World Public Summit Africa convenes in Ethiopia with 700 participants

The inaugural World Public Summit Africa was held over two days at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Organized by the World People’s Assembly in partnership with African and international bodies, the summit’s theme was “A New World: Africa Shaping a Shared Future.” More than 700 delegates—including government officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, journalists, technology innovators, youth representatives and civil‑society actors—participated in plenary sessions and round‑table discussions on sustainable infrastructure, food and information systems, scientific cooperation, education, youth engagement, public diplomacy and the preservation of African cultural heritage.

Among the attendees was Cuban scientist and university professor Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, who joined debates on scientific cooperation and innovation. The event also featured the large‑scale “Unity” art exhibition, showcasing works from artists in 16 African nations and an Afro‑Brazilian artist, highlighted by Secretary‑General Andrey Belyaninov’s remark that “art is one of the most universal languages of humanity and an effective instrument of public diplomacy.” The summit’s outcomes are intended to inform the second World Public Assembly scheduled for September in Moscow, Russia.