Ismail Abdulazeez Reporting
The World Public Assembly is set to host one of its most anticipated panel sessions, spotlighting Altai as a symbolic “junction of civilizational worlds” and a beacon of spiritual unity.
The session, themed “Altai as the Junction of Civilizational Worlds,” will explore how the unique cultural and spiritual heritage of the Altai region can serve as a foundation for Eurasian integration.
The platform will be moderated by Ivan Belekov, Adviser to the Head of the Altai Republic and author of the discussion concept. Belekov emphasized Altai’s enduring spiritual and cultural significance, noting:
“Altai is not only the guardian of the most ancient layers of Eurasian culture. This is the region where the dominant features of Eurasian civilization are most vividly reflected: polyethnicity and poly-confessionalism. Orthodoxy, Islam, Buddhism, Tengrianism, Judaism, and other traditional faiths are integral to Altai’s historical identity.”
The session aims to strengthen Altai’s role as a Eurasian-scale dialogue platform by addressing intercultural cooperation, spiritual values, cultural diplomacy, and modern challenges such as information hygiene and globalization.
Altai’s Spiritual Echo in History
The enduring significance of Altai has been echoed by great thinkers and cultural icons:
“Altai is the cradle of the world, the bell of the earth,” wrote Russian critic Grigory Grebenshchikov.
“Altai is a key point, a place where people have been coming and going for thousands of years,” observed Theodore Schurr, professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
“Altai is not only the pearl of Siberia, but also the pearl of Asia,” remarked Nicholas Roerich, Russian artist and thinker.
Voices from Across Eurasia
The panel will feature a distinguished lineup of politicians, diplomats, scientists, and cultural figures from across Eurasia, including:
Argamakov Amyr, Senator, Federation Council of Russia
Bakashova Zhyldyz, Director, National Historical Museum of Kyrgyzstan
Kubanychbek Bokantaev, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Russia
Andrey Borisov, Theater Director, People’s Artist of Russia
Davaa Kan-ool, Chairman, Supreme Khural of Tyva Republic
Leonid Kalashnikov & Konstantin Zatulin, Russian State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs
Edward Poletaev, Head, Public Foundation “The World of Eurasia” (Kazakhstan)
Ulziisaikhan Enkhtuvshin, Ambassador of Mongolia to Russia
Among others, they will deliberate on how Altai can inspire a renewed Eurasian ideology rooted in co-creation, synergy, and spiritual harmony.
Altai: More Than Geography, A Bell for the Future
The session promises to transcend scholarly debate, positioning Altai not merely as a geographical region but as a “bell of peace” — a symbolic platform for shaping a future world of cooperation, harmony, and shared destiny.