Culture Plays a Key Role in Building Bridges of Communication at World Public Assembly

The Russian Society for International Cooperation organized a symposium entitled "The Role of Public Diplomacy in Building Bridges of Communication Between Peoples."

Moderated by Vladimir Polozkov and Marina Korosteleva, the symposium is held as part of the activities of the inaugural World Public Assembly in Moscow from September 20-21, under the theme “A New World of conscious Unity.”

The symposium brought together delegations from 30 countries, including Egypt. It addressed the role of civil society and public diplomacy in bringing people together, as well as the importance of activating cultural relations, which represent soft power not only at the governmental level but also at the civil society level.

There is no doubt that intercultural dialogue is a fundamental pillar for achieving peace and cooperation between countries and contributes to laying the foundations for a new world based on mutual respect and acceptance of the other.

Addressing participants in a video message, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that adhering to spiritual and moral values, such as family, patriotism, and respect for one's roots, is an essential factor in confronting current global challenges. He emphasized that open dialogue between people is the best path to achieving global stability.

Sherif Gad, President of the Egyptian Association of Graduates of Russian and Soviet Universities and Secretary-General of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association, commented that cultural communication between peoples can help eliminate the nationalist and religious fanaticism that has spread recently.

He also emphasized that accepting other cultures helps foster human rapprochement and reject fanaticism.

“The cultures of peoples belong to them, and it is impermissible to boycott a people's culture, as is happening today with Russian culture. The United States and Western countries are completely boycotting Russian culture, which is unprecedented and unacceptable,” Gad said.

He pointed out that what is happening is increasing confrontations, and that cultural cooperation will create a climate that contributes to strengthening relations between peoples.