international performers, shows, film screenings, and a food court showcasing cuisines from around the world. Every Festival participant can become part of something bigger and help make the world a better place by joining the volunteer initiatives of the Do Good Program. As part of the tour agenda, young people from different countries will learn about the historical, natural, and cultural heritage of the Festival’s host city of Ekaterinburg—one of Russia’s largest economic, scientific, and cultural centers. The highlight of the event will be an expo showcasing the potential of science, industry, culture, and Russia’s regions. Even those who do not pass the competitive selection process will be able to join the Festival through the Media Programme, which offers digital attendance formats. The post-festival tour After the main Festival programme concludes in Ekaterinburg, 1,000 international participants will have the opportunity to take part in 30 projects across the regions of Russia and the Republic of Abkhazia. This is a unique chance to experience life in Russia’s regions, rub shoulders with local residents, immerse yourself in the regions’ history, and witness their contemporary achievements. It will demonstrate how representatives of hundreds of peoples—each with their own language, traditions, and culture—live side by side within a single country while forging a shared future A dream that unites Sixty years ago, Gagarin’s flight became the embodiment of a shared dream of an entire generation. Today’s youth have different goals, but their drive to achieve more remains the same. The International Festival of Youth 2026 is a venue for those ready to create alongside trusted like-minded peers from Russia and other countries, who believe that dialogue and effective cooperation are possible even in challenging times. Once upon a time, the dream of space seemed impossible, but today it has become a reality. The projects of today’s young leaders can also lay the foundation for a future we haven’t even begun to dream of yet. Link to the event: https://wyffest.com/en/events/mfm2026?utm_source=rwanda&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=1&utm_content=link&utm_term=rwanda.
