From September 17 to 22, 2026, the Murmansk Region hosted international participants from 18 countries as part of the regional program of the International Youth Festival (IYF-2026). During their stay, the guests learned about the region's culture, history, and nature, explored the unique sites of the Kola Arctic, met with representatives of the youth community, and discussed ideas for potential international cooperation.
A separate section of the program was dedicated to joint project work. During strategic sessions, participants from various countries, together with their Russian colleagues, explored ideas in the areas of international cooperation, culture, education, entrepreneurship, and regional development.
Participants' proposals include creating a regular international platform, such as a festival, for cultural exchange. This format could form the basis for long-term friendships and partnerships between young people from different countries. Another idea is to develop an online platform for young entrepreneurs in Russia, building on the existing international online platform for the business community. This platform could serve as a one-stop shop for finding partners, obtaining expert support, sharing experiences, and seeking funding for joint startups. Murmansk and Argentine students are united by the development of maritime specialties and technologies, as well as Arctic and Antarctic research. Both countries have potential for student exchange. Participants also proposed developing educational projects on cybersecurity with India.
"It was important for us to show our guests the Murmansk Region as a territory of opportunities for young people to realize their potential, to hear their ideas, and to build international connections through dialogue. During the project, participants proposed developing regular cultural exchanges and implementing joint educational initiatives. "These ideas will be forwarded to the relevant regional agencies for further development," noted Maria Chernysheva, Chair of the Murmansk Region Youth Policy Committee.
This important and valuable cultural exchange is the result of state policy to build international ties through culture. Russia is strengthening international ties through culture. As a reminder, regional routes within the International Youth Festival first launched in 2017, when foreign participants traveled to 15 Russian regions.
"Our region is actively developing its youth policy. The Murmansk Region has once again become a platform for international youth dialogue. In 2024, the region hosted the World Youth Festival. In 2025, the Arctic capital hosted the International Arctic Forum. Young people actively participated in the session "Muravyov-Amursky 2030: Careers in the Arctic and the Far East – the Choice of the Strong," which focused on training and attracting young management personnel to Arctic regions; in a joint meeting of the State Council of the Russian Federation's commissions on "Youth and Children"; young northerners volunteered for the forum and also participated in discussions within the "Arctic Dialogue" format," said Maria Chernysheva.
As a reminder, starting in 2027, Murmansk will become a permanent site for the IAF. The corresponding order was signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in November 2025.
/ Youth Policy Committee of the Murmansk Region /
