Putin Tells International Youth Festival: Build a Fairer World Based on Equality, Friendship and Access to Technology

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent greetings to participants and guests of the 2026 International Youth Festival, calling on the younger generation to help build a fairer world based on equality, mutual respect, independent national development and broader access to modern technology.

In his September 13 message, Putin welcomed young leaders from different countries to Yekaterinburg, describing the city at the meeting point of Europe and Asia as an important center of Russia’s industrial, cultural and intellectual heritage. He said the festival offered an opportunity to discuss how new technologies are changing human life and what kind of world should be built for the future.

Putin noted that the Russian word “mir” can mean friendship, peace and accord, while also referring to the world or the planet. He said this dual meaning reflects important aspects of Russia’s multi-ethnic national character and its approach to relations with other countries.

He stressed that friendship should be strong and lasting, while relations between neighbors should be based on fairness and mutual respect. Putin also said a person’s future should not be determined by nationality, wealth, social status or background.

According to the Russian president, every nation should be free to choose its own path of development and should have equal access to medicines, food, water, energy, education and advanced technologies. He argued that the latest technological achievements should be available for the benefit of humanity as a whole.

Putin described these principles as part of Russia’s vision for a more open and just world. He invited young people who share these aspirations to participate in projects in Russia while also encouraging them to contribute to building such a future in their own countries.

Expressing confidence in the younger generation, Putin said the present era belongs to them and urged participants to pursue their ambitions, strengthen international friendship and take an active role in shaping the world of the future.