The International Youth Festival 2026 took place in Yekaterinburg from 11 to 17 September. It brought together 10,000 young people from 191 countries. Representatives of NRU “MPEI” who attended the major international event included international Master’s students Seyyid Abdullah Büker and Soroush Shabanianboroujeni, and PhD student Mohamed Ali Magdi.
The festival provided a space for young people from different countries to communicate, exchange experiences and discuss current issues in science, education, technology and culture. For the MPEI representatives, it was an opportunity to make new international contacts, represent the university’s student community and gain experience in communication and cooperation.
Seyyid Abdullah Büker said that the festival was more than a major event for him: it also offered a new perspective on international communication:
“For me, the International Youth Festival 2026 was more than just a festival. It was a real lesson in face-to-face communication and a source of inspiration. During those days, I realised that young people are not the ‘future’, but the present, changing the world right now.”
Meeting people from different countries was especially memorable for him. He said that, despite language differences, participants were able to find shared ideas and values.
“For me, the International Youth Festival 2026 was more than just a festival. It was a real lesson in face-to-face communication and a source of inspiration. During those days, I realised that young people are not the ‘future’, but the present, changing the world right now.”
Meeting people from different countries was especially memorable for him. He said that, despite language differences, participants were able to find shared ideas and values.
Soroush Shabanianboroujeni highlighted the atmosphere of the festival and the opportunity to meet active and enthusiastic young people:
“Three days passed in a moment, but left me with a tremendous sense of motivation. I saw just how many talented, committed and courageous people there are around us.”
He also highlighted the opportunity to take part in discussions and hear different points of view.
“Three days passed in a moment, but left me with a tremendous sense of motivation. I saw just how many talented, committed and courageous people there are around us.”
He also highlighted the opportunity to take part in discussions and hear different points of view.
As part of the festival programme, Seyyid Abdullah Büker and Soroush Shabanianboroujeni hosted Global Quiz, gaining further experience of international communication with participants from different countries.
For Mohamed Ali Magdi, the festival was an opportunity to feel part of a large international community:
“The International Youth Festival 2026 gave me something that is often missing from everyday life: a sense of belonging and belief in ideas. I arrived with questions and left with answers and new goals.”
Ali was also featured in an article by Rossiyskaya Gazeta about international participants at the festival, sharing the story of his journey to Russia and his studies at MPEI.
“The International Youth Festival 2026 gave me something that is often missing from everyday life: a sense of belonging and belief in ideas. I arrived with questions and left with answers and new goals.”
Ali was also featured in an article by Rossiyskaya Gazeta about international participants at the festival, sharing the story of his journey to Russia and his studies at MPEI.
Taking part in the International Youth Festival 2026 gave MPEI students and young researchers another opportunity to expand their international contacts, exchange experiences and represent the university’s multinational community.