Briefing by the Official Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 7 2026
Briefing by the Official Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 7 2026
08 May
On the 10th OIC Young Diplomats Forum
From May 12 to 16, the 10th Anniversary Forum of Young Diplomats of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will be held in Kazan as part of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2026”.
This event has been held annually in Kazan since 2016 by the Council of Young Diplomats of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of the ANO “Academy of Youth Diplomacy” and the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan. Over this time, the Forum has welcomed around 300 young diplomats from more than 40 OIC member states.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the OIC Youth Forum format. The main topic of the Anniversary Forum is “Youth Diplomacy and Inter-Civilisational Dialogue between Russia and the Islamic World.” Its programme is structured around four tracks: 1) international humanitarian co-operation and intercultural engagement; 2) “horizontal diplomacy” as a long-term strategy; 3) the Greater Eurasian Partnership; and 4) diplomacy in the digital age.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov sent a welcome address to the participants. Among the speakers expected are Russian heads of government agencies, representatives of various branches of power, international affairs experts, political analysts, and public figures.
The central focus will be on the role of the younger generation in strengthening mutual understanding between countries and their peoples, and in shaping a just and sustainable system of international relations.
In addition to the business programme, the traditional meeting with the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, a dialogue with Kazan’s school and university students, a visit to the International Young Chefs Tournament featuring participants from more than 10 countries, and a friendly football match between young diplomats and entrepreneurs will also take place.
Approximately 60 representatives from the foreign ministries and expert communities of OIC countries are expected to attend. The Forum will also feature a ceremony for delegates joining the International Association of Young Diplomats, whose Secretariat will shortly begin operating at MGIMO University.
From May 12 to 16, the 10th Anniversary Forum of Young Diplomats of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will be held in Kazan as part of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2026”.
This event has been held annually in Kazan since 2016 by the Council of Young Diplomats of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of the ANO “Academy of Youth Diplomacy” and the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan. Over this time, the Forum has welcomed around 300 young diplomats from more than 40 OIC member states.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the OIC Youth Forum format. The main topic of the Anniversary Forum is “Youth Diplomacy and Inter-Civilisational Dialogue between Russia and the Islamic World.” Its programme is structured around four tracks: 1) international humanitarian co-operation and intercultural engagement; 2) “horizontal diplomacy” as a long-term strategy; 3) the Greater Eurasian Partnership; and 4) diplomacy in the digital age.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov sent a welcome address to the participants. Among the speakers expected are Russian heads of government agencies, representatives of various branches of power, international affairs experts, political analysts, and public figures.
The central focus will be on the role of the younger generation in strengthening mutual understanding between countries and their peoples, and in shaping a just and sustainable system of international relations.
In addition to the business programme, the traditional meeting with the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, a dialogue with Kazan’s school and university students, a visit to the International Young Chefs Tournament featuring participants from more than 10 countries, and a friendly football match between young diplomats and entrepreneurs will also take place.
Approximately 60 representatives from the foreign ministries and expert communities of OIC countries are expected to attend. The Forum will also feature a ceremony for delegates joining the International Association of Young Diplomats, whose Secretariat will shortly begin operating at MGIMO University.
