World Forum
“And of course, only through the efforts of states — under the active engagement and constant pressure of global civil society — can we build a new political architecture of security and global governance.”
— From “After the Kremlin,” by Mikhail Gorbachev
— From “After the Kremlin,” by Mikhail Gorbachev
About the World Forum
The World Forum is an international, non-governmental, and non-profit initiative dedicated to empowering civil society to play a meaningful role in addressing today’s global challenges.
It brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, cultural and artistic figures, journalists, policymakers, and thinkers from around the world — united by a shared commitment to shaping a more harmonious and just future for humanity.
The Forum serves as an open platform for dialogue between global civil society and institutions of national and international governance. Our goal is to introduce an independent, dynamic, and expert-driven discourse into global policymaking — one grounded in the values of humanism, sustainability, and collective responsibility.
It brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, cultural and artistic figures, journalists, policymakers, and thinkers from around the world — united by a shared commitment to shaping a more harmonious and just future for humanity.
The Forum serves as an open platform for dialogue between global civil society and institutions of national and international governance. Our goal is to introduce an independent, dynamic, and expert-driven discourse into global policymaking — one grounded in the values of humanism, sustainability, and collective responsibility.
Our Focus
| How It All Began In 2015, Mikhail Gorbachev — Former President of the USSR, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate — proposed the creation of an international platform for dialogue between governing institutions and global civil society on the world’s most pressing challenges. This initiative came to be known as the World Forum. It emerged in response to escalating global crises and a growing lack of trust in international politics — factors that had significantly slowed humanity’s progress toward sustainable development. In a series of letters exchanged with UNESCO and prominent world leaders, Gorbachev laid out the philosophy, objectives, and envisioned structure of the Forum. Today, we share these historic documents as both a source of inspiration and the foundation of our mission. |
Dear Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Irina Bokova,
Dear Participants of the 38th Session of the UNESCO General Conference,
I extend my warmest congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of UNESCO.
By supporting the cultural identity of the world’s peoples, UNESCO plays a vital role in shaping the shared values upon which lasting peace must be built.
The era of ideologies claiming the superiority of certain nations or social groups over others is behind us. The global confrontation between political systems — which once brought humanity to the brink of nuclear annihilation — has come to an end. Yet, regrettably, the opportunity to build a safer and more just world based on principles of justice and humanism has been missed.
The technological revolution we are witnessing today offers immense potential to address the global challenges facing humankind — but that potential remains largely untapped. Short-term political interests of nation-states often conflict with the fundamental interests of the planet’s inhabitants. As a result, a growing disillusionment is taking hold among people around the world. Once again, humanity is approaching a dangerous threshold.
At the same time, ongoing processes of globalization are giving rise to a global civil society that is seeking new forms and mechanisms of influence on national governments, intergovernmental and international organizations, transnational corporations, and financial institutions — all of which play a defining role in shaping global policy today.
I believe it is essential to support the consolidation of this emerging global civil society so that it may participate meaningfully in addressing the key issues of world politics.
To advance this goal, my colleagues and I propose the establishment of a non-governmental, non-profit organization — the World Forum — envisioned as an open platform for dialogue, where representatives of global civil society and decision-makers at all levels can work together to seek solutions to the major global challenges of our time.
We invite UNESCO to take part in the creation and activities of the World Forum. We likewise invite scientists, experts, public figures, artists, cultural leaders, politicians, journalists, entrepreneurs, members of civic organizations, and all responsible and engaged citizens — as well as national governments, international and intergovernmental institutions, and transnational corporations — to join us in this endeavor.
There is no doubt that the World Forum will work in close cooperation with UNESCO and will contribute meaningfully to its noble mission.
I wish you and UNESCO continued success in your service to humanity.
Mikhail S. Gorbachev
Former President of the USSR
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Dear Participants of the 38th Session of the UNESCO General Conference,
I extend my warmest congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of UNESCO.
By supporting the cultural identity of the world’s peoples, UNESCO plays a vital role in shaping the shared values upon which lasting peace must be built.
