I.Metshin: “By transforming the city, we are creating an environment in which our young generation will live and work”

The plenary session of the Global Youth Summit, which is held under the framework of the “Kazan OIC Youth Capital 2022” international program, took place today at the City Hall. The theme of today's meeting, which was attended by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and Mayor Ilsur Metshin, is youth on the global agenda.

“We attach special importance to cooperation with the Muslim countries and are proud of our contribution to the development of relations with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,”- Rustam Minnikhanov said, opening the meeting. The status of Kazan as the OIC youth capital was assigned to the observer country for the first time. “We consider this decision as testimony of recognition of the merits and achievements of the Russian Federation and the republic of Tatarstan in youth policy and long–term relations of our republic with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation”, - R.Minnikhanov stressed.

According to Tatarstan President, the theme of the plenary session is particularly relevant – young people are increasingly demanding more fair, equal and progressive opportunities from society. “We see how young people stand for interethnic harmony, interreligious interaction and international cooperation on the example of Russia. At the same time, Tatarstan remains one of the most stable regions of Russia, which demonstrates the unity and diversity of cultures and civic community”, - Rustam Minnikhanov said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sent their greetings to the delegates.

At the end of the plenary session, the Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin made a report. In his speech, he noted that Islam is an important part of the city’s DNA, its history and culture. “The Quran recitation contest held recently in Kazan is a living proof that the spirit of faith has not been lost. 40% of parishioners in Kazan mosques are young people, in addition, the Halal industry is developing in the city and historical sites are being restored,”- the head of the city said. He added that in Soviet times, Islamic traditions were partially lost, but today they have more and more adherents among young people. “They are not locked away from the world, on the contrary, they are well educated, friendly, open and create a cultural product that is in demand not only among Islamic youth, but also among all residents and tourists”, - the Mayor noted.

According to him, today 30% of Kazan residents are young people, for whom the social and sports infrastructure, as well as recreational areas are updated annually. Thus, 168 thousand students, including from abroad, study at 30 universities and 25 vocational secondary educational institutions. Over the past five years, more than 70% of youth policy institutions have been renovated in Kazan, a lot of work has been done to improve public spaces. About 300 sports venues are available for young people today.

“Creating conditions for life, employment, professional growth, leisure time activities and development of young people are among our main priorities”, - I.Metshin said.

For reference, the Global Youth Summit started in Kazan on August 27 and brought together 300 participants from 67 countries.