Strength in Beauty: Kazanysh International Forum brought together experts from 23 countries of the world

More than 45 thousand specialists from Russia and friendly countries became guests of the IV International Architectural Forum "Kazanysh", held in the capital of Tatarstan from February 6 to 8. The event was one of the largest architectural festivals in the world. More than 400 speakers from 23 countries, including Russia, China, Brazil, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand took part in the discussions. Izvestia tells about the main events and results of the large-scale international forum in the field of urban planning.

All flags are coming to visit us

According to the organizers, Kazanish has become the largest architectural forum in the world for the last three years in terms of the number of participants, surpassing twice the previous record of Le Marché International des Professionnels de l'Immobilier in Cannes, which in 2023 was visited by 22.5 thousand guests. The forum was attended, among others, by mayors of world megacities and 39 chief architects of cities from BRICS+ member countries.

"Kazanysh" was first organized four years ago and, according to the idea of the creators, was supposed to become a platform for training and exchange of experience between young Russian architects. However, the interest in the urban theme turned out to be unexpectedly great. Today Kazanish, which began as an educational platform for Russian architects, has finally entered the international arena and has turned from a purely professional event into a real celebration of urbanism for all residents of the republic.

- On the opening day, the new building of the Galiasgar Kamal Theater received more than 18 thousand visitors. And during all the days of the festival more than 45 thousand guests visited it. It was 3 days full of inspiration and new discoveries: "Kazanysh" became not just a forum, but a springboard to new opportunities and a bridge to strong professional ties, once again highlighting the incredible strength and beauty of Kazan, - said the chief architect of Kazan Ilsiyar Tukhvatullina.

In 2025, the main theme of the architectural forum was "Unity of Diversity". The program of the forum outlined the main issues that face architects in many countries of the world today - bioclimatic architecture, redevelopment of the historical environment, creation of cities of the future, human-centered urbanism. The topics of architectural policy of BRICS+ countries were discussed separately: most of the member states of the organization were represented at the forum, and architects had a lot to share with their colleagues.

Unity and diversity

The business program of the IV International Forum "Kazanysh" was the most ambitious in its short history. It included 8 thematic panels and more than 115 sessions on the topics of the forum. Experts in architecture, urban planning and urbanism from 23 countries took part in the discussions.

- I have a great experience in international work with excellent experts. For example, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, at events in China. I can note that I have never noticed such a level of organization and professionalism as in Kazan. Even before my departure from Dubai, the team worked out all the moments, all the logistics right down to the minute of the program of my stay. They set the bar so high, which I will put at the top of my list when choosing a place. I hope that other places I would go to will be able to match the high level of Kazan and the Russian Federation, ," said Aisha Bin Butti Bin Bishr, former CEO of Smart Dubai Office and supervisor of the Dubai Smart City project.

According to the forum organizers, from the very beginning they tried to make the event as practical as possible, so, in addition to theoretical discussions, the forum included a number of practical events, including meetings at the level of heads of cities of BRICS+ countries, negotiations and development of proposals for international cooperation.

From theory to investment

Forum participants had an opportunity not only to share their ideas and projects with colleagues, but also to put them into practice. Three international competitions were announced during Kazanysh, including a competition to develop a master plan for innovative districts in the federal territory of Sirius. The competition for the design of one of the country's most iconic facilities was announced on the final day of the forum by Yelena Shmeleva, Chairman of the Sirius Federal Territory Council. The forum also saw the start of an international competition for the concept of Europe's largest extreme water sports center on the Lokomotiv Peninsula in Kazan.

Private business was also interested in the developments of advanced architects. Thus, Mohamed Ali Rashed Alabbar, the founder of Emaar Properties and Eagle Hills development companies, an influential businessman from the UAE, spoke at Kazanish during the plenary session "Sustainable Development as the Only Possible Strategy". Participating in the forum, he held a working meeting with the Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin, where they discussed investment projects that could be realized in Kazan with the participation of Alabbar's companies.

- I really believe that sustainability is everyone's responsibility. Sustainability is not limited to thrifty attitude to resources, energy efficiency. It is a very complex concept, inextricably linked to quality and care for people. Sustainability is not just about materials, it is about your behavior. Quality in everything: in construction, in design, in management. The projects I do are sustainable, we do everything well because we build good quality buildings, with great design. If people smile in our objects, feel part of the civilized world, it means that this is sustainable architecture," said Mohamed Ali Rashed Alabbar during the discussion.