The II Kazan Global Youth Summit took place in the capital of Tatarstan from 28 to 30 August. Representatives of more than 80 countries applied for participation. Rinat Sadykov, minister for youth affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan, announced the participation of delegates from 30 countries, including Indonesia, Libya, Lebanon, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal and Somali. The event consisted of extensive business and cultural programs, including plenary sessions with the leadership of Tatarstan, the youth corps of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs. The summit centred on the role of traditional values in the upbringing of children and the youth.
The Academy of Youth Diplomacy also recalled that last year Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, proudly hosted the I Kazan Global Youth Summit as the OIC Youth Capital. This landmark event was included in the celebration of the 1100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria. In 2023, although the title of “Youth Capital” no longer belongs to Kazan, it was decided at the federal level to continue supporting this prestigious summit. This was announced by Aigul Sabirova, deputy minister for youth affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The current event brought together 140 delegates. A significant number of participants in plenary discussions, as well as speakers, expressed a unanimous opinion – Tatarstan is a brilliant model for discussing the summit theme. Taha Ayhan, president of the OIC Youth Forum, shared his view, ‘Kazan has become a bright example of promoting family values among young people. This is a place where youth can see how traditional values remain relevant in the modern world.’
The statement by Igor Komarov, Russian presidential envoy to the Volga Federal District, stood out from a number of speeches. He stressed that Russia, along with the states adhering to traditional values, fights against attempts to change both values and human nature, which are important for cultural and ethical foundations of civilization.
In his turn, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized at the plenary session the relevance of this topic in the period of instability the world is facing, ‘We live in the world of change, where it is important not only to adapt to new challenges, but also to preserve what is the basis of our values. Young people are the future of our society, and it is crucial to ensure they are nurtured in the spirit of our traditions and cultural values’. He also noted that the influence of the Internet has a significant impact on children’s values.
It is important to note that Russia is introducing a system of youth education at all levels, with the introduction of the positions of educational advisors at schools and profile pro-rectors at universities. In addition, the speakers reminded that the World Youth Festival is to be held in Sochi in 2024, which aims to unite young people around traditional values to create a just multipolar world and develop international partnerships.
As Damir Fattakhov, deputy head of Rosmolodezh, highlighted, this event is of particular importance in the context of the changes taking place in the world and attempts by some forces to destroy traditional values. He added that in the current environment it is essential to strengthen relationships with the partners who share similar values.
Damir Fattakhov said, ‘Youth plays a key role in shaping the future of society. We call on countries to join efforts to maintain traditional values and cultural identity in our young generations’.
The II Kazan Global Youth Summit once again emphasized the commitment of youth and authorities of different countries to traditional values in the modern world. Under the leadership of Chairman of the Russia – Islamic World Strategic Vision Group Rustam Minnikhanov and with the participation of the OIC representatives, this event has become an important platform for the exchange of ideas and experience. Kazan, with its rich history and long-standing practice in promoting youth development, once again confirmed its role as a leader in this field.
The summit emphasized cooperation between the countries that share common values and the need to strengthen youth policy. Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov stressed that participation in the event helps to forge new partnerships and learn from each other’s experience.
Thus, the II Kazan Global Youth Summit acted not only as a platform for dialogue, but also as a symbol of unity of countries united by the desire to preserve and strengthen traditional values in youth society.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Dmitry Dmitry\Pixabay