Russia: IFY 2026 participants plant friendship garden to promote climate solidarity

Participants of the 2026 International Festival of Youth have planted a Garden of Peoples' Friendship at the Ural Federal University (UrFU) in Ekaterinburg, Russia, to symbolize international unity and climate solidarity. This tree-planting event took place on September 12, 2026, as part of the festival's Good Deeds Track and the #YouthRoots environmental initiative.

Representatives from various delegations planted 25 blue spruce trees, representing friendship among nations and a shared commitment to the planet's future. A commemorative plaque with the garden's name and planting date was installed at the center of the site. All 40 available spots for the exercise were quickly reserved prior to the event.

The ceremony was led by Dr. Viktor Valdaiskikh, the Director of UrFU's Botanical Garden, who supported Russia's "Let's Save the Forest" reforestation campaign. The garden serves as an initial step towards reducing the festival's carbon footprint and encouraging participants to adopt more environmentally responsible attitudes. UrFU Vice-Rector for International Relations Sergey Tushin noted that the university values international dialogue daily, with students hailing from nearly 100 countries, many of whom consider Ekaterinburg a second home.

The garden symbolizes cooperation that doesn't require explicit declarations, but rather manifests through tangible actions.

Andrey Rudnev, Co-Chair of the All-Russian Environmental Public Movement "Ecosystem," emphasized that practical participation in environmental initiatives can enhance education's effectiveness. He pointed out that planting a tree and witnessing its growth provides a simple yet powerful demonstration of the impact one's actions can have.

Madhish Parikh, Founder of the BRICS Youth Alliance, urged young people to contribute to environmental challenges by engaging in seemingly small but practical interventions. Other speakers included Zhanna Belyaeva, Chair of the UrFU Sustainable Development Committee, and Evgenia Chibis, head of the Volunteer Centre of the Murmansk Region.

The event was organized by Dobro.rf, the Ecosystem movement, and UrFU. Open to participants aged 14 and above, the initiative is part of the Ecosystem movement, which has over 40,000 volunteers. The International Festival of Youth will take place in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, 2026.