Moroccan Teenager Selected for Prestigious Youth Festival
Hssaine Akram, a 16-year-old from Morocco, has made headlines by being selected as one of 1,000 teenagers from 99 countries to participate in the Children’s Programme at the upcoming 2026 International Festival of Youth in Ekaterinburg, Russia. This remarkable opportunity comes after a rigorous selection process that attracted nearly 16,500 applicants from around the globe, highlighting the significance and competitiveness of this programme. The initiative is part of the festival's overarching theme, “Follow Your Dream,” which aims to foster international collaboration, promote cultural exchanges, and cultivate youth-led projects that can address various societal challenges.
Collaborative Efforts for Innovative Solutions
During the presentation of the programme, Akram expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he and other international participants received upon arriving in Russia. He emphasized the importance of bringing together young individuals and experts from diverse educational and professional backgrounds to generate innovative solutions to pressing issues across multiple sectors. “By collaborating with specialists from various fields, we can create genuinely valuable and well-conceived solutions that can impact different industries,” Akram remarked, underscoring the potential of intercultural dialogue and cooperation.
The Chairman of the Board of the Movement of the First, Artur Orlov, elaborated on the programme's objectives, stating its primary goal is to unite children from various countries to develop and advance joint initiatives. He expressed a vision of cultivating a space of friendship that showcases Russia's openness and hospitality while promoting diverse forms of cooperation. The teenagers participating in the festival will engage in 60 laboratories and workshops covering an array of subjects including science, education, digitalization, technology, creative industries, culture, sports, health, media, public administration, and entrepreneurship. With expectations to develop around 60 projects that will be evaluated by experts and partner organizations, the programme aims to facilitate the implementation of these initiatives both in Russia and internationally.
Additionally, the Children’s Programme promises over 250 activities facilitated by 120 partner institutions, which include universities, technology firms, cultural organizations, and state enterprises. A diverse group of over 100 speakers and experts, along with numerous performing artists, is also slated to participate in this extensive festival. Among the planned activities are physical fitness tests, esports masterclasses, cultural programmes, and events held off-site. An innovative children's newsroom will allow participants to create and publish social media content that documents significant moments throughout the festival, empowering the youth to take charge of their narratives.
Other noteworthy attractions at the festival include the “City of the Future,” where Russian research institutions and companies will showcase groundbreaking technological advancements, and an interactive Ethnographic Village that highlights the rich cultural traditions of the country. Furthermore, the festival will host a gathering of the Coordinating Council of the International Association of Children’s Organisations. Set to take place from September 11 to 17, 2026, the International Festival of Youth is expected to draw 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries, comprising an equal mix of 5,000 Russian participants and 5,000 international ones, making it a truly global event.
As reported by myjoyonline.com.
