Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities Sherif Gad with representatives of the Arab countries
The summit marked the first session of the newly launched World Public Assembly, initiated by the World Peoples Assembly, an international union of NGOs that describes itself as a platform for “public diplomacy.”
Organizers say the assembly will convene annually in different countries as a forum for dialogue beyond state structures, to foster “conscious unity” among peoples, preserve cultural heritage, and promote cooperation in a multipolar world.
The large-scale gathering drew participants from over 150 countries, including a substantial delegation from Egypt.
Senior Russian officials addressed the opening session, among them Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Federation Council Chair Valentina Matviyenko.
Egypt was represented by Dr Amr Ezzat Salama, former Minister of Higher Education and Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, and Sherif Gad, President of the Egyptian Association of Graduates of Russian and Soviet Universities and Secretary-General of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association. Both highlighted Egypt’s commitment to dialogue and cooperation in international forums.
Summit Chair Andrey Belyaninov urged unity in his opening address: “We believe the new world begins where unity is affirmed, where values transcend differences, and where cooperation is stronger than competition. This world must be built through joint efforts.”
Addressing participants, Andrei Belyaninov—secretary general of the World Peoples Assembly, member of the Russian Federation’s UNESCO Commission, and the summit’s chair—underscored the forum’s ethos: “We believe the new world begins where unity is affirmed, where values transcend differences, and where cooperation is stronger than competition. This world must be built through joint efforts.”
Dr Amr Ezzat Salama, former Egyptian Minister of Higher Education, at a session at the World Public Summit in Moscow
Former Yemeni President Ali Nasir Muhammad thanked Russia for hosting the event and stressed the importance of Arab participation in shaping a more conscious and united world.
Representing the Arab Peace Group, he also pointed to the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza: “We meet today while Gaza continues to suffer from war, famine, and destruction for the second consecutive year at the hands of the Israeli entity. We call on the peoples and governments of the world to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and work to end wars in our Arab region.”
Former Jordanian Prime Minister Adnan Badran focused on education reform, advocating for a shift from rote learning to a focus on creativity and innovation.
“Our educational systems need radical restructuring. We must retrain teachers, embrace blended learning, and integrate digital media,” he said.
Delegates from over 150 countries took part in the first-ever World Public Summit in Moscow
Despite Western sanctions and strained relations with Moscow, delegations from several European countries, including Germany, France, Sweden, and Greece, participated.
Arab countries also had a strong presence, underscoring the summit’s emphasis on inclusive dialogue that cuts across political divides.
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