Russian World Assembly Gathers Participants From 100 Countries To Strengthen Cultural Ties

By Nor Hamzeela Md Hambali

MOSCOW, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- The 17th Russian World Assembly opened here on Sunday, gathering participants from more than 100 countries to discuss the global role of the Russian language and culture in fostering international understanding and cooperation.

Held under the theme “The Fundamental Contribution of the Russian World to International Development: History, Modernity, Future,” the three-day forum is organised by the Russian World Foundation with the support of the Russian government.

Participants include Russian language educators, linguists, translators, cultural and media professionals, diplomats, and representatives of academic and religious institutions seeking to strengthen humanitarian ties with Russia.

In his message to the Assembly, read by Presidential Adviser and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Russian World Foundation Elena Yampolskaya, President Vladimir Putin underscored the significance of language as a bridge between peoples.

“The Russian language is the foundation of our national identity — a unifying force that connects people across countries and generations,” he said.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a video message, praised the Assembly’s role in fostering dialogue and cultural unity.

"For many years, the Assembly has united those for whom Russia is dear, those who share the values and traditions of the Russian world,” he said.

Messages of support were also conveyed from Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Chair Valentina Matviyenko, and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.

The event’s opening, held at the historic Mosfilm film and concert centre, highlighted the Assembly’s role as a key platform to discuss Russia’s cultural contribution to global civilisation and to explore opportunities for cooperation in education, culture, and media.

In the past year, the Russian World Foundation supported more than 600 projects promoting the Russian language and culture worldwide, including teacher training, educational grants, and cultural exchanges.

Throughout the forum, delegates will attend plenary sessions and panel discussions on topics such as language education, media collaboration, artificial intelligence in translation, and cultural diplomacy.

The Assembly, which will conclude on Tuesday with the adoption of a final document outlining future directions for humanitarian collaboration, also includes participation from Malaysia, represented by Bernama TV Head Nor Hamzeela Md Hambali.

-- BERNAMA