Kazan Proposes Reunion of Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC Alumni
Kazan Proposes Reunion of Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC Alumni
13 May
Kazan Proposes Reunion of Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC Alumni
The 10th Forum of Young Diplomats from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has opened in Kazan, bringing together participants from 20 countries. Over the past decade, more than 300 diplomats from over 40 states have taken part. This was announced by Ekaterina Akopyan, Chairperson of the Council of Young Diplomats at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the sidelines of the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum”.
“Tatarstan is ahead of many other regions when it comes to youth initiatives and can boast high standards of event organisation, including in the youth diplomacy track,” she said.
There is always strong interest in international affairs, especially among young people, according to Azat Kadyrov, Minister of Youth Affairs of Tatarstan. He noted that seeing the republic's active role on the international stage inspires many young people to get involved. Many go on to study at universities that train specialists in this field, such as KFU and MGIMO.
“Youth diplomacy lays the foundation for long‑term co‑operation. Over ten years, we have tangible results: a number of participants have gone on to hold senior positions in various ministries and international organisations, and we have a diplomats' club and an International Association of Young Diplomats. The overall outcomes of this initiative are positive and clear,” said Azat Kadyrov.
Dilbar Sadykova, Chairperson of the Autonomous Non‑Profit Organisation “Academy of Youth Diplomacy”, noted that work with young diplomats does not stop at the Forum. Systematic engagement takes place throughout the year.
“The Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC allows us to “sync our watches”, to revisit important issues that unite us, and for the youth of Tatarstan to become part of such events not just as listeners but also as organisers and volunteers,” she noted.
The Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC is a highly productive platform for countries to build humanitarian, sports, scientific, economic and – of course – diplomatic relations, said Konstantin Kolpakov, Head of the International Sports, Youth Co‑operation and Tourism Division of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Co‑operation and Cultural Liaisons at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chair of the Commission on International Humanitarian and Youth Co‑operation of the Public Council at Rossotrudnichestvo.
“Countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation are increasing their engagement with the Russian Federation and its regions. It is my great hope that this Forum will lay the groundwork for at least another ten years to come,” he stated.
Konstantin Kolpakov suggested that the Ministry of Youth Affairs of Tatarstan consider the possibility of organising a reunion of alumni from the Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC. The plan is to invite everyone who has participated in the event over the past ten years. The Minister of Youth Affairs of Tatarstan said that organising such a reunion in Kazan is a good idea. He expressed hope that it would be realised.
This year, the Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC is being held under the theme “Youth Diplomacy and Inter-Civilisational Dialogue between Russia and the Islamic World”. The business programme is structured around four main areas: international humanitarian cooperation and intercultural interaction, “horizontal diplomacy”, the Greater Eurasian Partnership, and diplomacy in the digital age.
“The transition to a more digitalised world has become a key aspect of diplomatic work, particularly in Africa,” said Samuel Ndicho Bambo, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in Moscow. According to him, this challenge is relevant to all modern developing states.
“One of the main challenges is creating a secure digital space and maintaining a state’s digital sovereignty. Diplomats around the world are currently seeking ways to establish connectivity that would be accessible to all. Only then could we guarantee not only a constant online connection but also control over the information coming through communication channels, and limit foreign influence on our politics,” said the First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in Moscow.
The Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC is intended to serve as a platform for building constructive dialogue and exchanging experiences, stated Faisal Hamoud Al-Busaidi, Second Secretary at the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman.
“We must promote the idea of peace achieved through negotiation. We need to listen to one another and truly hear each other. That should become the foundation for overcoming difficulties and misunderstandings,” he said.
Orlando Jú, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau in Moscow, explained that cooperation with the Russian Federation in the field of education is important for his country. According to him, 50% of civil servants in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau were educated in Russia.
“The President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau was one of the few presidents who visited the Russian Federation five times during his term. Agreements and memoranda were concluded,” said Orlando Jú.
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The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: the International Exhibition of Cooperation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
The 10th Forum of Young Diplomats from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has opened in Kazan, bringing together participants from 20 countries. Over the past decade, more than 300 diplomats from over 40 states have taken part. This was announced by Ekaterina Akopyan, Chairperson of the Council of Young Diplomats at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the sidelines of the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum”.
“Tatarstan is ahead of many other regions when it comes to youth initiatives and can boast high standards of event organisation, including in the youth diplomacy track,” she said.
There is always strong interest in international affairs, especially among young people, according to Azat Kadyrov, Minister of Youth Affairs of Tatarstan. He noted that seeing the republic's active role on the international stage inspires many young people to get involved. Many go on to study at universities that train specialists in this field, such as KFU and MGIMO.
“Youth diplomacy lays the foundation for long‑term co‑operation. Over ten years, we have tangible results: a number of participants have gone on to hold senior positions in various ministries and international organisations, and we have a diplomats' club and an International Association of Young Diplomats. The overall outcomes of this initiative are positive and clear,” said Azat Kadyrov.
Dilbar Sadykova, Chairperson of the Autonomous Non‑Profit Organisation “Academy of Youth Diplomacy”, noted that work with young diplomats does not stop at the Forum. Systematic engagement takes place throughout the year.
“The Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC allows us to “sync our watches”, to revisit important issues that unite us, and for the youth of Tatarstan to become part of such events not just as listeners but also as organisers and volunteers,” she noted.
The Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC is a highly productive platform for countries to build humanitarian, sports, scientific, economic and – of course – diplomatic relations, said Konstantin Kolpakov, Head of the International Sports, Youth Co‑operation and Tourism Division of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Co‑operation and Cultural Liaisons at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chair of the Commission on International Humanitarian and Youth Co‑operation of the Public Council at Rossotrudnichestvo.
“Countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation are increasing their engagement with the Russian Federation and its regions. It is my great hope that this Forum will lay the groundwork for at least another ten years to come,” he stated.
Konstantin Kolpakov suggested that the Ministry of Youth Affairs of Tatarstan consider the possibility of organising a reunion of alumni from the Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC. The plan is to invite everyone who has participated in the event over the past ten years. The Minister of Youth Affairs of Tatarstan said that organising such a reunion in Kazan is a good idea. He expressed hope that it would be realised.
This year, the Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC is being held under the theme “Youth Diplomacy and Inter-Civilisational Dialogue between Russia and the Islamic World”. The business programme is structured around four main areas: international humanitarian cooperation and intercultural interaction, “horizontal diplomacy”, the Greater Eurasian Partnership, and diplomacy in the digital age.
“The transition to a more digitalised world has become a key aspect of diplomatic work, particularly in Africa,” said Samuel Ndicho Bambo, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in Moscow. According to him, this challenge is relevant to all modern developing states.
“One of the main challenges is creating a secure digital space and maintaining a state’s digital sovereignty. Diplomats around the world are currently seeking ways to establish connectivity that would be accessible to all. Only then could we guarantee not only a constant online connection but also control over the information coming through communication channels, and limit foreign influence on our politics,” said the First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in Moscow.
The Forum of Young Diplomats from OIC is intended to serve as a platform for building constructive dialogue and exchanging experiences, stated Faisal Hamoud Al-Busaidi, Second Secretary at the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman.
“We must promote the idea of peace achieved through negotiation. We need to listen to one another and truly hear each other. That should become the foundation for overcoming difficulties and misunderstandings,” he said.
Orlando Jú, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau in Moscow, explained that cooperation with the Russian Federation in the field of education is important for his country. According to him, 50% of civil servants in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau were educated in Russia.
“The President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau was one of the few presidents who visited the Russian Federation five times during his term. Agreements and memoranda were concluded,” said Orlando Jú.
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: the International Exhibition of Cooperation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
