International Forum in Tunis discussed Public Diplomacy in a New World

The International Public Diplomacy Forum "Tunis – the Crossroads of Dialogue: Public Diplomacy in a New World" was held on April 29, 2026 at El Mouradi Gammarth. The event was a logical and meaningful finale to the Days of the World Peoples Assembly in Tunis and brought together representatives of the international expert community, the diplomatic corps, public organizations, business, science and culture.

The international format of the event highlighted the high level of trust in the World Peoples Assembly as a global platform for public diplomacy.

Welcoming words were addressed to the forum participants by:

·        Svetlana Smirnova– Chairperson of the General Council of the World Peoples Assembly (in a video message);

·        Ali Nasser Muhammad – Head of the Arab Peace Group;

·        Orlando Requeijo Gual - Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Tunisian Republic;

·        Moussa Soro Si – Ambassador of the Republic of Mali to the Tunisian Republic;

·        Oleg Rutskov – Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Tunisian Republic;

·        Ali Gutali – former Ambassador of the Tunisian Republic to the Russian Federation;

·        Marina Ignatieva - Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in the Tunisian Republic.

The Forum included a meaningful conversation on the role of public diplomacy in shaping a new architecture of international relations based on trust, cultural diversity and partnership.

In her video message, Svetlana Smirnova invited the Forum participants to take part in the key international projects of the Assembly — the World Public Summits.

Oleg Rutskov in his speech noted:

– The World Peoples Assembly plays an important role in the development of international cooperation. Today, trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Tunisia is actively developing, cultural and humanitarian cooperation is being strengthened. A friendship group with the Russian Federation has been established in Tunisia, and educational initiatives are being implemented, including the supply of methodological literature for learning the Russian language. Russian artists regularly perform on tour. The prospects for our cooperation are truly significant.

Ali Gutali emphasized in his speech:

– The broad international representation of the Forum is an indicator of its importance. In the year of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Russian-Tunisian diplomatic relations, it is especially important to work on strengthening dialogue. The modern world cannot be unipolar — Tunisia consistently supports the principles of multipolarity and equal cooperation.

The forum was also attended by leading experts and representatives of business, cultural and public circles, including:

Tatiana Sadofieva, Fathi Ashoush, Ashraf Eldaly, Badra Gallul, Michael Yacoub Ibrahim Albakaen (video message), Mohamed Falful, Timofey Novik, 12-year-old participant in the children's diplomatic mission, Mohamed Amin Bhira, Mohamed Al-Huertani, Anar Izden, Christina Romanenko (Luati), Dr. Yaser Allaham.

The Forum has become a platform for open and professional dialogue. It was attended by representatives of all key partner organizations of the World Peoples Assembly. As a result of the discussions, concrete steps have been outlined to further development of the partnership.

Another important outcome of the Forum was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the World Peoples Assembly and the Association of Graduates of Soviet Universities in Tunis, one of the country's largest non-profit organizations with more than 5,000 members. The agreement opens up new opportunities for the development of educational, humanitarian and public initiatives.

The International Forum of Public Diplomacy in Tunis has become a significant event in the activities of the World Peoples Assembly, confirming its role as an effective international platform for public diplomacy.

"The Forum outcomes demonstrate a high level of interest among the participants in developing dialogue, expanding partnerships and shaping a joint agenda focused on sustainable development and strengthening trust between peoples," - the organizers note. – The Forum in Tunis was not only the finishing event of the Assembly Days, but also the starting point for new international initiatives and long-term cooperation.

More information is on the official website of the World Peoples Assembly and at media@world-assembly.org.