A delegation of Iraqi students and youth—representing most governorates and featuring notable participation from University of Basrah—played an active role in the World Youth Festival (2026 IFY) held in the Russian Federation. The event drew over 10,000 young people representing 192 countries.
University of Basrah was represented by students Ali Wissam Mohsen and Mohammed Hussein Firas from the College of Computer Science and Information Technology (Department of Cybersecurity), who participated in several key sessions and meetings. Their engagement included attending a special conference with Russian Minister of Education Valery Falkov to discuss the development of scholarships and opportunities for international students, as well as a session with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the opening ceremony address by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On a technical and professional level, the delegation conducted field visits to prominent Russian technology and security companies—most notably Kaspersky—to explore the latest technological advancements. Additionally, student Ali Wissam Mohsen won first place in a mini-chess tournament organized by the club of world-renowned player Sergey Karjakin.
At the conclusion of the events, the two students met with the head of the Russian National Youth Committee; an agreement was reached to establish a friendship club for the Iraqi youth committee and to foster leadership and youth-focused cooperation between the two nations in the near future.