Mayor Kaladze: ‘strong energy of future’ as Student Festival 2026 opens in Rustavi

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has praised the scale and spirit of youth participation at the opening of the Student Festival 2026, saying he is encouraged by the “strong energy of the future” as thousands of students gather in the city of Rustavi.

The festival, organised by the Tbilisi City Hall, the Ministry of Education, Rustavi City Hall and the Youth Agency, officially launched with a ceremony at Rustavi Central Park, attended by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Education Minister Givi Mikanadze and Rustavi Mayor Nino Latsabidze.

“I am pleased to see so many young people gathered here. A very strong energy can be felt — the energy of the future. It is especially encouraging that representatives of universities from different regions and cities have come together and that important events will be held,” Kaladze said.

He noted that the festival, which has been running since 2014, continues to expand each year.

“This year more than 20,000 young people will take part. I wish you success in everything and thank you for your participation in this important festival. I would also like to thank the organisers, Rustavi City Hall and the Ministry of Education,” he added, also thanking the Prime Minister for his support.

The Student Festival brings together several thousand students from almost all higher education institutions in Georgia each year.

This year’s programme includes 45 competitions across sporting, cultural and educational disciplines. A new addition is a five-kilometre marathon, scheduled for 14 June in the capital city of Tbilisi, which will be open not only to students but also to other participants.

Cultural events will be hosted in Kutaisi, Gori, Batumi, Zugdidi, Akhaltsikhe and Telavi, while Rustavi City Hall is serving as the main host of the festival.

Winners will be awarded at a closing ceremony on 21 June, where the title of “Best Higher Education Institution of the Year” will go to the university with the highest number of victories across competitions.

The opening event featured live music by the band Ursa, alongside sporting competitions held at the Rustavi Sports Palace, as well as a ceremonial parade of university delegations through Rustavi Park.