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Russia's 2026 Youth Festival draws 16,000 volunteer applicants in Yekaterinburg

From event coordination to participant support, thousands are racing to join Russia's biggest youth event. Will this festival redefine engagement for a new generation?

The image shows a group of people standing on top of a stage, each holding a bouquet of flowers and...
The image shows a group of people standing on top of a stage, each holding a bouquet of flowers and certificates in their hands. In the background, there is a board with the words "Youth Solar Awards 2019" written on it, indicating that the group is celebrating their success.

Russia's 2026 Youth Festival draws 16,000 volunteer applicants in Yekaterinburg

More than 16,000 people have applied to volunteer at Russia's 2026 Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg. The event forms part of the national Youth and Children project, aimed at engaging young Russians in cultural, educational, and sporting activities. Among the applicants is Tatyana Shonokhova, a local volunteer with experience at major national events. The festival will take place in Yekaterinburg, with preparations already underway. Organisers have opened 17 different volunteer roles, from event coordination to participant support. Applications remain open on the Dobro.rf platform until April 15.

Shonokhova, from the Sverdlovsk region, has a strong volunteering background. She previously assisted at the 2023 International University Sports Festival and the *Russia Forum-Exhibition*. This year, she also worked at the 2024 World Festival of Youth and Students. The Sverdlovsk region itself has seen high interest, with 1,500 local applicants. Authorities have even extended invitations to young people from the Telman District to attend. The festival aligns with broader national goals, including fostering patriotism, leadership, and healthy lifestyles among those aged 14 to 35. Leading up to the main event in Moscow in summer 2026, regional forums, workshops, and competitions will involve over a million participants. The project's activities aim to integrate youth into national priorities through hands-on engagement.

The 2026 Youth Festival will bring together thousands of volunteers and participants across Russia. With applications still being accepted, organisers expect strong involvement from regions like Sverdlovsk. The event's success will depend on the contributions of experienced volunteers like Shonokhova and the wider engagement of young people nationwide.

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