Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin meets with student activists
A meeting was held at the Kazan City Hall between the Mayor of Kazan, Ilsur Metshin, and activists from the city’s student community. The discussion focused on the development of youth policy, support for public initiatives, and the strengthening of international ties.
Students shared their experiences in implementing social projects related to the improvement of urban spaces, the adaptation of incoming students, and support for the youth community. The event was also attended by Azat Abzalov, Deputy Head of the Executive Committee, and Dmitry Khvostikov, Chairman of the Committee for Children and Youth Affairs.
Ilsur Metshin emphasized that the student body is one of the main resources for the city’s development.
“Kazan has always been and remains a student city, ever since the times of Leo Tolstoy and Vladimir Lenin. Wherever you are, when you hear the word Kazan, you immediately remember the university. It was created by the decree of Emperor Alexander I, and it was precisely this that predetermined the development of Kazan as a city of students,” noted the Mayor. “I am glad to see that such bright, talented young people, beautiful in heart and soul, are studying here today and continuing to adorn our capital. I thank you for this meeting and for bringing so much energy and creativity to the city’s student life. Thanks to you, Kazan is becoming an increasingly beautiful and comfortable city where people want to come and live. To new prospective students and all residents, we say: welcome to Kazan!”
Diana Durnovtseva, a 3rd-year student at the Institute of Social and Philosophical Sciences and Mass Communications, coordinator of the KFU Student Council, and representative of the Republic of Tatarstan on the Student Council under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, spoke about the development of student self-governance. Her new initiative will serve as a space for exchanging experiences, joint projects, and supporting student associations, and will also help establish a direct dialogue with the city. Representatives of public organizations from universities will be able to join it – not only student councils but also various centers and clubs.
One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the decision to create a Council of Students of BRICS+ Countries. The representative of the international student body at the meeting was Fredrick Ukaegbu, winner of the International Student of the Year in Tatarstan 2025 award. He spoke about the BRICS Donors volunteer project.