The World Public Assembly will host the Second Congress of the World Organization of Writers (WOW) on 20–21 September 2025, bringing together literary voices from more than 100 countries under the theme “We are People of the Same Planet.”
Following its inaugural congress in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2024, WOW is expanding its global reach with the Moscow gathering.
Seven parallel round tables will form the heart of the event, exploring diverse themes including the role of writers’ communities in shaping humanistic agendas, the art of translation, the impact of media on literature, and the contribution of education and universities.
Other panels will highlight young authors, publishing platforms, and the intersections of drama and cinematography.
Margarita Al, President of WOW, described the congress as a “strategic format” designed to turn dialogue into action. “We are simultaneously organising seven round tables, seven topics, seven areas that do not compete, but overlap. This creates a lively, horizontal dialogue and allows us to make practical decisions. It is not just discussion – it is about starting a movement,” she said.
Writers confirmed for the congress represent a wide spectrum of nations including Ghana, Algeria, Brazil, India, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
For the first time, all winners of the WOW Award may gather under one roof. A symbolic handover of the WOW flag will also take place, with Nigeria, represented by writer Wale Okediran, passing the baton to Russia, represented by poet and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Alexandra Ochirova.
The congress will conclude with the announcement of the next WOW Award winners and the host country for the 2026 edition. Organisers stress that the event is not merely ceremonial but aims to produce tangible outcomes.
“We want new translations, joint projects and support programmes. The most important thing is to launch initiatives that strengthen international literary cooperation, so that every participant leaves with the sense that something real has begun,” Margarita Al added.
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