Moscow Roundtable Supports BRICS+ Countries' Cooperation

Moscow, Russia – On October 13, 2025, a roundtable titled “Global Initiatives of BRICS+ Countries in the Fields of Economy, New Technologies, Culture, and Education” was held at the State Duma of the Russian Federation. The event was organized within the framework of the BRICS Cultural Media Forum in partnership with the Moscow branch of UPF.

The session was moderated by Mr. Sergey Dvoryanov, president of the international club Amicability, who is an expert in international communications, a journalist, and a public figure.

A welcoming address was delivered by Mr. Andrey Svintsov, deputy of the State Duma, who noted that cooperation, mutual understanding, and friendship among BRICS+ countries are becoming especially important today, as the world urgently needs new humanitarian and spiritual initiatives.

On behalf of the diplomatic corps, participants were greeted by Amb. Genet Teshome Jirru of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. He expressed hope for strengthening relations between Russia and Ethiopia in the fields of economy, education, culture, and civil society dialogue.

Special attention during the discussion was devoted to international cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. Mr. Sergey Shurygin, president of the International Academy for Spiritual Unity of the Peoples of the World, proposed establishing in Russia a national “Millennium Peace Prize” – an analogue to the Nobel Peace Prize – aimed at honoring genuine peacemakers whose work strengthens the moral and spiritual foundations of society, regardless of political circumstances.

Representing UPF, Mr. Dmitry Samko, chairman of UPF-Moscow, addressed the participants. He emphasized that the federation’s activities are based on three universal principles: interdependence, mutual prosperity, and universal values. These ideas are being implemented, among other ways, through an international campaign dedicated to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, which promotes educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives in all regions.

He also spoke about the Ambassadors for Peace program, which unites people who embody a culture of dialogue, service, and responsibility in their daily lives. Dmitry Samko noted: “The title ambassador for peace is not merely a mark of recognition but an expression of trust and mission – to unite people, inspire service, and uphold moral standards within their communities.”

During the ceremony, it was noted that each Ambassador for Peace diploma bears the signatures of the founders of UPF – Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han – who dedicated their entire lives to the cause of peace, harmony, and the unity of humankind. Their legacy continues to inspire millions of people around the world to build bridges of understanding and to uphold the values of love, service, and global responsibility.

During the roundtable, a ceremonial presentation of Ambassador for Peace diplomas took place, honoring new laureates. These included Mr. Arseny Kaptelov, public figure promoting global initiatives related to access to clean drinking water and youth development, whose activities reflect the spirit of UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 – ensuring clean water and sanitation for all; and Mr. Vasily Zovdun, vice president of the Center for Business Cooperation with Foreign Countries, who actively develops economic and humanitarian ties with African nations, as well as charitable projects aimed at poverty eradication.

Concluding the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of expanding international cooperation in humanitarian and cultural spheres. They highlighted that the values of dialogue and mutual understanding should form the foundation of all integration processes.

It was also announced that the next candidate to receive the title of Ambassador for Peace will be Amb. Genet Teshome Jirru of Ethiopia, a decision reached during the roundtable.

Such platforms demonstrate that, in an era of global transformation, spiritual and moral values become the main source of inspiration for a sustainable future.

By Dmitry Samko, UPF-Russia October 13, 2025