The recently concluded First World Public Summit brought together over 4,000 participants from more than 150 countries in what has been described as a historic step towards building a “new world of conscious unity.” Politicians, diplomats, entrepreneurs, cultural figures, educators, writers, scientists, and representatives of public movements joined forces to chart a path toward peace, development, and international cooperation.
In an exclusive interview with New Eastern Outlook, Inga Koryagina, PhD in History, Director of International Development at the Directorate of the World Public Summit, Associate Professor at the Plekhanov University of Economics, International Development expert at the UNDP, and Director of International Development at the Russian-African Club of Moscow State University, shared her insights on the vision and outcomes of the event.
“The main idea of the summit was the construction of a new world where the primary value is the human being,” Koryagina emphasized. “The course towards international dialogue and partnership has been set. What could be better than joyful and smiling people? And we are these people!”
Fittingly, on September 21—International Day of Peace—the summit hosted the inaugural ceremony of the World Public Recognition Award “For Service to Humanity,” honoring laureates from Russia, Angola, Jordan, India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and the United Kingdom.
Reflecting on the summit’s goals, Koryagina noted that the global landscape of heightened geopolitical tension, economic challenges, and cultural divides had accelerated the need for people’s diplomacy, humanitarian interaction, and public initiatives. “The world needs soul, love, and humanity. Love can fix everything, make everything meaningful,” she said.
Koryagina highlighted that the World Public Summit is already becoming a platform comparable to frameworks such as BRICS and the SCO, but with a distinct humanitarian focus. “Not division, but unity; not cancellation, but respect for every culture; not disunity, but cooperation,” she stressed.
A key theme of the summit was the role of youth in shaping the future. The International Youth Forum “Generation of Unity” underscored the need to empower young people as engines of transformation. “Technology will open the path to breakthrough solutions for pressing issues,” Koryagina said, echoing remarks by Rossotrudnichestvo’s Yevgeny Primakov.
The summit also showcased Russia’s appeal as a partner to countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, with participants praising its commitment to sovereignty, cultural values, and technological innovation.
Unprecedented cooperation was achieved during the event, with 71 agreements signed, including 35 between the Assembly of the Peoples of the World and nonprofit organizations from 16 countries.
Looking ahead, Koryagina said preparations for the Second World Public Summit are already underway, with continued focus on diplomacy, education, arts, sports, and humanitarian projects. She concluded by citing the summit’s “Charter of a New World”:
“We, the free peoples of the earth, are ready to cooperate with all peoples, nations, ethnicities, people of goodwill, public institutions, and movements for the preservation of peace… and the preservation of the civilizational and spiritual achievements of humanity.”