YOUTH AS A STRATEGY

In an era of global geopolitical shifts, initiatives that help to establish reliable international ties based on mutual respect and cooperation are of particular value. The Republic of Tatarstan, drawing on its historical traditions, positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is successfully developing a unique model of youth diplomacy— one that is now becoming an effective tool for strengthening Russia’s relations with the Islamic world.

Since 2024, Tatarstan has taken its international youth cooperation to a new level by creating a systemic platform— the “Academy of Youth Diplomacy.” In a short time, it has become a genuine hub for active young people, bringing together over 17,000 participants in educational and exchange programmes.

Remarkably, the Academy is a structure unique to Russia, steadily carrying out international humanitarian interaction with the youth. Cooperation with the OIC and its Youth Forum, BRICS, UN programmes and other international organisations enables multi-vector diplomacy that serves Russia’s interests in today’s multipolar world.

Of particular note is that the Academy does not confine its activity to individual events. It is a comprehensive system that boasts educational programmes, competitions, forums and practical initiatives aimed at developing young people’s communication and soft skills essential for effective international engagement.

A flagship project implemented in Tatarstan is the OIC Forum of Young Diplomats. Held annually in Kazan since 2016, it embodies the concept of “horizontal diplomacy”—establishing informal, trust-based ties between young employees of different countries’ foreign ministries. The people who are only embarking on their diplomatic career will, in 10 to 15 years’ time, be shaping the foreign policy of their respective states. Already now, they are building personal professional contacts that will help resolve complex international issues in the future.

Over the years, the Forum has brought together more than 600 young professionals from the foreign ministries of dozens of states. The geographical reach of participants covers virtually all regions of the Islamic world: the Middle East, North Africa, South East and Central Asia.

In 2025, the 9th Forum was held under the theme “Diplomacy of Victory” timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and brought together around 50 diplomats from more than 20 countries. The 10th anniversary edition scheduled for 2026 promises to be even more large-scale.

Highlighting the practical outcomes of the Forum, it is worth noting the International Association of Young Diplomats established on its margins to operate even between the annual meetings. This proves the effectiveness of the Forum as a “soft power” tool that helps to strengthen mutual understanding between Russia and the Islamic world.

Apart from the diplomatic track, business cooperation is also actively developing. The Kazan Forum of Young Entrepreneurs from OIC Countries held since 2014 has become a platform for supporting projects and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Over the years, the Forum has brought together more than 1,000 participants from 60 countries, and its format is constantly being refined. Today, it includes educational projects, mentoring sessions with international experts and venture capitalists, as well as a final pitching session, where the best projects are presented to major investors and the leadership of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Fintech, education technology, healthcare, creative industries and solutions for remote territories—these are the main areas where the projects presented at the Forum are developed. Remarkably, many of them are aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges common to Russia and the Islamic world.

In May 2025, the 11th Forum brought together dozens of projects from 14 countries, while the 12th Forum scheduled for May 2026 promises to be even more representative. The organisers are already actively attracting participants and drafting an eventful agenda.

Tatarstan’s success in developing international youth cooperation is largely down to a systematic approach. Alongside the major forums, a whole range of regular events are held: BRICS and OIC project schools, the Republic’s contest “Young Diplomats,” the Global Talks lectures, the Yunus Akhmetzyanov International Tournament of Young Chefs, school diplomacy clubs, the Summer University at Kazan Federal University, the Kazan Global Youth Summit, among others.

The Kazan Diplomatic Club also plays a vital role, holding regular meetings and volunteer initiatives ensuring continuity in international engagement and drawing more and more young people.

Tatarstan’s experience in developing youth cooperation with the Islamic world shows how a region can effectively contribute to the international agenda, drawing on its own cultural and historical features. As the multipolar world takes shape, initiatives of this kind become of strategic importance, strengthening Russia’s standing on the international stage. It is young people—open to dialogue and innovative—who are capable of building long-lasting bridges between countries and cultures, bridges that can withstand the geopolitical storms.