The session “Territories of the 21st Century: From Global Trends to Integrated Development” was held as part of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia — Islamic World: KazanForum 2026.” The event was organized by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation and the International Association for Territorial Development.
The central theme of the session was the transition from isolated development projects to integrated development models combining urban planning, transport and utility infrastructure, social facilities, digital technologies, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
Particular attention was paid to the role of public authorities in preparing and implementing territorial development projects. The discussion was moderated by Maria Sinichich, Director of the Department for Integrated Territorial Development at the Russian Ministry of Construction. She presented Russia’s experience in developing the regulatory framework for integrated territorial development and moving from legislation to practical project implementation.
The international public sector was represented by Faisal Al Riyami, Adviser to the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning of the Sultanate of Oman. His participation provided an opportunity to examine Oman’s approaches to urban development and explore potential cooperation with Russian companies and expert organizations.
Regional experience was presented by Olga Nikitina, Minister of Architecture, Urban Planning and Integrated Territorial Development of the Chelyabinsk Region. Her presentation focused on contemporary approaches to regional development, taking into account global urban planning and investment trends.
The discussion brought together the federal, regional, and international levels of public administration on a single platform. This made it possible to compare different regulatory models, highlight the importance of interagency cooperation, and discuss the conditions required to launch joint projects.
Vasily Mazitov, Chairman of the International Association for Territorial Development, focused his presentation on moving from international dialogue to concrete projects. He noted that achieving practical results requires the integration of four key elements: government development strategies, private-sector investment capacity, modern technologies, and partners with the necessary expertise.
As examples, Vasily Mazitov presented the Association’s work in Kyrgyzstan, including projects in digital land administration, territorial management, and the development of cooperation in the construction sector. Particular attention was also given to cooperation with Oman, focusing on infrastructure investment, sustainable development, and the preparation of joint projects.
The discussion also featured Anastasia Mikhailova, Head of the UN-Habitat Office in Russia; architect and urbanist Ali Abdelraouf; Alexander Choban, Vice President of DOM.RF Bank; Albert Demidenko, Deputy General Director of Panorama Design Bureau JSC; and Azat Nazmiyev, Director of the TOCHNO Group in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Participants discussed financing for integrated territorial development, the introduction of geographic information systems, sustainable urban planning, investment attraction, and the export of Russian development expertise.
The session confirmed that the implementation of major territorial development projects requires continuous cooperation between public authorities, financial institutions, technology companies, developers, and the international expert community.