Ismail Abdulazeez Reporting
A unique cultural and educational initiative, “Weddings of the Peoples of the World: Cultural Heritage,” will take center stage at the upcoming World Public Assembly, celebrating the diversity of global wedding traditions and their enduring role in preserving intangible heritage.
Since 2015, the project’s author, Denis Knyazev, has embarked on expeditions across Russia, Asia, Africa, and Europe, documenting distinctive wedding ceremonies through vibrant photo and video chronicles. These rich collections have since been transformed into multilingual books, albums, exhibitions, and educational programs designed to inspire young people and strengthen cultural dialogue.
The initiative has already gained international recognition, with exhibitions hosted at the United Nations headquarters under the auspices of the Russian Federation Commission for UNESCO, as well as in museums, libraries, and diplomatic missions across more than 12 countries.
Speaking ahead of the Assembly, Denis Knyazev — who also serves as Director of the NGO International Cultural Dialogue — emphasized the universal significance of wedding rituals:
“The wedding ceremony is the moment when people pass on their history and values to a new generation. It contains the roots of culture, the strength of the family, and hope for the future. Participation in the World Public Assembly is an opportunity to connect cultures, continents, and generations, reminding the world that family and respect for traditions are always at the heart of peace.”