Star of the “Escrava Isaura Wants to Make a Film About the Women of Russia
Star of the “Escrava Isaura Wants to Make a Film About the Women of Russia
14 May
The role of women in the modern economy and in building international co-operation was discussed at the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum". Guests from 22 countries attended the "Women's View" track, reported Alsu Nabieva, Rector of the Russian University of Cooperation.
This year's innovation was the arrival of women not only from the countries of the Islamic world. One of the platforms, for instance, brings together the women's wings of international organisations – BRICS, SCO, and ASEAN.
In previous years, the track placed emphasis on issues of work-life balance, mentoring, and the upbringing of younger generations.
"This year we have different platforms – artificial intelligence, career trajectory, negotiation processes, economics, and politics. Using AI, we examined the representation of women in the parliaments of countries, in cabinets of ministers, and how many women head major organisations. By the next Forum, we would like a printed publication to be produced, so that we can present these materials to the participants," said Nabieva
One of the participants was actress and producer Lucélia Santos (Brazil). The lead actress of the cult TV series "Escrava Isaura" shared her plans to make a film about the women of Russia.
"The project originated back in Arkhangelsk when I visited it last year; now it is developing. I am ready to discuss various details. It is a film whose events take place in different parts of Russia, in different regions. I am currently reading Tolstoy; I very much enjoy Russian literature. I would like to tie everything together in my film, to film women from the regions in the places where they grew up and work, and also to show the domestic side of their lives," said Lucélia Santos.
The participants of the "Women's View" track are building trade co-operation. Reem Siam, President of the Business Women Council at the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, and Board Member of the ICC World Chambers Federation, noted that Russia and Egypt have enormous opportunities for interaction. The country is developing numerous programmes for start-ups and investments in the spheres of tourism, creative industries, and innovation. Moreover, Egypt is interested in working with the republic.
" Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais of Tatarstan, visited Egypt. It was an important meeting in political and economic terms. We are increasing our co-operation in the tourism sector and mutual investments, and developing interaction between chambers of commerce and industry," said Reem Siam.
KazanForum helps the participants in their search for new contacts, said Minh Thi Tuyet Nguyen, Chairwoman of the Women Entrepreneurs Council of Vietnam. For her, it is an opportunity, in particular, to present Vietnamese goods.
We want to find common ground for business. I see that KazanForum is very useful for us. Many women in Vietnam specialise in specific goods, such as coffee, spices, and agricultural produce. This accounts for a large part of our economy. I would also note that halal standards are quite strict, and we are ready to comply with them," Minh Thi Tuyet Nguyen stated.
Aisha Mohammed Saeed Rashed Al Mulla, Chairwoman of the Emirates Business Women Council, spoke about the role of women in business management in the UAE. According to her, they hold 45% of senior management positions, and 65% of senior engineers are also represented by women.
"My country places enormous hopes on the future. I am ready to share the unique experience of our Сouncil. We have brought together seven chambers of commerce and industry in one place, we are developing local relations, and we are putting in a great deal of effort. It is not so easy for women to achieve success; we must receive support from the state and from the family, special legislation is needed, and we have enormous support from the President," Aisha Mohammed Saeed Rashed Al Mulla noted.
*****
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 Co-operation 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.
This year's innovation was the arrival of women not only from the countries of the Islamic world. One of the platforms, for instance, brings together the women's wings of international organisations – BRICS, SCO, and ASEAN.
In previous years, the track placed emphasis on issues of work-life balance, mentoring, and the upbringing of younger generations.
"This year we have different platforms – artificial intelligence, career trajectory, negotiation processes, economics, and politics. Using AI, we examined the representation of women in the parliaments of countries, in cabinets of ministers, and how many women head major organisations. By the next Forum, we would like a printed publication to be produced, so that we can present these materials to the participants," said Nabieva
One of the participants was actress and producer Lucélia Santos (Brazil). The lead actress of the cult TV series "Escrava Isaura" shared her plans to make a film about the women of Russia.
"The project originated back in Arkhangelsk when I visited it last year; now it is developing. I am ready to discuss various details. It is a film whose events take place in different parts of Russia, in different regions. I am currently reading Tolstoy; I very much enjoy Russian literature. I would like to tie everything together in my film, to film women from the regions in the places where they grew up and work, and also to show the domestic side of their lives," said Lucélia Santos.
The participants of the "Women's View" track are building trade co-operation. Reem Siam, President of the Business Women Council at the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, and Board Member of the ICC World Chambers Federation, noted that Russia and Egypt have enormous opportunities for interaction. The country is developing numerous programmes for start-ups and investments in the spheres of tourism, creative industries, and innovation. Moreover, Egypt is interested in working with the republic.
" Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais of Tatarstan, visited Egypt. It was an important meeting in political and economic terms. We are increasing our co-operation in the tourism sector and mutual investments, and developing interaction between chambers of commerce and industry," said Reem Siam.
KazanForum helps the participants in their search for new contacts, said Minh Thi Tuyet Nguyen, Chairwoman of the Women Entrepreneurs Council of Vietnam. For her, it is an opportunity, in particular, to present Vietnamese goods.
We want to find common ground for business. I see that KazanForum is very useful for us. Many women in Vietnam specialise in specific goods, such as coffee, spices, and agricultural produce. This accounts for a large part of our economy. I would also note that halal standards are quite strict, and we are ready to comply with them," Minh Thi Tuyet Nguyen stated.
Aisha Mohammed Saeed Rashed Al Mulla, Chairwoman of the Emirates Business Women Council, spoke about the role of women in business management in the UAE. According to her, they hold 45% of senior management positions, and 65% of senior engineers are also represented by women.
"My country places enormous hopes on the future. I am ready to share the unique experience of our Сouncil. We have brought together seven chambers of commerce and industry in one place, we are developing local relations, and we are putting in a great deal of effort. It is not so easy for women to achieve success; we must receive support from the state and from the family, special legislation is needed, and we have enormous support from the President," Aisha Mohammed Saeed Rashed Al Mulla noted.
*****
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 Co-operation 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.
