On April 11, 2026, the Financial University hosted the Moscow Youth Forum "Bridge Moscow – Tatarstan" for the fourth time. The event was organized by the Plenipotentiary Representation of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation. The XI Forum was timed to coincide with the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, proclaimed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Bridge Moscow – Tatarstan" serves as a platform where speakers, drawing from personal experience, share advice with young people on choosing a career, achieving success, and answering attendees' questions. As tradition holds, the event was attended by the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov.
President and Academic Supervisor of the Financial University Mikhail Eskindarov welcomed participants and guests, highlighting the event's significance as a symbol of the long-standing friendship and cooperation between regions: "The 'Bridge Moscow – Tatarstan' forum is gathering talented youth from the republic within the walls of our university for the fourth time. Many of our alumni hail from Tatarstan, and we consistently note their diligence and hard work. We proudly follow the republic's rapid development: over the past five years, Tatarstan has steadily ranked in the top five regions for economic growth. I am confident our 'bridge' will only grow stronger."
Acting Head of the Moscow Department of National Policy and Interregional Relations Ivan Petrov read a message from the Mayor of Moscow: "Thousands of ties connect Moscow and Tatarstan. We share the same time zone and numerous successful joint projects in industry, trade, transport, education, healthcare, culture, IT, and other fields. Behind each project stands the labor and talent of specific people who serve as examples for the youth. This traditional forum, held for over a decade on hospitable Moscow soil, plays a vital connecting role between regions and generations, fostering joy in live human interaction. Building and strengthening bridges of friendship and cooperation is a noble endeavor that Moscow and Tatarstan will continue with all vigor," noted Sergei Sobyanin in his address to the forum participants.
Mayor of Naberezhnye Chelny Nail Magdeev urged participants to choose paths at life's crossroads guided by conscience and heart. He emphasized the value of family and mentors: these supports help a person stay on course and achieve true success.
Hero of Russia and test cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov shared how his dream of becoming a cosmonaut took shape and the extraordinarily challenging path he overcame to realize it. He encouraged young people to relentlessly pursue their goals, undeterred by difficulties. The forum also featured Heroes of Russia Ruslan Garifullin, Stepan Belov, Boris Dudko, Ivan Zharsky, Mikhail Martsev, Vladimir Alimov, Marat Alykov, Rafik Iksanov, and Sergei Tulin, whose service to the Fatherland serves as a reliable guide for Russia's younger generation.
Participant in the special military operation, Lieutenant Aidar Saifutdinov, highlighted the role of patriotic education for youth and wished them strong, close-knit families as their life's foundation.
This year, the forum was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan – Plenipotentiary Representative of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation Ravil Akhmetshin; General Director of the Federal State Autonomous Scientific Institution "Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immunobiological Preparations named after M.P. Chumakov RAS" Aidar Ishmukhametov; Merited Artist of Russia, People's Artist of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan Alsou Abramova; People's Artist of the Russian Federation Oleg Gazmanov; People's Artist of Tatarstan Aidar Akhmetov; People's Artist of Tatarstan Elvira Kalimullina; Merited Artist of Tatarstan Dina Garipova; singer Elvin Grey; folk singer-songwriter Victoria Bars; actor, producer, TV host, and KVN team member Aidar Garaev; TV host, comedian, and actor Azamat Musagaliev; prankster-journalists "Vovan and Lexus"; Olympic figure skating champion Alina Zagitova; biathlete and two-time Olympic champion, five-time world champion Svetlana Ishmuratova; 2026 Russian chess champion and two-time world chess champion (2024 and 2025) Diana Khafizova; gymnast and four-time Olympic champion, five-time world champion Alexei Nemov. The event was moderated by Channel One host Maxim Sharafutdinov and his colleague, REN-TV host Ksenia Sedunova.
In closing, Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov thanked everyone who took part in bridging Moscow and Tatarstan: "Huge thanks to the Financial University! We hope these meetings will become systematic." He stressed that such forums offer a great chance to connect, hear stories from participants, SVO heroes, and all the speakers. "It's not just interesting for you," he told the youth. "For me, every such meeting is a real event—these are fascinating stories, so thank you to everyone who joined us today!"
This year's "Bridge Moscow – Tatarstan" forum drew over 1,400 participants—students, graduate students, and young professionals born in the Republic of Tatarstan who now live, study, and work in Moscow.
