On May 16, 2025, the plenary session of the Group of Strategic Vision «Russia — Islamic World» (Group) on the topic of «The Experience of Russia and the Islamic World in the Field of Youth Policy: Common Challenges and Joint Actions» began in Kazan with the recitation of ayats from the Holy Quran. The event was held within the framework of the XVI International Economic Forum «KazanForum».
Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the Group Rustam Minnikhanov opened the meeting, emphasizing the importance of youth policy and preserving cultural and civilizational identity. He noted that 70% of the population of Islamic countries are young people.
In Russia, all conditions have been created for raising young people based on traditional values. Minnikhanov said that in Tatarstan, this work begins in kindergarten and involves both teachers and parents, as well as specialized organizations. “It is extremely important that young people understand the value of the world conquered by our ancestors,” Rais also emphasized.
“This year we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War,” Russian President Vladimir Putin reminded the forum participants in his address. The message was read by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin, who heads the KazanForum – 2025 organizing committee.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim quoted the Russian president as saying in a personal conversation, “Malaysia provides important support to Tatarstan’s efforts to develop dialogue.”
The forum's guest of honor, Mr. Ibrahim, also called for more active involvement of youth in decision-making. He noted that in the era of technology and artificial intelligence, Malaysia pays special attention to moral values and spiritual foundations, which should remain the core of youth development.
“Young people determine the future of not only the state, but the entire world. Their worldview depends on our ability to offer a positive agenda and respond to challenges: the falsification of history, the identity crisis, information pressure,” said Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation Magomedsalam Magomedov.
As noted by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District Igor Komarov, the Russian state is actively working with young people. In August 2024, the “Strategy for the Implementation of Youth Policy until 2030” was approved, which not only includes the preservation of traditional values, the development of patriotism and support for a healthy lifestyle, but also becomes the foundation for counteracting external pressure.
The head of the “Movement of the First”, Artur Orlov, expressed interest in joint projects for the future of children from different countries, “Children's projects based on friendship and common values lay the foundations for a just world.” The “Movement of the First” was founded in 2022, and on June 1, Moscow will host a festival of the movement, where thousands of participants from 30 countries will gather.
Grigory Gurov, head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, invited the youth of the Islamic world to join Russian projects such as the Kazan Global Youth Summit. He listed a wide variety of youth projects: from international friendship clubs (600 events, 30,000 participants) to project offices in Kazan and Omsk for cooperation with the Islamic world and Central Asia.
Representatives of the Islamic world have expressed their readiness to cooperate with Russia in the field of youth policy. Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha expressed pride in the achievements of the Russian Federation, and noted that “it is a great honor for us to benefit from this experience.” His deputy, Mohamed Salah Tekaya, emphasized the level of relations “Cooperation with Russia is extremely important for us.”
“The OIC supports Tatarstan's efforts in developing youth programs. The youth summit in Kazan is a key initiative,” Mr. Tekaya emphasized. According to him, it is necessary to counter extremism among young people by solving the root problems - poverty and underdevelopment. President of the International Organization “OIC Youth Forum” Taha Ayhan noted the successful cooperation with Rosmolodezh.
A comprehensive approach was proposed by the Secretary General of the World Assembly for the Rapprochement of Islamic Schools of Thought, Dr. Hamid Shahriari. Among his key solutions are: increasing media literacy, promoting worthy role models, limiting harmful content on social media, developing self-worth through tradition and education, and strengthening the role of the family as the basis of morality.
The head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, Albir Krganov, also made his own proposal: creating the permanent platform for cooperation with public institutions of the Islamic world. The Mufti also noted that “the meeting began on a blessed Friday, and the topic of educating young people is consistent with the Quran and Sunnah.”
“Youth are the builders of the future. The UAE’s strategy is aimed at their education and involvement in development in order to counter ideological and economic challenges,” said Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Aldhaheri, Rector of the Muhammad bin Zayed University for the Humanities (UAE).
However, the future cannot be built in war conditions. “Our call for peace must be heard through kind words, not war,” urged the Supreme Mufti, Chairman of the Central Religious Board of Muslims of Russia Talgat Tadzhuddin, “Russia’s strength is not in weapons, but in unity.”
“At this very moment, the Palestinian people are being subjected to genocide. Airplanes, artillery and rockets are mowing down innocent souls in Gaza, Hebron, the West Bank,” confirmed the concerns of the Russian Mufti, Chief Justice of Palestine Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash. He stressed that peace in the Middle East is possible only with the formation of a Palestinian state based on a UN resolution.
The Islamic world, like other regions, is experiencing conflicts, but as the Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Council of Muftis of Russia Ravil Gainutdin noted, “Every year, the values of peace and good neighborliness rise to the top of the agenda.” The mufti thanked the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other countries for their assistance in the return of prisoners and children during the Ukrainian conflict.
According to the Chairman of the Russian Religious Board of Muslims, Russia, and the Islamic world “can serve as a model in protecting families and children.” Deputy Secretary General of the World Islamic League, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Alzaid, called Russia “an example for the world” – “Here, different nations live in unity, and this is its strength. Cultural diversity is wealth, not weakness.”
However, according to Mr. Alzaid, some countries are investing heavily in militarism, which threatens peace. He expressed hope for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, where innocent people are dying, “International organizations should call for dialogue, not remain silent.”