University hosting first ever Model Organization Islamic Cooperation
The two-day event is supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia.
The opening cerermony on 24 November featured Vice-Rector for International Affairs Timirkhan Alishev, Chairman of the Academy of Youth Diplomacy Dilbar Sadykova, Deputy Director for International Cooperation of KFU’s Institute of International Relations Albina Imamutdinova, and others. The Model was moderated by Chair of the Department of International Relations, World Politics and Diplomacy Andrey Bolshakov.
Vice-Rector Alishev noted, “The pertinence of this event is well reflected in Russia’s new Сoncept of the Foreign Policy, which says ‘The states of friendly Islamic civilization, which has great prospects for establishing itself as an independent centre of world development within a polycentric world, are increasingly in demand and more reliable partners of Russia in ensuring security and stability as well as in solving economic problems at the global and regional levels’.”
He reminded that OIC currently unites 57 nations.
“Our cooperation with the Islamic world takes place within the Russia – Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, which is nowadays chaired by Rais (Governor) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, and the annual Russia – Islamic World KazanForum, now being a federal event, serving as a platform for discussions in economics, social processes, political cooperation, education, and science,” added the Vice-Rector.
In 2022, Kazan was chosen as the Islamic Cooperation Youth Capital and hosted the 1st Islamic Cooperation Youth Scientific Congress. This November 26 to 29, the 2nd Congress is going to be hosted by the University, with over 1,500 participants from 25 countries contributing to six breakout sessions.
The plenary session of Model OIC was titled ‘Model Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Issues of Islamic Banking’. The Model’s program also included questions of Islamic capital cities, a center for Islamic arts and culture, an organization for education, science and culture (i. e. Islamic UNESCO), and a historical committee.
As Dr Alishev mentioned, Kazan Unviersity has multiple connections with OIC on different stages, such as the Russia – Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, COMSTECH, KazanForum, and others.
He added that KFU plans to establish a separate platfform for cooperation with OIC within its Priority 2030 funding.