The era of ideologies claiming the superiority of certain nations or social groups over others is behind us. The global confrontation between political systems — which once brought humanity to the brink of nuclear annihilation — has come to an end. Yet, regrettably, the opportunity to build a safer and more just world based on principles of justice and humanism has been missed.
The technological revolution we are witnessing today offers immense potential to address the global challenges facing humankind — but that potential remains largely untapped. Short-term political interests of nation-states often conflict with the fundamental interests of the planet’s inhabitants. As a result, a growing disillusionment is taking hold among people around the world. Once again, humanity is approaching a dangerous threshold.
At the same time, ongoing processes of globalization are giving rise to a global civil society that is seeking new forms and mechanisms of influence on national governments, intergovernmental and international organizations, transnational corporations, and financial institutions — all of which play a defining role in shaping global policy today.
I believe it is essential to support the consolidation of this emerging global civil society so that it may participate meaningfully in addressing the key issues of world politics.
To advance this goal, my colleagues and I propose the establishment of a non-governmental, non-profit organization — the World Forum — envisioned as an open platform for dialogue, where representatives of global civil society and decision-makers at all levels can work together to seek solutions to the major global challenges of our time.
We invite UNESCO to take part in the creation and activities of the World Forum. We likewise invite scientists, experts, public figures, artists, cultural leaders, politicians, journalists, entrepreneurs, members of civic organizations, and all responsible and engaged citizens — as well as national governments, international and intergovernmental institutions, and transnational corporations — to join us in this endeavor.
There is no doubt that the World Forum will work in close cooperation with UNESCO and will contribute meaningfully to its noble mission.
I wish you and UNESCO continued success in your service to humanity.
Mikhail S. Gorbachev
Former President of the USSR
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Dear Federico,
As you may recall — and not without your encouragement — I addressed the participants of the 38th session of the UNESCO General Conference on November 17, 2015, to propose the creation of an international non-governmental, non-profit organization: the World Forum. This initiative was met with understanding and support from the current Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova.
The idea was prompted by the alarming situation we face today.
Nation-states, regional blocs, the United Nations, and other international institutions are increasingly unable to maintain peace or prevent the humanitarian tragedies that have overwhelmed many countries in recent years.
I believe only moral and intellectual solidarity among humankind can stop this dangerous slide toward a new Cold War — or perhaps even a hot one. To achieve this, we must establish a mechanism for meaningful participation of global civil society in international affairs. There is a growing need for civil society to exert real and sustained pressure on global policymaking. Only then can we hope to build a new political architecture for peace and global governance.
This is why I proposed the establishment of the World Forum — an international platform for dialogue between public authorities and civil society to collectively search for solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
Modern information and communication technologies now make it possible to hold this kind of dialogue on a truly planetary scale. In time, this effort could evolve into a global civil society network — one capable of fostering connection, coordination, and collective impact on a worldwide level.
I have always considered you a trusted friend and a like-minded ally in the broad field of humanitarian thought. That is why I warmly invite you to take part in the creation and work of the World Forum.
I would also be grateful if you would encourage participation in the Forum from statesmen and public leaders, representatives of the business and financial communities, scientists and artists, and all people of goodwill who share our values and our concern for the fate of humanity at this pivotal moment in history.
Sincerely,
Mikhail S. Gorbachev
Former President of the USSR
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
As you may recall — and not without your encouragement — I addressed the participants of the 38th session of the UNESCO General Conference on November 17, 2015, to propose the creation of an international non-governmental, non-profit organization: the World Forum. This initiative was met with understanding and support from the current Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova.
The idea was prompted by the alarming situation we face today.
Nation-states, regional blocs, the United Nations, and other international institutions are increasingly unable to maintain peace or prevent the humanitarian tragedies that have overwhelmed many countries in recent years.
I believe only moral and intellectual solidarity among humankind can stop this dangerous slide toward a new Cold War — or perhaps even a hot one. To achieve this, we must establish a mechanism for meaningful participation of global civil society in international affairs. There is a growing need for civil society to exert real and sustained pressure on global policymaking. Only then can we hope to build a new political architecture for peace and global governance.
