03:09International Youth Festival participants planted 50 trees and shrubs along the Cultural Code Alley outside Ural Federal University's main building in Yekaterinburg on Saturday.
Footage shows participants from around the world planting apple trees, hydrangeas and other shrubs.
"This is our contribution to the planet's future. It is our contribution to this blooming garden in which we are transforming the world through our excellent youth diplomacy. It is amazing," said a Russian participant.
Festival participant Jaideep Karubhai Sahiya from India said initiatives like the tree planting could help build greater understanding between countries.
"These events inspire the people, inspire the youth and inspire the world. Also, we are saying that we need to become one world, one family," he said.
"India, Russia… You know that right now in India the BRICS Summit [takes place] and Mr President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin is right now in India with our Prime Minister, Mr [Narendra] Modi," he added.
Fatoumata Traore, a participant from Mali, described the atmosphere at the festival as 'truly like a family'.
"People have come here from many different countries - India, Madagascar, Southern and Central Africa, Togo - from everywhere," she said. "It feels as though we have known each other for a long time, so I feel very comfortable here."
The International Youth Festival 2026 runs in Yekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, with a programme including lectures, expert sessions and other activities. A regional expedition programme for international participants follows from September 17 to 21.
More than 113,000 people from 191 countries applied, with 10,000 selected to take part.
'Contribution to the planet's future!' - International Youth Festival participants plant 50 trees along Cultural Code Alley in Yekaterinburg
International Youth Festival participants planted 50 trees and shrubs along the Cultural Code Alley outside Ural Federal University's main building in Yekaterinburg on Saturday.
Footage shows participants from around the world planting apple trees, hydrangeas and other shrubs.
"This is our contribution to the planet's future. It is our contribution to this blooming garden in which we are transforming the world through our excellent youth diplomacy. It is amazing," said a Russian participant.
Festival participant Jaideep Karubhai Sahiya from India said initiatives like the tree planting could help build greater understanding between countries.
"These events inspire the people, inspire the youth and inspire the world. Also, we are saying that we need to become one world, one family," he said.
"India, Russia… You know that right now in India the BRICS Summit [takes place] and Mr President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin is right now in India with our Prime Minister, Mr [Narendra] Modi," he added.
Fatoumata Traore, a participant from Mali, described the atmosphere at the festival as 'truly like a family'.
"People have come here from many different countries - India, Madagascar, Southern and Central Africa, Togo - from everywhere," she said. "It feels as though we have known each other for a long time, so I feel very comfortable here."
The International Youth Festival 2026 runs in Yekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, with a programme including lectures, expert sessions and other activities. A regional expedition programme for international participants follows from September 17 to 21.
More than 113,000 people from 191 countries applied, with 10,000 selected to take part.
International Youth Festival participants planted 50 trees and shrubs along the Cultural Code Alley outside Ural Federal University's main building in Yekaterinburg on Saturday.
Footage shows participants from around the world planting apple trees, hydrangeas and other shrubs.
"This is our contribution to the planet's future. It is our contribution to this blooming garden in which we are transforming the world through our excellent youth diplomacy. It is amazing," said a Russian participant.
Festival participant Jaideep Karubhai Sahiya from India said initiatives like the tree planting could help build greater understanding between countries.
"These events inspire the people, inspire the youth and inspire the world. Also, we are saying that we need to become one world, one family," he said.
"India, Russia… You know that right now in India the BRICS Summit [takes place] and Mr President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin is right now in India with our Prime Minister, Mr [Narendra] Modi," he added.
Fatoumata Traore, a participant from Mali, described the atmosphere at the festival as 'truly like a family'.
"People have come here from many different countries - India, Madagascar, Southern and Central Africa, Togo - from everywhere," she said. "It feels as though we have known each other for a long time, so I feel very comfortable here."
The International Youth Festival 2026 runs in Yekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, with a programme including lectures, expert sessions and other activities. A regional expedition programme for international participants follows from September 17 to 21.
More than 113,000 people from 191 countries applied, with 10,000 selected to take part.