The World Youth Festival Directorate has officially launched the “International Start” internship program for foreign citizens living in Russia, aiming to strengthen international youth cooperation and support young professionals pursuing careers in international relations and humanitarian diplomacy.
The program was launched on May 18 and is designed to provide young foreign specialists with practical experience in the field of international youth cooperation. Participants will undergo a two-week internship within the Directorate’s International Cooperation Department, where they will engage in the implementation of international youth projects and gain hands-on experience in building international dialogue and humanitarian partnerships.
Speaking about the initiative, Dmitry Ivanov said the program would help create opportunities for young professionals to develop their skills, exchange experiences, propose initiatives, and establish long-term international connections.
“The International Start program is an opportunity for young foreign professionals living in Russia to gain practical experience in international youth cooperation and become part of a professional community that fosters modern humanitarian ties between countries,” he said.
According to the Directorate, the competitive selection process will continue throughout 2026, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, allowing participants to join the program at a convenient time.
Foreign citizens aged between 18 and 35 who reside in the Russian Federation are eligible to apply. Applicants must possess at least a B1 level of Russian language proficiency and have prior experience in the international sphere or higher education qualifications in international relations or related disciplines.
The selection process consists of two stages, including a candidate application form and an assessment of the participant’s international relations background and professional experience. Applications can be submitted through the International Opportunity Platform website.
The initiative is part of the ongoing legacy of the World Youth Festival 2024, which was held from March 1 to 7, 2024, under a decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin to promote international youth cooperation. The festival brought together 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries.
Following the success of the 2024 event, Russia has continued organizing annual youth-focused international gatherings. In 2025, the World Youth Festival Gathering 2025 welcomed 2,000 participants from 120 countries. Plans are also underway for the International Youth Festival 2026, expected to host 10,000 participants, while the next full-scale World Youth Festival 2030 is scheduled to bring together 20,000 young people from around the world.
The Directorate stated that it will continue working to strengthen international youth cooperation and build a global community of young leaders committed to shaping a better future.
