By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Sept. 28, 2025 (NAN) The first-ever World Public Assembly has proposed a new model of development known as the “economy of life,” aiming to reshape global cooperation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 4,000 participants from over 150 countries took part in the event.
Delegates included politicians, diplomats, entrepreneurs, scientists, writers, and religious leaders.
The central theme of the assembly was building a “New World of Conscious Unity.” Organisers said the vision prioritises humanity and seeks stronger international dialogue and partnership.
On Sept. 21, the International Day of Peace, the Assembly presented the inaugural “For Service to Humanity” award.
It honoured global leaders for their contributions to peace and human progress.
Recipients included Russian writer Alexandra Ochirova, former Jordanian Prime Minister Adnan Badran, and former SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov.
Others were Kazakh composer Tolegen Mukhamedzhanov, Indian politician Dalbir Singh, and UK-based Professor Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia.
The award also went to Sabena Johannes, founder of Afritrack Angola, and Russian diplomat Igor Khalevinsky.
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Ochirova said, “No one in the world can resist united minds.”
Johannes, quoting her “Voice of Reason” appeal, added: “We must awake as one.”
Amid global challenges, delegates emphasised the importance of public diplomacy and cultural cooperation.
Speakers said trust must underpin economic development. “Economics begins with the search for meanings. It is based on a human being,” said Svetozar Darnev of Russia’s Osnova association.
Media’s role in restoring cultural values also featured strongly. “The media must return the cultural code to us,” said Russian journalist Oleg Yasinsky.
Filmmaker Silvana Yarmolyuk of Argentina highlighted cinema’s power. Producer Olga Azhnakina stressed promoting creative work.
Peace experts explored conflict prevention. “When the economy comes first, rather than people, it becomes the cause of all wars,” said Alexander Usanin, a professor at the Academy of Geopolitical Problems.
Holger Schubert of the Neutrino Energy Group added: “Whoever controls energy controls peoples.” He and others called for science-driven solutions.
The Second Congress of the World Organization of Writers (WOW) gathered authors from over 60 countries. Topics included translation, literary support, and artificial intelligence.
“AI is a tool, but we can’t rely on it. Otherwise, we give up emotionality,” said Bangladeshi poet Aminur Rahman.
The WOW-2025 Literary Award honoured writers from Brazil, China, Syria, France, Indonesia, and Russia.
“Values are higher than differences, and cooperation is stronger than rivalry,” said Andrei Belyaninov,Secretary-General of the World Peoples Assembly.
The SCO Public Diplomacy Centre also awarded its honorary “People’s Diplomat” badge to Natalia Zabolotskikh, programme director of the World Public Assembly.
A total of 71 cooperation agreements were signed at the assembly. These included 36 signed by WPA partners and 35 with non-profit organisations from 16 countries.
Countries involved included Brazil, Germany, Turkey, Mexico, Uruguay, and the Vatican.
The Assembly concluded with four key documents, namely: Declaration of the New World of Conscious Unity, Declaration on Happiness, Manifesto of Conscious Unity, and Charter of the New World
The declarations called on nations to abandon hostility, embrace human-centred development, and promote peace and unity.
“Conscious unity is not a utopia, but a practical choice,” one document stated.
The assembly’s core achievement was fostering global unity. Delegates left with renewed energy for cooperation and future projects.
The Second World Public Assembly will take place in Vienna, Austria, said Belyaninov at the closing ceremony. (NAN)
