From September 11 to 17, 2026, the International Youth Festival 2026 was held in Yekaterinburg, bringing together young people from around the world. Amina Shafigina, a student of the International Relations program at the International University of Central Asia (IUCA), participated in the festival and represented Kyrgyzstan on this international platform.

The festival brought together 10,000 young participants from 191 countries, supported by approximately 2,000 volunteers. It served as a platform for international dialogue, exchange of experience, and the development of new professional and cultural connections among young people from different regions of the world.

Participants represented a wide range of fields, including public administration, science and education, entrepreneurship, media, sports, IT and digitalization, creative industries, and civic initiatives. The programme featured educational sessions, international discussions, exhibitions, as well as cultural, gastronomic, and sporting activities.

For Amina Shafigina, representing Kyrgyzstan before an international audience and introducing participants to the country’s culture and language was a particularly meaningful part of the experience.

“Representing Kyrgyzstan among participants from 191 countries, I felt a special responsibility to tell people about my country so that they would know more about Kyrgyzstan after our meeting. I was especially pleased by the reaction to the Kyrgyz language. When I started speaking Kyrgyz, many people were surprised by how strong and beautiful it sounds,” Amina shared.

During the festival, Amina participated in educational events and international meetings, met representatives from different countries, and expanded her network of professional contacts and friendships. The festival also gave her an opportunity to give interviews to Russian television channels, attend lectures and public talks by prominent speakers, and participate in recording a podcast.

The festival also featured an extensive cultural programme. Concerts, creative events, exhibitions, and opportunities to discover the traditions of different countries complemented the educational programme and created an environment for informal intercultural communication.

For an International Relations student, such experience has particular professional value. Participation in international youth initiatives provides an opportunity to develop practical skills in intercultural communication, representing one’s country to an international audience, international networking, and dialogue with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

“I am becoming increasingly convinced that diplomacy begins with young people — with the ability to listen, respect differences, and find what unites us. After all, today’s youth will shape international relations and the future of the world tomorrow. It was an honor for me to represent Kyrgyzstan with pride on such an international platform,” Amina noted.

Amina Shafigina’s participation in the International Youth Festival provided another opportunity to represent IUCA and Kyrgyzstan on the international stage, gain valuable experience, and establish connections with young people from different countries around the world.