Bangladeshi youth explore global opportunities at Russia festival

Seventy young Bangladeshis are representing the country at the International Festival of Youth 2026 in Yekaterinburg, Russia, where participants from 191 countries are taking part in activities focused on international exchange, networking, culture and professional development.

The festival began on September 11 at the International Exhibition Centre in Yekaterinburg. Alongside the youth delegates, the event has brought together experts, professionals, policymakers, researchers, trainers, investors, entrepreneurs and mentors across an exhibition and activity area covering about 30,000 square metres.

Bangladeshi participants are taking part in workshops, seminars, open discussions, networking sessions, sports and practical activities. They are also meeting participants from different countries and exchanging ideas and experiences.

Jannatul Mawa Mim, an official at ZNRF University in Bangladesh, said she first learned about the festival through an Asia Post report before applying through the event's website. She said she later received an invitation with partial financial support from the organisers.

Mim said the programme had given her opportunities to take part in workshops and talks, meet people from different backgrounds and exchange ideas. She said these experiences could help her develop professionally and contribute to addressing challenges in Bangladesh.

She also encouraged young people in Bangladesh to participate in similar international programmes and make the most of the opportunities they provide.

Sohel Hossain, a Bangladeshi student pursuing a master's degree at Wuhan University in China, said he had participated in exhibitions, sports, music and cultural exchange activities at the festival. He said different sections of the venue had been designed to represent regions and continents, allowing participants to learn about different cultures and connect with people from other countries.

Professional motorcycle stunt rider and sports content creator Abdur Rahim said he had met athletes from several countries and developed friendships through the festival. He said the experience would allow him to share international sporting experiences with athletes in Bangladesh.

Al Imran Nayan, a Bangladeshi undergraduate student at a university in Moscow, said participants from different countries were showcasing their cultures at the event. As members of the Bangladeshi delegation, he said, they were also presenting aspects of Bangladeshi culture while communicating with representatives of businesses and organisations attending the festival.

Irada Tud Diniyat, a Bangladeshi student at RUDN University in Russia, said meeting people from different countries and exchanging experiences had been a valuable opportunity. She said the experience could be useful both during their studies and in their future careers.

The participation of the Bangladeshi delegation has therefore provided its members with opportunities to engage in cultural exchange, build international connections and gain experience through activities involving young people from around the world.