With just a month to go before the 16th Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum, preparations are entering their final stage. The forum’s business agenda promises to be rich and diverse, Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said at an organizing committee meeting held in Moscow.
The meeting was chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, who emphasized that this is the third year the forum will be held at the federal level by presidential decree. “This forum plays a vital role in strengthening strategic cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world,” he stated.
Khusnullin also stressed the importance of this year’s event, which is taking place in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and shortly after celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. “KazanForum is not just an important venue—it’s a powerful platform for promoting our values and culture. It shows that Russia is a strong, independent nation rooted in tradition, tolerance, and open to global cooperation,” he said.
The main dates for KazanForum 2025 are set for May 15–16, with events running from May 13 to 18.
Speaking at the meeting, Minnikhanov highlighted the ongoing outreach campaign to invite international and domestic participants. So far, representatives from 74 countries and 61 Russian regions have confirmed their attendance. “During our foreign visits in the first quarter of the year, we discussed participation with high-ranking officials and emphasized cooperation within the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia – Islamic World",” he noted.
The forum will feature over 130 events covering international cooperation, Islamic finance and investment, halal industry development, culture, sports, tourism, women’s perspectives, and more. The main plenary session will focus on “Digitalization: New Reality and Opportunities for Expanding Cooperation.”
In addition to familiar panel discussions, there will be new sessions, including a meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision on youth policy challenges and joint actions.
Key events also include the Kazan Halal Market, the Modest Fashion Day festival, and a festival of Eastern culture. An official gathering of foreign ambassadors to Russia is also planned.
Other highlights include a nationwide religious leaders’ forum, the Halal Business Woman and Halal Charity Woman awards, and the International Property Market exhibition and conference, which will feature a special Malaysian urbanism forum focused on Islamic architecture and city planning.
The forum will also host the Ministerial Conference on Culture of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, aligning with Kazan’s status as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2026.
As part of the cultural program, Kazan will host the 38th Rudolf Nureyev International Classical Ballet Festival from May 11 to 31.
“We count on the support of the Organizing Committee in engaging the widest possible range of participants from OIC member states. I am confident that through our joint efforts, the upcoming Forum will be held at a high and dignified level,” said Rustam Minnikhanov.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of the Rais RT