Meet Iliasova Ilona, Founder of the International Youth Fest, a visionary young leader from Russia who is on a mission to unite the world, one connection at a time. With a passion for bridging cultural divides and fostering global understanding, Ilona founded the International Youth Fest, a groundbreaking initiative that brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to share ideas, experiences, and inspiration.
Following the successful debut of the International Youth Fest in Uganda in October 2024, Ilona’s dream of creating a global community of young change-makers is fast becoming a reality.
Join us as we sit down with Ilona to explore her remarkable journey, her vision for a more united world, and the impact of the International Youth Fest on the lives of young people around the globe.
Iliasova Ilona, Founder of the International Youth Fest in Uganda during the Fest in October, 2024.
A One On One with Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, CEO Umoja Standard News Agency from Kampala, Uganda
May you share your inspiration behind creating the International Youth Fest! What drove you to start this initiative?
Since childhood I have been dreaming to do something very special for people who need it. I felt some kind of power inside my heart and always wanted to make it bigger and share with others. I am a psychologist and work with people 8 years already. I know the power of words, but the power of actions is more forceful. I want to do everything that I can to make a world united. The unity of youth will change a lot in our world.
How did your personal experiences shape your vision for the festival?
As psychologist I know the impact of art. That’s why we made second day – the musical day. I play the piano and the guitar and love to sing. I think that’s music – it’s world language. And young people can become closer through the music.
What is your background, and how did it prepare you for founding the International Youth Fest?
For a long time, me and my team we create such activities in Russian. For the last 8 years i have been working with poetry associations in Russia, these are associations of creative students who write poetry, music and books. we have done many concerts. in addition, my first education is international law. I studied French and English, I graduated from the same university as the minister of foreign affairs of Russia – Lavrov Sergey. It helps me so much to do international work.
What is the primary objective of the International Youth Fest? How do you aim to achieve it?
the main goal is to unite young people from Africa, Russia and BRICS countries. we want to achieve this by showing how we are similar, destroying stereotypes and building cultural bridges.
Ugandan Youths perform at the Fest.
Can you describe the scope and scale of the festival? How many participants and countries are involved?
Representatives from more than 30 American countries, Russia, and China took part in the festival. In just 2 days, more than 10,000 people visited the festival.
What types of events, activities, and performances can attendees expect?
Now we are doing everything possible to come back to Uganda and other African countries with the fest. We want make it longer and create a big charity event as a part of it. Also, we want to make some events in Russia for youth of Africa.
How does the festival empower young people to become active global citizens?
I think such activities as fest can inspire people and unite them and help understand each other better. For example, we started to make some videos with Ugandan student in Russia and he tells very interesting stories about Africa and especially Uganda. We translate them into Russian and share in every social media platform in Russia. It’s very important because we don’t have access to Instagram and Facebook without VPN.
What opportunities are provided for youth to engage with each other and with global issues and how do you ensure inclusivity and diversity among participants?
It was only first tried and we don’t have a lot of things done. But we are on our way.
Iliasova Ilona with Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, CEO Umoja Standard News Agency in Uganda during the Fest in October, 2024.
How does the International Youth Fest collaborate with international organizations and governments?
We represent the values of our country (Russia) but the most important thing is that we are young people too. As youths, we want to create a peaceful world.
What impact has the festival had on global youth development and cultural exchange?
As I said before, it’s only our first try, but we are doing a lot of things to become bigger and we work hard to have an opportunity to unite young people from different cultures.
Are there any notable partnerships or collaborations you’d like to highlight?
I think, the first step it’s always the most difficult and we have done it. Of course we would like to thank ROSATOM for collaborating with us. Without their support it would be impossible to make the project.
What challenges have you faced in organizing the festival, and how have you overcome them?
The hardest part of fest – it’s sanctions, because of them it’s hard to pay, to travel etc.
What are your plans for expanding or evolving the festival in the future?
We want to make it 2/3 times a year in different African countries and 1-2 a year in Russia – for foreigners and African students who studies here in Russia.
How do you envision the International Youth Fest contributing to global change?
I think the most important thing is that we can help people to meet each other. Young people will grow up and we will change the world.
What motivates you to continue working with young people and promoting cultural exchange?
My faith, – is the greatest motivator of mine. I believe in God, I believe in people, I believe in the future.
What advice would you give to young people looking to make a positive impact globally?
My advice for young people- dream big and believe in yourself. Our thoughts and actions – that’s what matters. Don’t judge others and don’t let them decide who you are.
How can people get involved or support the International Youth Fest?
Everyone who wants to be a part of fest can join us. Just send me a letter about you and why you want to do it. My email: ilona.pride@yandex.ru