Panel Session “Shaping the Image of the Future Human in Literature” Held in Addis Ababa

A panel session “Shaping the Image of the Future Human in Literature” took place on July 29, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as part of the World Public Summit “New World: Africa in Shaping a Common Future.” The event was organized by the World Peoples Assembly with the support of the World Organization of Writers (WOW) and the Ethiopian Writers’ Union.

The panel brought together writers, poets, journalists, and cultural figures from Ethiopia, Russia, Tajikistan, Egypt, the UAE, Colombia, Ghana, and other countries.

The moderator was Margarita Al (Russia) – poet, Chair of the Literary Council of the World Peoples Assembly, and President of the World Organization of Writers (WOW).

The speakers included:

· Alem Hailu Gebre Kristos (Ethiopia) – writer, poet, translator, editor and journalist, author of the book “A Vent to Stifled Emotions”, Master of Arts (MA) in Literature (Addis Ababa University), Editor‑in‑Chief of Ethiopia Herald;

· Melkamsera Afework (Ethiopia) – journalist, author‑director, co‑founder of Zema Biere Ethiopia Women Auteurs Association;

· Abebe Woldegeorgis (Ethiopia) – translator, journalist at Ethiopian Press Agency.

Joining the discussion online were VIP guests:

· Timur Zulfikarov (Tajikistan) – People's Writer of Tajikistan, holder of the Order of Sharaf 1st Class, nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature (1991);

· Ashraf Abu al‑Yazid (Egypt) – poet, writer, Editor‑in‑Chief of the “Silk Road Literature” series, President of the Asian Association of Journalists;

· Adel Khouzam (UAE) – poet, writer, translator, columnist for Al‑Ittihad newspaper;

· Rubén Darío Flórez Arcila (Colombia) – poet, novelist, translator from Russian into Spanish;

· Dr. Wole Okediran (Ghana) – writer, Secretary‑General of the Pan‑African Writers Association (PAWA).

Participants discussed the role of literature in shaping the worldview of contemporary humanity and in creating positive scenarios for the future development of humankind.

The session moderator, President of the World Organization of Writers (WOW) and Chair of the Literary Council of the Assembly of Peoples of the World Margarita Al, noted:

- Literature is not merely a reflection of reality; it is a tool for building the future. Today we saw how writers from different parts of the world, despite cultural differences, strive to create an image of the future human being based on humanistic ideals, responsibility, and creative aspirations. This gives us hope that through literature we can shape new values for generations to come.

The panelists discussed what the human of the future might look like in literature and how these images influence readers today. They also talked about the cultural and philosophical ideas that shape this image, and how humanitarian and scientific approaches can be combined to better envision the future through literature. Examples of contemporary works that help develop critical thinking and a desire for creation among young people were cited.

Following the meeting, participants formulated key conclusions and recommendations. The World Peoples Assembly announced plans to develop international literary cooperation and invited participants to join the cultural program of the II World Public Summit.

The session was a step towards strengthening cooperation between writers, scholars, educators, and cultural figures, and set a direction for further reflection on the theme of the future human in literature.

For more information, please visit the official websites of the World Public Summits and the World Peoples Assembly, or contact us at media@world‑assembly.org.