The 3rd All-Russian Municipal Forum «Malaya Rodina – sila Rossii» («Small Homeland – Power of Russia») concluded its work in Moscow, taking place from April 20 to 22, 2026. The key event of this large-scale gathering, which brought together thousands of local government representatives from across the country, was the awarding ceremony of the All-Russian Municipal Prize. The prize of the main nomination, «Unity of the Peoples of Russia – Power of the Country», was awarded to the Mayor of Kazan, Honorary Chairman of the BRICS+ Association of Cities and Municipalities, Ilsur Metshin.
It was presented to Mayor of Kazan by Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. The project «Kazan: Unity in Diversity» – a comprehensive strategy of the capital of Tatarstan for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening interethnic peace – received high praise from the federal center.
This is not merely a local initiative but one of the most significant governance projects in modern Russia, successfully implemented for several years in a city where representatives of more than 115 nationalities live. Kazan proves in practice: unity does not require uniformity; it is possible precisely through diversity. This experience is unique and highly sought-after: cities of the BRICS countries and their partners may learn from Kazan’s best practices of harmonizing interethnic relations.
The award was presented on a professional holiday – Local Self-Government Day. Accepting it, Ilsur Metshin emphasized that interethnic harmony is the main treasure of the capital of Tatarstan and recalled the precept of the first President of the Republic, Mintimer Shaimiev:
«The most important thing in our work is interethnic accord and interethnic peace. May your hometown become a home for all nations and ethnicities. For us, this is the greatest treasure!»
The Forum itself became a unique dialogue platform where municipal leaders can openly share valuable experiences, discuss best practices in urban development, digitalization, and social policy. It is at such events that new partnerships are born and successful solutions that change the quality of life for millions of people are replicated.
Within the framework of the event Ilsur Metshin took part in the Forum’s business program. He made a speech at a panel discussion, where he shared the experience of developing international ties with colleagues, and also signed a sister city agreement between Kazan and Bishkek.
