The First World Public Assembly (WPA) concluded last week in Moscow after several days of discussions, gathering 4,000 delegates from more than 150 countries. The event ended with a strong call for peace, cooperation, and the enhancement of humanitarian dialogue in global affairs.
The Assembly received messages of support from international and regional leaders, including Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations; Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO); Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister; Sergey Lebedev, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS); Valentina Matviyenko, Chairperson of Russia’s Federation Council; and cosmonaut Ivan Vagner.
Matviyenko highlighted the importance of harnessing the Assembly’s potential to strengthen international partnerships, stating that in a complex political environment, it is crucial to create “an authoritative platform for dialogue and public diplomacy.”
Piao Yangfan, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, remarked that the forum provided the world with “an opportunity to hear our voice… that we want mutual respect, mutual understanding, and respect for the sovereignty of our countries.”
Throughout the Assembly, speakers underscored the significance of shared values in a turbulent world. Sergey Lavrov reminded delegates that despite cultural differences, “all of you, my friends, are united by a steadfast commitment to enduring spiritual and moral values such as patriotism and family.”
Cosmonaut Ivan Vagner, reflecting on his experiences aboard the International Space Station, reminded participants of Earth’s fragility: “From space, our Earth appears both united and fragile—very fragile. In space, all crews share one goal and mutual support. We believe: if this is possible in space, it is possible on Earth too.”
Andrey Belyaninov, Secretary-General of the WPA, expressed optimism, stating, “And we believe in this. Everything can be agreed upon,” inviting participants to continue their engagement with the new platform.
The plenary session, “New World of Conscious Unity,” outlined the Assembly’s ideological and value-based agenda. Experts and public figures debated how to reconcile national identity with global responsibility, develop new humanitarian principles for coexistence, and strengthen public diplomacy to reduce distrust.
Hilary Franco, Advisor to the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, reminded delegates: “We have different forms, different nations, different faces, but we have one common denominator—humanity. Today, the world needs mutual understanding, and no division can truly bring salvation.”
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Alexandra Ochirova stressed that civilization is inseparable from human and cultural development, concluding: “No one in the world can resist united minds.”
The Assembly drew contributions from leaders across regions, such as Ilhom Nematov, Deputy Secretary-General of the CIS; Sabena Yohannes, President and CEO of Afritrack Angola; Himadrish Suwan, Chairman of the Confederation of Young Leaders of India; and mayors and entrepreneurs from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. More than 200 journalists covered the forum.
Organizers described the WPA as a new humanitarian format designed to promote cooperation rather than confrontation and to strengthen the moral and cultural foundations of international relations.
In closing, delegates expressed hope that the Assembly will continue as a recurring platform for dialogue. As one participant reflected: “The Assembly has written a new page in global public diplomacy, one that emphasizes unity and shared responsibility.”
