Addis Ababa will host the World Public Summit on July 29 and 30, 2026, marking the first time the international event takes place on African soil. Organised by the World Peoples Assembly in partnership with African organisations, the summit—themed “A New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future”—will gather representatives from all 54 African nations, including public diplomacy leaders, academics, youth activists, and business executives, to discuss global cooperation and sustainable development.
The core business programme will convene on July 30 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters. The agenda features strategic dialogues and expert panels focusing on value-based development, cultural diplomacy, food security, and technology-driven innovation. High-profile attendees confirmed for the event include Saidou Madougou of the African Union, Rita Bissoonauth from UNESCO, and Zuzana Schwidrowski of UNECA.
The summit builds directly on the momentum generated by the First World Public Assembly held in Moscow in September 2025. It also functions as a foundational step toward the Second World Public Assembly, scheduled for September 18 and 19, 2026, in Moscow. Organisers note that the choice of location reflects Africa’s expanding demographic and economic influence in contemporary global affairs.
A central outcome of the two-day gathering will be the adoption of the African Communiqué. This document will outline actionable recommendations designed to strengthen educational, humanitarian, and cultural cooperation between African countries and other global regions. The final text will be officially presented at the subsequent Moscow assembly later this year.
In addition to policy discussions, the event will feature the regional award ceremony of the Fifth International Competition for Leaders of Public Diplomacy at the ADWA Victory Memorial Museum. According to Andrey Belyaninov, General Secretary of the World Peoples Assembly, the event represents a structural step toward building international dialogue rooted in mutual respect and cultural diversity.