thesilkroadtoday
A Global Platform for Cultural and Economic Dialogue and the Promotion of People’s Diplomacy
The Republic of Tunisia is hosting the “Days of the Assembly of the Peoples of the World” from April 23 to 29, 2026, organized jointly by the International Union of Non-Governmental Organizations “Assembly of the Peoples of the World” and the Tunisian–Russian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. This international event has brought together a distinguished group of intellectuals, experts, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives from across the globe. The initiative serves as a platform to strengthen intercultural dialogue, support sustainable development, and expand prospects for economic and humanitarian cooperation.
The program commenced with the arrival of participants and their accommodation at El Mouradi Gammarth Hotel in the capital, followed by a diverse series of forums and activities spanning culture, thought, and economics. In Tunis, the first sessions included roundtables addressing traditional crafts and their role in sustainable regional development, while highlighting the importance of heritage in supporting local economies.
The Russian House in Tunis proudly hosted the official opening of the Russian–Arab Literature Pavilion, marking a significant cultural moment within the framework of the event. The pavilion was inaugurated by Margarita Al, President of the World Organization of Writers (WOW), alongside Ashraf Aboul-Yazid (Egypt), Vice President of the WOW Media Group. The ceremony brought together cultural figures in a shared celebration of literary dialogue and exchange between the Russian and Arab worlds.
The newly opened pavilion features a carefully curated selection of books representing diverse voices in both contemporary and classical literature. These works were generously donated by members of the international delegation to enrich the library of the Russian House in Tunis, reinforcing its role as a vibrant cultural hub and a meeting point for ideas, languages, and traditions. The event also included a special showcase and exhibition of books authored by winners of the WOW awards, adding a valuable dimension to the institution’s literary collection and strengthening its mission as a dynamic center for cultural and intellectual exchange.
At the Tunis International Book Fair, a major international session titled “Stories of the Peoples of the World” highlighted storytelling as a bridge for transmitting shared wisdom and values, and as a means of enhancing human happiness and mutual understanding among cultures.
The event was attended by a large audience, including Ms. Khristina Romanenko, President, The Tunisian – Russian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
It is expected that the meeting with the Tunisian Writers’ Union will witness the granting of membership in the World Organization of Writers to five Tunisian authors, as well as the signing of a joint cooperation agreement on translation and a World Languages contract.
In a symbolic gesture reflecting the depth of historical ties, participants traveled to Menzel Bourguiba in Binzerte to commemorate Russian soldiers who took part in World War I. The visit included tours of sites linked to the Russian presence in Tunisia, as well as an environmental initiative marking the 70th anniversary of Tunisian–Russian diplomatic relations. The Russian Naval Squadron House Museum also hosted an expert discussion presenting Tunisia as a meeting point of shared historical memory.
In Hammamet, cultural and artistic activities for children marked the conclusion of international competitions promoting peace and creativity. The program also featured visits to Tunisia’s most prominent historical sites, including Carthage, the Bardo Museum, and Sidi Bou Said. The city further hosted the International Forum for Women’s Entrepreneurship, which explored the role of women in the global economy and the importance of women’s networks in building cohesive societies, alongside creative workshops, artistic performances, and exhibitions by African women artists.
Activities continued in Tunis with the participation of the Assembly’s delegation in an international conference on investment and trade in Africa, addressing ways to build economic trust among nations and link it to sustainable development. Academic institutions also hosted roundtables focusing on scientific and educational cooperation as a foundation for a shared future, with particular emphasis on the role of youth in creating global opportunities.
The event will conclude with a series of activities combining economic engagement and people’s diplomacy, including presentations by the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, an international forum on people’s diplomacy in a changing world, and the honoring of winners of the national stage of the “Leader of People’s Diplomacy” competition. An exhibition showcasing the activities of the Assembly of the Peoples of the World will also be held, followed by an official reception bringing participants together in a celebratory atmosphere reflecting cooperation and mutual understanding.
This international gathering reaffirms Tunisia’s position as a hub for dialogue and cultural convergence, and as a bridge connecting continents. It also underscores the importance of collective efforts in building a more peaceful and understanding world based on shared human values and the exchange of knowledge and experience.
