The theme of the meeting was “The Art of Dialogue: The Role of Russia and the Islamic World in Preserving Global Culture”. Representatives from 28 countries and three international organisations spoke at the event.
A welcoming address was delivered to the guests by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Malykuliyevich Berdimuhamedov: “In the current context of global transformation, the preservation of cultural diversity based on identity and traditional values is becoming particularly important. In this regard, the work of international organisations is acquiring special significance.” According to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, large-scale efforts are underway to protect and preserve historical and cultural heritage, as well as to prepare and implement practical new initiatives aimed at addressing issues in the fields of education, science, art, and culture.
In turn, the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Nurgaliyevich Minnikhanov, emphasised: “The status of cultural capital is a recognition of Tatarstan’s centuries‑old contribution to Islamic civilisation. For us, being the capital means being a place of power. We strive to show that the world of Islamic culture is not only great history, but also contemporary art, creative industries, and modern technology.”
“It is a great honour for us to host the Congress of Ministers of Culture of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries during the opening days of the Year of “Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World”. This event is of particular importance for the whole of Russia – a multi‑national state home to almost 200 different peoples, where the traditions of various religions – which are an integral part of our country’s historical, spiritual, and cultural heritage – coexist harmoniously,” noted Olga Lyubimova.
The Ministry maintains the Unified State Register of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Peoples of the Russian Federation, which currently contains information on over 162,000 sites.
According to the Minister, the development of museum work remains an important area. There are more than 3,500 museums operating across the country. The Museum Fund of Russia comprises over seventy-seven million museum items. This is one of the largest systems for preserving cultural memory in the world.
In conclusion, Olga Lyubimova stressed the need to support national identity and mutual trust.
“Russia is open to further co-operation with the countries of the Islamic world. We are ready to jointly implement exhibition, museum, restoration, educational, and creative projects, exchange experience, and create new formats for cultural dialogue,” she said.
Also taking part in the event were Alexander Pankin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Director-General of ICESCO, the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and others.
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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.