From September 18 to 22, Altai Krai hosted participants of the regional program linked to the International Youth Festival. The region welcomed 25 young people aged 18 to 35 from Latin America, China, India, Central Asia, and Africa. Over five days, they explored the history, culture, and traditions of this region known as the "breadbasket of Siberia."

The International Youth Festival was held in Yekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, bringing together 10,000 participants from 191 countries. A total of 48 young people and 20 volunteers from Altai Krai attended the forum, including students from Altai State University.

The regional program continues the International Youth Festival, with participants traveling to various Russian regions to gain a deeper understanding of local cultures. The program includes tours of landmark sites, workshops on traditional crafts, meetings with regional leaders, and collaborative project work—such as creating videos, travel guides, and ideas for regional development. A special focus of the program is on volunteer and environmental initiatives. Its primary goal is to showcase Russia's diversity and build long-term international connections. In 2024, the program spanned dozens of regions, with the More Than a Journey initiative acting as one of its operators, supported by Rosmolodezh (the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs).

An introductory meeting for the program participants was held at Altai State University. The university was chosen as the venue deliberately: the institution trains specialists in international relations and actively fosters international cooperation.

"On their first day, the participants got to know Barnaul.  Despite having just arrived on an overnight flight, they set off on a city sightseeing tour that very morning. The guests visited Nagorny Park, strolled along Malo-Tobolskaya and Polzunova Streets, and learned about the history of Barnaul’s founding and development," said Galina Berlizova, Deputy Head of the Youth Policy Department.

During the meeting, participants were briefed on the schedule for the coming days and the key areas of work, and introduced to one another. The international guests were able to immerse themselves more deeply in the life of the region, discover its major landmarks and traditions, and explore the opportunities currently available to young people in Altai Krai and across Russia.

In his welcoming address, Sergey Bocharov, Rector of Altai State University (ASU), noted that ASU is the largest university in Altai Krai, with a student body exceeding 20,000. The university comprises nine institutes and a college, offering programs across a wide range of disciplines:

– A special place is held by research fields that are unique to the Altai region—archaeology, history, botany, zoology, and biotechnology. After all, it was on our land that significant archaeological discoveries related to Denisovan man were made. Altai Krai holds particular importance for the study of Turkic history and boasts rich biodiversity. These fields attract students and researchers from around the world; today, one in five students at the university is an international student. Particular attention was also paid to the development of international media projects. The university’s MediaHub community ranks among the leading media centers under the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, having secured second place in last year's rankings."

Irina Rybina, Head of the Department for Youth Policy and Public Development Program Implementation in Altai Krai, remarked that the region’s strength lies in its people, its rich history, and its traditions. This is the place where Vasily Shukshin and Valery Zolotukhin were born and worked, where Ivan Polzunov’s first steam engine was created, and where the airport is named after Hero of the Soviet Union Gherman Titov:

– Such gatherings provide an opportunity to exchange experiences, discover new ideas, and strengthen friendly ties among young people from different countries. We hope our guests will get to know Altai Krai better and that the cooperation initiated here will continue even after the festival concludes.

– What impressed me most were the people of Altai—kind, smiling, and hospitable. The city itself felt very peaceful and cozy. I had heard of Altai before but was unaware of its rich history and the many interesting facts shared with us today. I was particularly struck by the architecture, the landscapes, and the city's atmosphere. Despite the short duration of the visit and a lack of sleep, I am left with very warm impressions. I hope to continue exploring Altai and fostering further cooperation, – shared a participant from India.