About the Olympiad
The Multinational Youth Geography Olympiad (MY-GEO) 2026 will be held in the Sirius Federal Territory, Russian Federation, from October 24 to 31, 2026. The Olympiad will bring together school students from BRICS countries and other nations with an interest in geography, balanced territorial development, and the interplay between nature, society, and the economy.
MY-GEO is a problem-oriented scientific competition in geography. Participants will analyze and discuss topics such as the socio-economic development of territories in light of their natural potential, climate change and associated risks, transport and tourism development, and comfortable urban environments. The Olympiad fosters spatial thinking, the ability to work with maps, data, and case studies, and, most importantly, helps participants understand how geographical sciences are applied in real life.
The competition consists of two main rounds: theoretical and practical. In the theoretical round, participants work individually and in teams on tasks in physical, social, and environmental geography, using maps, satellite imagery, statistical data, and industry-specific challenges provided by partners. In the practical round, teams conduct field observations and collect data along the Black Sea coast and in the surroundings of Sirius, perform spatial analysis, develop cartographic materials, and propose their own solutions for the balanced development of the territory.
The working language of the Olympiad is English. All task materials are provided to participants in English. At the discretion of the Organizing Committee, participants may use a glossary (list of terms) during all rounds of the Olympiad.
School students aged 15 to 18 inclusive are eligible to participate, forming teams of 2 to 6 members. Each team may be accompanied by two team leaders and up to two observers (aged 18 or over).
Each country may be represented by only one team, selected through national olympiads, qualifying competitions in geography and Earth sciences, or other means at the discretion of the relevant ministry.
Accommodation and meals for participants and team leaders are provided by the host side. Travel expenses are covered by the sending side. Participation of observers is financed separately through an organizational fee of 85,000 Russian rubles.
MY-GEO will offer a rich educational and cultural program, including lectures by leading scientists and specialists in Earth sciences, GIS and remote sensing workshops, discussions on global and regional challenges, and excursions across the Sirius Federal Territory and the unique natural areas of the Black Sea coast.
Registration for the Olympiad is open ountil September 27.
Recommended arrival date: October 23, 2026.
Recommended departure date: November 1, 2026.
MY-GEO is a problem-oriented scientific competition in geography. Participants will analyze and discuss topics such as the socio-economic development of territories in light of their natural potential, climate change and associated risks, transport and tourism development, and comfortable urban environments. The Olympiad fosters spatial thinking, the ability to work with maps, data, and case studies, and, most importantly, helps participants understand how geographical sciences are applied in real life.
The competition consists of two main rounds: theoretical and practical. In the theoretical round, participants work individually and in teams on tasks in physical, social, and environmental geography, using maps, satellite imagery, statistical data, and industry-specific challenges provided by partners. In the practical round, teams conduct field observations and collect data along the Black Sea coast and in the surroundings of Sirius, perform spatial analysis, develop cartographic materials, and propose their own solutions for the balanced development of the territory.
The working language of the Olympiad is English. All task materials are provided to participants in English. At the discretion of the Organizing Committee, participants may use a glossary (list of terms) during all rounds of the Olympiad.
School students aged 15 to 18 inclusive are eligible to participate, forming teams of 2 to 6 members. Each team may be accompanied by two team leaders and up to two observers (aged 18 or over).
Each country may be represented by only one team, selected through national olympiads, qualifying competitions in geography and Earth sciences, or other means at the discretion of the relevant ministry.
Accommodation and meals for participants and team leaders are provided by the host side. Travel expenses are covered by the sending side. Participation of observers is financed separately through an organizational fee of 85,000 Russian rubles.
MY-GEO will offer a rich educational and cultural program, including lectures by leading scientists and specialists in Earth sciences, GIS and remote sensing workshops, discussions on global and regional challenges, and excursions across the Sirius Federal Territory and the unique natural areas of the Black Sea coast.
Registration for the Olympiad is open ountil September 27.
Recommended arrival date: October 23, 2026.
Recommended departure date: November 1, 2026.
About the Sirius Federal Territory
The Sirius Federal Territory is located in the Imereti Lowland between the Mzymta and Psou rivers. The surrounding landscape is shaped by the Caucasus Mountains and unique natural areas, including the Caucasus State Nature Reserve and the Sochi National Park. The Sirius Educational Center was established on the initiative of Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, as a further development of the legacy of the 2014 XXII Olympic Winter Games. Since its establishment in 2015, the Center has provided education programs year-round for the country’s most talented school students, as well as their teachers and mentors.
In December 2020, Russia adopted a federal law establishing its first federal territory. The territory’s primary objectives are to preserve and develop Olympic, natural, and cultural heritage; introduce advanced standards in education, science, culture, and sports; and scale these standards across the country. The territory is home to the Sirius Educational Center, the Presidential Lyceum, the University and its affiliated Сollege, and the Innovative Science and Technology Center. It also has a developed cultural and sports infrastructure.
Today, Sirius is an integrated environment that encompasses education, science, technology, sports, culture, and social initiatives. It helps establish national standards for the future and creates opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.
In December 2020, Russia adopted a federal law establishing its first federal territory. The territory’s primary objectives are to preserve and develop Olympic, natural, and cultural heritage; introduce advanced standards in education, science, culture, and sports; and scale these standards across the country. The territory is home to the Sirius Educational Center, the Presidential Lyceum, the University and its affiliated Сollege, and the Innovative Science and Technology Center. It also has a developed cultural and sports infrastructure.
Today, Sirius is an integrated environment that encompasses education, science, technology, sports, culture, and social initiatives. It helps establish national standards for the future and creates opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.