This is why I proposed the establishment of the World Forum — an international platform for dialogue between public authorities and civil society to collectively search for solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
Modern information and communication technologies now make it possible to hold this kind of dialogue on a truly planetary scale. In time, this effort could evolve into a global civil society network — one capable of fostering connection, coordination, and collective impact on a worldwide level.
I have always considered you a trusted friend and a like-minded ally in the broad field of humanitarian thought. That is why I warmly invite you to take part in the creation and work of the World Forum.
I would also be grateful if you would encourage participation in the Forum from statesmen and public leaders, representatives of the business and financial communities, scientists and artists, and all people of goodwill who share our values and our concern for the fate of humanity at this pivotal moment in history.
Sincerely,
Mikhail S. Gorbachev
Former President of the USSR
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Dear Mr. Gorbachev,
Allow me to thank you for your message, in which you congratulated UNESCO on the occasion of its 70th anniversary and shared your intention to establish a non-governmental, non-profit organization — the World Forum — envisioned as an open space for dialogue between civil society and public authorities on global issues.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your positive assessment of UNESCO’s role in building lasting peace based on universal values, respect for cultural diversity, and the protection of human rights. The humanistic mandate of our organization was strongly reaffirmed during the historic 38th session of the General Conference. As you rightly note in your letter, in the face of growing global tensions, it is more essential than ever to strengthen solidarity, resilience, and social cohesion, to defend freedom of expression, and to harness the richness of cultural diversity and shared human heritage as a unifying force.
The new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2015, is both people-centered and people-driven — the result of an unprecedented global consultation. Its ambitious vision for the next 15 years can only succeed through the broad and inclusive participation of all stakeholders. Civil society will play a pivotal role in this process — shaping national and global policy agendas, strengthening accountability, and empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to actively transform their communities.
In this regard, I welcome your initiative and highly value your commitment to establishing an inclusive organization built on broad participation.
During the recent 38th session, UNESCO Member States reaffirmed the importance of cooperation with non-governmental organizations to ensure the effective implementation of UNESCO’s mandate and to enhance the impact of its activities at global, national, and local levels. In this context, UNESCO is open to exploring opportunities for alignment and collaboration with the World Forum, in line with our organization’s mission.
Once again, let me thank you for your unwavering dedication to strengthening international cooperation.
Sincerely,
Irina Bokova
Allow me to thank you for your message, in which you congratulated UNESCO on the occasion of its 70th anniversary and shared your intention to establish a non-governmental, non-profit organization — the World Forum — envisioned as an open space for dialogue between civil society and public authorities on global issues.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your positive assessment of UNESCO’s role in building lasting peace based on universal values, respect for cultural diversity, and the protection of human rights. The humanistic mandate of our organization was strongly reaffirmed during the historic 38th session of the General Conference. As you rightly note in your letter, in the face of growing global tensions, it is more essential than ever to strengthen solidarity, resilience, and social cohesion, to defend freedom of expression, and to harness the richness of cultural diversity and shared human heritage as a unifying force.
The new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2015, is both people-centered and people-driven — the result of an unprecedented global consultation. Its ambitious vision for the next 15 years can only succeed through the broad and inclusive participation of all stakeholders. Civil society will play a pivotal role in this process — shaping national and global policy agendas, strengthening accountability, and empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to actively transform their communities.
In this regard, I welcome your initiative and highly value your commitment to establishing an inclusive organization built on broad participation.
During the recent 38th session, UNESCO Member States reaffirmed the importance of cooperation with non-governmental organizations to ensure the effective implementation of UNESCO’s mandate and to enhance the impact of its activities at global, national, and local levels. In this context, UNESCO is open to exploring opportunities for alignment and collaboration with the World Forum, in line with our organization’s mission.
Once again, let me thank you for your unwavering dedication to strengthening international cooperation.
