MOSCOW: The inaugural World Public Assembly (WPA) began on Saturday at the Moscow World Trade Centre, bringing together thousands of participants from across continents in what organisers describe as a landmark effort to shape a fairer multipolar order.
Held under the theme “A New World of Conscious Unity”, the two-day gathering has drawn more than 4,000 delegates from Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Eurasia, including policymakers, academics, business leaders, cultural figures and civil society actors. The Assembly coincides with the United Nations International Day of Peace, underscoring its emphasis on dialogue and cooperative solutions amid global tensions.
In his opening remarks, Secretary General Andrei Belyaninov described the forum as a space for those “who feel responsible for the future and strive to be not just witnesses but agents of change”. He added that the WPA seeks to build partnerships rooted in shared responsibility, respect for cultural diversity and moral values, and a commitment to peace.
“A new world begins where unity is established, where differences are not feared but respected, where values rise above divisions, and cooperation proves stronger than rivalry,” Belyaninov told delegates.
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and co-chair of the WPA General Council, Aleksandra Ochirova, noted that genuine unity could not be enforced from above. “Conscious unity cannot be achieved through governmental decrees,” she said. “Our task is to provide intellectual and humanitarian frameworks for multipolar cooperation through concrete proposals from participants themselves.”
The programme features seven plenary sessions and over 40 thematic platforms on areas including public diplomacy, humanitarian development, youth leadership, spiritual dialogue, education, media, and cultural traditions. Notable events include the International Media Forum: Media in the Service of Humanity, the Youth Forum: Generation of Unity, a business dialogue on corporate social responsibility, and a congress of the World Organization of Writers.
A meeting of university rectors from more than 40 countries is also planned, highlighting the role of academia in shaping new models of global cooperation. Another highlight will be the presentation of the Public Recognition Award “For Service to Humanity”, honouring individuals and organisations whose work has advanced peace and unity.
The organisers expect extensive media attention, with over 200 journalists accredited from Africa, Eurasia and Latin America. Russia’s TASS news agency, the official partner, is providing live coverage of the sessions, alongside updates through the summit’s website and social media platforms.
By convening such a wide spectrum of voices, the WPA positions itself as a new global platform for dialogue at a moment when geopolitical rivalries threaten to overshadow opportunities for collective progress.
