El Ciudadano
Aleksandra Osmolovskaya Discusses the 2026 International Youth Festival: «Participating in This Event Could Transform the Lives of Many Chilean Youth»
In an exclusive interview with El Ciudadano, the coordinator of the World Youth Festival for Latin America envisions the 2026 International Youth Festival as a platform for training, networking, and global exposure for young people in the region.
The event will take place from September 11 to 17 in Ekaterinburg, Russia, bringing together 10,000 participants from 190 countries. Accredited attendees will benefit from accommodation, meals, and local transportation; moreover, foreign applicants aged 18 to 35 with high evaluations may receive travel support from the organization.
For those unfamiliar with the World Youth Festival, what is this initiative and what is its main objective for this edition?
This is a major international platform for bringing together youth from diverse countries, cultures, and backgrounds. In this upcoming edition held in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, 2026, we aim to gather a new generation of young leaders to engage in dialogue, build networks, and share experiences in areas that are crucial for our present and future. The intention is for the festival to be more than just an event; we want it to be a genuine experience of international, academic, and professional collaboration.
Who can apply from Latin America and what profiles is the festival looking for?
Young people from Latin America aged 18 to 35, whether they are currently working on projects, initiatives, or personal paths, can apply. We are seeking profiles in journalism, civic participation, sports, science and education, entrepreneurship, digitalization and IT, public administration, and creative industries. Rather than a flawless resume, we look for individuals with energy, innovative ideas, tangible experience, and a desire to contribute to a global conversation.
What is the application process like and what key requirements or deadlines should those interested keep in mind?
Applications are submitted online via the festival’s official website (https://wyffest.com/). The main application phase is open until April 30. Selection will occur remotely and includes two tasks: crafting an essay and submitting a video presentation. Initial results will be announced after June 22. My advice is not to leave everything until the last minute, as a strong application requires preparation and clarity about what each young person wants to showcase about themselves.
What can attendees expect to find at the festival?
Attendees will immerse themselves in a rich experience. There will be educational, cultural, and sports programs, as well as excursions; formats like TED talks, talk shows, and discussion spaces; in addition to continuous exchanges with youth from various countries. The organization has announced that there will be over 150 speakers and nearly 50 formats within the program, so this is not just about listening to talks but about engaging with ideas, projects, specialists, and public and professional figures from various fields.
Why do you think this could be an important experience for young Latin Americans, and what would you say to someone in Chile who is hesitant about applying?
I would encourage them to take the leap. Often in Latin America, there are young people with immense talent, creativity, and community work; however, there aren’t always international platforms of this scale for showcasing it. This festival can open a very tangible international door: it allows for learning, networking, and connecting with individuals who are driving relevant projects around the world.
Furthermore, for those who are accredited, the organization covers accommodation, meals, and local transportation, and for foreign participants with outstanding evaluations, there is the possibility of traveling with coverage provided by the organization.
From your experience working with Latin America, what characteristics or strengths do you see in the youth of the region?
I see young people with an incredible capacity for adaptation and transformation, a lot of creativity, and a strong social awareness. Latin American youth know how to organize themselves, build from their communities, and possess a vibrant perspective on the challenges of their time. Therefore, I believe their presence at this festival will be powerful: not only because they will learn, but also because they have much to share with the rest of the world.
Chile and Russia have much in common, with diverse landscapes that range from deserts to snow. Chilean youth also have a lot in common with Russian youth, and they can mutually benefit in many areas such as culture, innovation, public participation, communication, and entrepreneurship. The festival serves as the perfect space for that exchange.
El Ciudadano
La entrada Aleksandra Osmolovskaya Discusses the 2026 International Youth Festival: «Participating in This Event Could Transform the Lives of Many Chilean Youth» se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.
🔥 Ver noticia completa en ElCiudadano.cl 🔥
