By Tugba Altun and Yasin Gungor
KAZAN, Russia/ISTANBUL (AA) - The Global Young Leaders Awards ceremony was held as part of the 4th Kazan Global Youth Summit in Kazan, the capital of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, recognizing outstanding young achievers.
The ceremony featured prominent officials presenting awards, including Timur Suleymanov, advisor to the head of the Tatarstan Republic, Rustam Minnikhanov, Tatarstan Youth Minister Rinat Sadykov, Culture Minister Ayupova Irada Khafizyanovna, Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum President Taha Ayhan and officials from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Amina Obaid Alhajri, OIC Director-General for Cultural, Social and Family Affairs, expressed satisfaction at being in Kazan, describing it as a city of glorious history, civilization and tolerance. She characterized youth as representing great potential, unique opportunities and rich human capital that must be connected to development mechanisms as a form of soft power.
Minister Sadykov emphasized that global transformations are occurring through active youth participation, highlighting their crucial role in shaping change.
M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) under the OIC, noted the inspiring international participation and described Kazan as having its own spirit that enhances productivity.
Suleymanov expressed hope for meaningful exchanges during the summit, emphasizing its potential service to the broader community.
Khafizyanovna highlighted opportunities for communication and bridge-building, while the head of the Republican Agency for Press and Mass Communications, Aidar Salimgarayev, described presenting awards to like-minded individuals as a privilege.
Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year awards went to Amin Riyad Amin Abudyak from Jordan and Michael Andrian Sahono from Indonesia. The Malaysia Youth Council received recognition for supporting children's initiatives.
Pakistan's Sharmeen Fayyaz won Young Person of the Year, while Yemen's Al-Muntaser Ameen Ahmed Mohammed received Young Researcher of the Year.
Khadicha Imamnazarova from Uzbekistan and Saida Mukhametzyanova from Russia won awards for preserving traditions and cultural identity. Egypt's Mohamed Ahmed Gamalaldin Algawish was named Young Media Influencer of the Year, and Bangladesh's Arafatul Islam received Young Mentor of the Year.
As part of the ceremony, numerous traditional and modern dance performances, music recitals and concerts were held.
The 4th Kazan Global Youth Summit, for which Anadolu serves as the global communication partner, runs through Aug. 30, addressing key issues facing young people in Organization of Islamic Cooperation member countries.