Sincerely,
Irina Bokova
Dear Mr. Johann,
Please accept my warm congratulations on your inauguration as President of the Swiss Confederation. I wish you good health, strength, energy, and success in fulfilling your important public duties.
I have visited your country many times and have always admired Switzerland’s mature civil society, where citizens are actively involved in decision-making, as well as your unique political culture that has enabled diverse peoples to live in harmony for centuries while preserving their distinct identities. Thanks to its longstanding neutrality, Switzerland hosts many key peace negotiations and is home to the headquarters of numerous respected international organizations. In this way, your country makes an invaluable contribution to global peace and stability.
I have a deeply personal connection to Geneva, where one of the most pivotal moments of my life took place. It was there, 30 years ago, that the doctrine was born: “A nuclear war must never be fought, for it can never be won.” This principle paved the way for historic agreements on the elimination of entire classes of nuclear weapons and the radical reduction of strategic arsenals. It marked the beginning of détente. A wind of change began to blow from Geneva. Walls came down. The nuclear threat, one of the most urgent global challenges of that time, faded into the background, and resources were freed up for development. As a result, the global economy gained powerful momentum.
Yet the opportunity to build a safer world was ultimately lost.
The United Nations — founded by sovereign nations to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and to uphold faith in fundamental human rights and the dignity of every person — has not always been effective in critical situations, and has failed to address many urgent humanitarian needs.
Countries that have achieved remarkable success in generating both material and spiritual wealth and improving the quality of life for their citizens still fall short in using their capacity to solve the global challenges facing humanity.
The scientific and technological revolution underway offers tremendous opportunities to address these problems and unlock the full potential of human progress — but those opportunities remain underutilized.
At the same time, we are witnessing the humanization of public life. The number and influence of non-governmental, non-profit organizations is growing at local, national, regional, and international levels. Their credibility is rising. The ongoing processes of globalization are rapidly giving rise to a global civil society.
I am convinced that global civil society must become an active participant in world affairs. Until this happens, the global challenges we face will remain unresolved.
This is why my colleagues and I — citizens of different countries, united by a sense of responsibility for the future of our world — have resolved to establish an international, non-governmental, non-profit organization: the World Forum. Its mission is to provide an open platform for dialogue focused on identifying solutions to the critical global challenges of our time. We invite politicians, public leaders, scientists, experts, artists, and socially engaged citizens from all nations who share the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to participate in these discussions.
To support this large-scale undertaking, we plan to create a dedicated social network and develop advanced technological infrastructure capable of managing vast amounts of information and coordinating the efforts of millions of people working on complex tasks and projects.
Our work will be supported through public fundraising (crowdfunding) and collaborative engagement (crowdsourcing) to solve specific challenges.
We are confident that the World Forum will strengthen the global civil society and increase its impact on international policymaking. We hope this will accelerate the resolution of many pressing global problems that stand in the way of building a more just and humane world.
I first presented these ideas at the 38th session of the UNESCO General Conference on November 17, 2015, attended by heads of state and government gathered to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the UNESCO Constitution.
Mr. President,
Switzerland plays a vital role in international affairs. Geneva alone hosts thousands of global meetings and conferences every year on key international issues, including conflict resolution and peacebuilding. I trust that the role of Geneva as the European hub of the United Nations will only grow stronger. All of this aligns closely with the intended mission of our organization.
That is why we would like to register and establish the headquarters of the World Forum in the Swiss Confederation — in Geneva, the city where so many of the world’s political decisions are shaped. We hope that, once again, a wind of change may blow from Geneva.
I respectfully ask you — the President of the Swiss Confederation — as well as the cantonal authorities and all civic leaders, politicians, businesspeople, and scholars who find value in our vision, to support and take part in the Forum’s activities.
I also kindly ask you to receive my official representative, Vitaly Nasedkin, at your convenience. He is responsible for leading the Forum’s registration process and would greatly benefit from your guidance and support.
Sincerely,
Mikhail S. Gorbachev
Former President of the USSR
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Please accept my warm congratulations on your inauguration as President of the Swiss Confederation. I wish you good health, strength, energy, and success in fulfilling your important public duties.
