Nizhny Novgorod region ranked among the top 3 regions in the number of applications for the World Youth Festival Gathering.

      Photo: World Youth Festival Directorate

      Nizhny Novgorod Region ranked in the Top 3 Russian regions by the number of applications to participate in the World Youth Festival Gathering — 1,409 residents expressed their desire to be part of the international event, which will take place from September 17 to 21 in Nizhny Novgorod by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin within the framework of the national project "Youth and Children." Applications were received from all regions of the world — Europe, North, Central, and South America, Africa, Asia, Middle Eastern countries, and even Australia.

      "The World Youth Festival Gathering is the main event of the year in the field of international youth cooperation. It has generated great interest among young people from around the world. Applications have been submitted by over 62,000 young people from 175 countries and 89 regions of Russia. The highest activity was shown by Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Perm Krai, Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow regions, and the Republic of Tatarstan. I am confident that each year the Gathering will attract even more young people because Russia is a land of opportunities where one can reveal their potential and showcase talents," said Grigory Gurov, head of Rosmolodosh.

      Additionally, a special program will be organized for youth aged 14-17, which received over 12,000 applications, including 2,000 from international teenagers. Experts have already begun analyzing the filled applications and will select 2,000 young people who will go to the Nizhny Novgorod region in September.

      "It is delightful to see that Nizhny Novgorod residents are among the leaders in interest in the Gathering. This confirms that our region is a territory of active and ambitious professionals. It is especially valuable to see this now, as we are actively focusing on developing international cooperation. This year, the Gathering makes its debut, and all participants have approached the selection process seriously: detailed questionnaires, project presentations, and by the end of July, they can add a video business card — to demonstrate their interest and expertise level, backed by specific results and showing openness to international dialogue," said Svetlana Anufrieva, Minister of Youth Policy of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      The participant selection will continue until July 30. Experts will choose the 2,000 most deserving candidates. After the main program, 200 international guests will go on a tour across 10 Russian regions to learn about the country's culture.

      Note: The first World Youth Festival was held in 2024 in Sochi, gathering 20,000 participants from 190 countries. Now, festival events will be held annually, and large-scale gatherings will occur every six years.