191 nations set for global youth culture festival in Russia 

The more enduring story, however, may unfold on the ground in Ekaterinburg, where young people from 191 countries will bring with them their languages, rhythms, traditions, ideas and ambitions.

Grigory Gurov, head of Russia’s Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, has said the festival’s brand centres on bringing young people together around “the values of friendship, cooperation, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams.

If the International Festival of Youth succeeds in creating meaningful cultural encounters, new creative partnerships and lasting connections, its greatest achievement may not be the number of countries represented.