I have visited your country many times and have always admired Switzerland’s mature civil society, where citizens are actively involved in decision-making, as well as your unique political culture that has enabled diverse peoples to live in harmony for centuries while preserving their distinct identities. Thanks to its longstanding neutrality, Switzerland hosts many key peace negotiations and is home to the headquarters of numerous respected international organizations. In this way, your country makes an invaluable contribution to global peace and stability.
I have a deeply personal connection to Geneva, where one of the most pivotal moments of my life took place. It was there, 30 years ago, that the doctrine was born: “A nuclear war must never be fought, for it can never be won.” This principle paved the way for historic agreements on the elimination of entire classes of nuclear weapons and the radical reduction of strategic arsenals. It marked the beginning of détente. A wind of change began to blow from Geneva. Walls came down. The nuclear threat, one of the most urgent global challenges of that time, faded into the background, and resources were freed up for development. As a result, the global economy gained powerful momentum.
Yet the opportunity to build a safer world was ultimately lost.
The United Nations — founded by sovereign nations to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and to uphold faith in fundamental human rights and the dignity of every person — has not always been effective in critical situations, and has failed to address many urgent humanitarian needs.
Countries that have achieved remarkable success in generating both material and spiritual wealth and improving the quality of life for their citizens still fall short in using their capacity to solve the global challenges facing humanity.
The scientific and technological revolution underway offers tremendous opportunities to address these problems and unlock the full potential of human progress — but those opportunities remain underutilized.
At the same time, we are witnessing the humanization of public life. The number and influence of non-governmental, non-profit organizations is growing at local, national, regional, and international levels. Their credibility is rising. The ongoing processes of globalization are rapidly giving rise to a global civil society.
I am convinced that global civil society must become an active participant in world affairs. Until this happens, the global challenges we face will remain unresolved.
This is why my colleagues and I — citizens of different countries, united by a sense of responsibility for the future of our world — have resolved to establish an international, non-governmental, non-profit organization: the World Forum. Its mission is to provide an open platform for dialogue focused on identifying solutions to the critical global challenges of our time. We invite politicians, public leaders, scientists, experts, artists, and socially engaged citizens from all nations who share the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to participate in these discussions.
To support this large-scale undertaking, we plan to create a dedicated social network and develop advanced technological infrastructure capable of managing vast amounts of information and coordinating the efforts of millions of people working on complex tasks and projects.
Our work will be supported through public fundraising (crowdfunding) and collaborative engagement (crowdsourcing) to solve specific challenges.
We are confident that the World Forum will strengthen the global civil society and increase its impact on international policymaking. We hope this will accelerate the resolution of many pressing global problems that stand in the way of building a more just and humane world.
I first presented these ideas at the 38th session of the UNESCO General Conference on November 17, 2015, attended by heads of state and government gathered to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the UNESCO Constitution.
Mr. President,
Switzerland plays a vital role in international affairs. Geneva alone hosts thousands of global meetings and conferences every year on key international issues, including conflict resolution and peacebuilding. I trust that the role of Geneva as the European hub of the United Nations will only grow stronger. All of this aligns closely with the intended mission of our organization.
That is why we would like to register and establish the headquarters of the World Forum in the Swiss Confederation — in Geneva, the city where so many of the world’s political decisions are shaped. We hope that, once again, a wind of change may blow from Geneva.
I respectfully ask you — the President of the Swiss Confederation — as well as the cantonal authorities and all civic leaders, politicians, businesspeople, and scholars who find value in our vision, to support and take part in the Forum’s activities.
I also kindly ask you to receive my official representative, Vitaly Nasedkin, at your convenience. He is responsible for leading the Forum’s registration process and would greatly benefit from your guidance and support.
Sincerely,
Mikhail S. Gorbachev
Former President of the USSR
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
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World Forum
International non-governmental organization
Geneva, Swiss Confederation
International non-governmental organization
Geneva, Swiss Confederation
