The recently concluded World Public Assembly (WPA) marked a historic moment in global humanitarianism with the first-ever presentation of the Public Recognition Award “For Service to Humanity.”
The landmark award, established by the World Peoples Assembly, was presented during the Closing Ceremony on the International Day of Peace and has since become a powerful symbol of gratitude to those who have devoted their lives to humanism, dialogue, and the creative unification of peoples.
The laureates represented a tapestry of cultures, professions, and nations, underscoring the Assembly’s mission of peace and solidarity. Among those honored were Alexandra Ochirova, Russian scientist, poet and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador; Adnan Badran, former Prime Minister of Jordan; Rashid Alimov, SCO Secretary General (2016–2018); Tolengen Mukhamedzhanov, Kazakhstani composer and public figure; Sabena Johannes, founder and CEO of Afritrack Angola; Igor Khalevinsky, Russian diplomat; Dalbir Singh, Indian politician; and Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Alluwalliya of Great Britain, a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire and one of the world’s most influential Sikh leaders.
Each name was received with warm applause, but it was the words of Madame Sabena Johannes that struck the deepest chord. Her appeal — “We must awaken as one” — was hailed by participants as the living motto of the World Peoples Assembly.
The Assembly also hosted the final round of the International Competition “Leader of Public Diplomacy,” bringing together activists, volunteers, and representatives of public organizations from 19 countries, including Italy, France, Morocco, Lebanon, Poland, and Russia.
The competition, which drew over 150 applications from 42 countries, highlighted innovative grassroots projects promoting interethnic peace, trust, and dialogue. For the first time, previous laureates from different countries returned to serve as mentors, guiding this year’s finalists in refining their ideas and unlocking their potential.
One finalist, Ayoub Souan of Morocco, expressed the spirit of the gathering with heartfelt words: “Thanks to you, I will be able to show how foreigners can implement projects and receive support by helping each other. I’m very happy to be with you! See you in Moscow!”
Winners of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places are expected to be announced soon, with the Assembly of the Peoples of the World continuing to support and train the participants.
The First World Public Assembly proved to be a unique platform for dialogue, drawing politicians, diplomats, scientists, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and journalists. Discussions went beyond politics and economics to the essence of human existence — peace, trust, spirituality, and shared responsibility.
One of the key panel sessions, “From People’s Trust to the Trust of Economies: The Humanitarian Foundations of International Partnership,” shifted focus from markets to people, highlighting what experts called the “economy of life.”
As the Assembly concluded, its message resonated clearly: global peace and security cannot be sustained by institutions alone but must be anchored in the shared humanitarian values that unite peoples across borders.
