The INNOverse 50+ Forum, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in cooperation with the Ministry for Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, Kazan Federal University, and the Academy of Youth Diplomacy, opened on Thursday, 27 August 2026, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. Held under the theme “For a Resilient Future,” the two-day forum brought together more than 50 experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, and influencers from around the world, alongside young talents from Tatarstan, and took place in parallel with the Kazan Global Youth Summit.

The opening high-level session featured remarks by Mr. Timur Suleimanov, Aide to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Head of the Regional Department of the Russian “The Movement of the First”; Mr. Azat Rifgatovich Kadyrov, Minister for Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan; Mr. Timirkhan Alishev, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at Kazan Federal University; and Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Office of Director-General, Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector at ICESCO.

The speakers underscored the importance of empowering young people, investing in their creative potential, and strengthening their role in anticipating the future and developing solutions to rapidly evolving global challenges. They also stressed the value of international platforms that enable young people to exchange perspectives and expertise, engage with experts and academic and innovation institutions, and expand opportunities for cooperation and joint action.

The forum features the interactive youth experience “Factory for Innovation,” which enables participants to collaborate, network, and transform ideas into projects with tangible impact. Participants were divided into groups addressing five themes linked to contemporary crises, risks, and challenges: health and biosecurity; social and economic crises; reputation and communication; climate change and the environment; and cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Under expert supervision, the groups will analyze the risks and challenges associated with each theme, exchange insights and experiences, examine their implications and response mechanisms, and develop practical projects and solutions. The methodology positions participants not merely as beneficiaries, but as partners in developing responses to emerging risks and challenges.

Through the INNOverse 50+ Forum, ICESCO seeks to create an international platform for innovation and networking, bringing together experts and innovators to exchange knowledge, expertise, and success stories. The forum also aims to make innovation a driver of youth capacity development by strengthening analytical and critical-thinking skills, fostering innovative solutions for a resilient future and sustainable development, promoting cooperation among organizations, institutions, and research centers, and supporting initiatives that give younger generations greater space to articulate and advance their visions.