Arevik Sahakyan and Lia Balugyan, fourth-year students at the YSU Faculty of Russian Philology, participated in the International Festival of Youth 2026, held from September 11 to 17 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The festival brought together 10,000 young people from 191 countries, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, intercultural communication and international cooperation.
Over the week, students, young professionals and representatives of youth organizations attended lectures, discussions, workshops, and cultural and sporting events. The festival covered a wide range of topics, including science and education, international cooperation, youth policy, digital technologies, media and creative industries. The program also featured meetings with prominent public figures and government officials.
For the students of the Faculty of Russian Philology, participating in the festival was an opportunity to broaden their horizons, learn about youth initiatives in different countries and gain experience in international communication. The extensive program facilitated the exchange of experiences, connections with like-minded peers and the establishment of new contacts.
Events dedicated to the cultures and traditions of peoples around the world were a particular highlight. Interacting with representatives of different countries gave participants an opportunity to better understand one another and see how cultural diversity can serve as a foundation for dialogue and joint activities.
During the festival, Arevik Sahakyan and Lia Balugyan also met with delegations from Volgograd and Colombia. These meetings complemented the educational program by providing opportunities for direct interaction and the exchange of ideas.
While in Yekaterinburg, the students visited St. Karapet Armenian Apostolic Church. The visit was an important part of their introduction to the city and to Armenian cultural and spiritual heritage beyond Armenia's borders.
Participation in the International Festival of Youth 2026 enriched the students' educational and cultural experiences, opening up new opportunities for communication and cooperation with representatives of different countries.
