YEKATERINBURG, Russia, September 16, 2026 — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has addressed participants at the closing ceremony of the International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg, describing the gathering as a platform for young people from different countries and cultures to build contacts, exchange experiences and develop cooperation.
The festival was held in Yekaterinburg, a city located at the meeting point of Europe and Asia. Organisers have described the 2026 event as an international gathering bringing together young people from countries across different regions of the world.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Lavrov thanked participants for travelling to Russia and said the festival had provided an opportunity for them to experience the country and learn about its regional diversity.
“The International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg is coming to an end, in a place where Europe and Asia meet. There is no doubt that this symbolically reflects the event you have been immersed in all week, as all other continents are represented here without exception.”
Lavrov also thanked representatives from Russian regions who participated in the festival and introduced visitors to local traditions, culture and the diversity of communities across the country.
The foreign minister said participants came from different continents, countries, cultures, religions and civilisations but were connected by common interests in education, knowledge and finding solutions to complex challenges.
“You all represent different continents, countries, cultures, religions, and civilizations. But you are all united by youth in the broadest sense of the word, the thirst for knowledge, the desire to find solutions to the most complex problems.”
He pointed to the role of technology and modern forms of cooperation in expanding opportunities for young people, saying new knowledge combined with technological advances could help address challenges that previously appeared difficult to solve.
Lavrov also referred to young people in Russia involved in scientific research, start up businesses and professional roles across the country.
“Russia today is a country of opportunities. We want them to be accessible to you as well. We are ready to continue the exchange of experience.”
According to Lavrov, the festival had developed into a platform for establishing international contacts, exchanging experiences and building friendships.
He said meetings involving young people from different backgrounds could help participants understand one another, reduce barriers and challenge stereotypes.
“We are different, but we understand each other. And we want to understand even more in order to jointly seek common ground and prospects for joint achievements.”
Lavrov also referred to the phrase “unity in diversity”, saying the festival had demonstrated how the idea could be applied through practical interaction between young people from different countries and backgrounds.
The Russian foreign minister said the relationships formed during the festival could continue through the participants’ future professional and social activities.
He identified shared aspirations including stability, personal success, starting families and contributing positively to society as areas that could bring young people together.
The festival’s programme has included international exchanges and activities designed to connect young participants with Russian regions, cultural institutions and professional communities. Organisers have reported participation from 191 countries and 89 Russian regions, although those figures are organiser supplied.
Lavrov invited participants to return to Russia for other youth focused events, including the Congress of Young Scientists and the Tavrida Art Festival.
“We will always be glad to see you at other events that are held annually in our country for young people. This includes the Congress of Young Scientists, the Tavrida Art Festival, and much more. Come to any of them. Come without a reason. We will always be glad to see you.”
At the conclusion of his address, Lavrov said he was speaking on behalf of the older generation and at the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin as he congratulated the participants on the festival.
“In conclusion, on behalf of the older generation, on behalf of and at the request of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin, I would like to once again congratulate you on this wonderful holiday, wish you all the best, success, health, and to you and all your loved ones.”
The International Youth Festival is scheduled to conclude on September 17 in Yekaterinburg.
Leave a comment