Multipolar world in focus as Russia hosts 2nd int’l congress

More than 300 representatives from 130 countries were in Russia for the second congress of the International Russophile Movement (IRM) which was held from February 26 to 27, 2024.

The participants, with diverse professional backgrounds and religious persuasions, were drawn from all the continents of the world.

IRM, with the support of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the administration of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, was created in 2023 in Moscow.

One of its aims, according to the founders, is to counter the antics of bipolarism being championed by the West, and champion a world in which fairness is the norm and the beliefs and cultures of people are not polluted.

IRM also opposes the unleashed campaign of Russophobia, as well as canvasses support for the Russian humanitarian and cultural presence in the world with the participation of representatives of countries, religions and political beliefs.

Those who spoke at the event, among them Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov; Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova; and philosopher, Alexander Dugin; emphasised the indispensability of a multipolar world order, dialogue of cultures and civilisations, protection of traditional values, opposition to Western hegemony, persistent destruction of the institution of the family, and most importantly, a peaceful world.

In his speech, the Vice President of IRM, Souleymane Anta Ndiaye, from Senegal, noted that Western propaganda was deeply entrenched in Africa, hence the need for an alternative narrative.

He said Africa and its people were suffering a lot and, therefore, were in support of a multipolar world that would support their social, economic and cultural emancipation.

Ndiaye noted that he was happy with the impressive participation of African delegates and expressed confidence that they had a lot to offer going forward.

Multipolarity - the idea that there are many important global powers, not just a few superpowers - also aims to achieve economic interdependence, cultural pluralism, diplomacy and multilateralism, technological advancement, security, cooperation, adaptability and flexibility.