thesilkroadtoday
Medellín, Colombia – July 2026
The World Assembly of Peoples (WAP) and the World Organization of Writers (WOW) are pleased to announce their partnership with the 36th Medellín International Poetry Festival, one of the world’s most respected and influential poetry gatherings.
This partnership represents a natural alliance between institutions and a festival that share common values and aspirations: the promotion of peace and mutual understanding, respect for human dignity, support for multilingualism and cultural diversity, and the strengthening of dialogue and civic solidarity through the arts.
For more than three decades, the Medellín International Poetry Festival has demonstrated that poetry is not merely a literary expression but an essential organ of humanity’s collective conscience. Following his participation in the festival, the renowned Russian poet Andrei Voznesensky described poetry as “the highest of the arts,” capable of connecting people as the direct expression of the human spirit.
Under the visionary leadership of Fernando Rendón, the festival has evolved into a global cultural landmark, bringing together nearly 1,700 poets from 175 countries and presenting poetry in approximately 100 languages. The festival stands as a living testament to the unifying power of literature and the enduring relevance of poetic expression in contemporary society.
Representing Russia at this year’s edition of the festival is the poet Margarita Al, President of the World Organization of Writers.
The World Assembly of Peoples serves as a strategic partner and institutional pillar for WOW, providing organizational, informational, and international support that enables writers and literary professionals worldwide to strengthen cultural connections and enhance their public visibility. The Assembly also embraces and promotes WOW’s central motto:
“We Are the People of One Planet.”
This principle has become the conceptual foundation of their joint programs and international cultural initiatives.
The partnership with the Medellín International Poetry Festival reinforces the strategic mission shared by the World Assembly of Peoples and the World Organization of Writers: to affirm poetry as a force for unity, peace, and cultural diplomacy. Poetry transcends borders, deepens understanding among peoples, and continually reminds humanity of its shared destiny.
As the world faces increasing divisions and uncertainties, this partnership underscores a timeless truth:
“We Are the People of One Planet” — may these words resonate in every language of the world.
Margarita Al
Poet and President
World Organization of Writers (WOW)
