Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Preserved Embassy Foundation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
From April 8 to 22, Russian universities will host the 12th annual youth festival on sustainable development, "VuzEcoFest." The project is being organized by the Territory of Sustainable Development Autonomous Nonprofit Organization (ANO). We have been the project's information partner for several years.
"VuzEcoFest" is a youth project aimed at building a community of mentor leaders and, ultimately, professionals in sustainable development who disseminate knowledge and skills and implement concrete sustainable solutions at universities, cities, and countries with the support of stakeholders (university administrations, businesses, NGOs, and government agencies). This year's festival theme is the "blue" economy.
Thirty-four universities participating in VuzEcoFest-2026 from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus will organize themed events, including business games, master classes, quizzes, scientific seminars, lectures, career guidance lessons, film screenings, excursions, and more. A detailed program of events will be available atwebsite.
"The theme of the 12th youth festival 'VuzEcoFest' is 'Blue Economy.' Water is a strategic resource, and preserving its reserves is a matter of national security. We need leaders and professionals who can think outside the box and make innovative decisions, leading people, science, and technology. I hope the 'VuzEcoFest' project will create new opportunities for talented young people and provide a powerful impetus to the crucial task of preserving and rationally using Russia's water resources," said Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.
The official opening of the festival will take place on April 8 at the site of the winning university in the 2025 University Race, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. From April 8 to 22, the 2026 University Race will also take place, during which participating universities will develop profiles on the year's theme, identify challenges in their regions, and propose solutions and projects. This year, special attention will also be paid to environmental education for children: events will be held under the "VuzEcoFest.Children" track to strengthen interaction between students and schoolchildren.
"Undergraduates and postgraduates are the future of our country. Russia is creating opportunities for them to become leading researchers and developers of new solutions and technologies for sustainable development. The theme of the 'blue' economy, chosen for this year's festival, opens up vast opportunities for scientific research aimed at preserving marine resources and utilizing aquatic ecosystems for the benefit of future generations," noted Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia.
More than 300 events are expected. For example, from April 14 to 18, Buryat State University will hostBaikal Online Lecture HallOn April 13, Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev will organize a master class "How to Test the Water in the Volga," and the State University of Management will host an online quiz "Water Patrol: Knowledge to Save the Planet."
"In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to improving and rationalizing water resources, developing a 'blue' economy, and systemically developing industries related to water resources. This is driven not only by the global agenda but also by the national one. In this regard, science and education are of particular importance. It's important to understand what research is being conducted in this area, what technological solutions are being developed, what specialists are being trained at universities, and what ideas universities can offer for the conservation and sustainable use of water resources in the regions where they operate," noted Anastasia Okorochkova, Director of the Territory of Sustainable Development ANO.
The media partners of the VuzEcoFest festival are Nauka Mail.ru, the Zapovednoye Posledstvo Foundation, Helpingver, EcoDao, ECOTEKA, the National Hydrogen Union, HLB, NIA Ecology, SHER, Ecodictation, ESG Media, AGN Moscow, 100%_Green, Moskovskie Novosti, Ecograd, Elek.ru, Vesti Podmoskovya, Energiya, and Ubirator.
About the festival:
VuzEcoFest is a cultural and educational project that annually hosts events dedicated to sustainable development at universities in the Russian Federation and the CIS. The mission of VuzEcoFest is to improve the environment by implementing the concept of green universities and integrating sustainable development principles into the activities of universities, cities, and countries by unlocking the leadership potential of young people in implementing sustainable development initiatives.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.