WPA Participants Call for Greater Investment in Human Capital to Build Trust and Economic Growth
Moscow, Russia
Participants at the First World Public Assembly (WPA) emphasized that investing in human capital is the key to restoring trust between people, businesses, and governments, and to laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth in a multipolar world.
The message was delivered during the panel session “From People’s Trust to the Trust of Economies: Humanitarian Foundations of International Partnership,” one of the flagship events of the WPA Business Forum, which brought together economic representatives from Angola, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, Switzerland, and other countries.
Opening the session, Andrei Belyaninov, Secretary General of the World Peoples Assembly, stressed the importance of meaningful dialogue between businesses across borders.
“I am very glad that we are at such a level of development that it is of undoubted interest to businesses from different countries,” Belyaninov said. “Your contacts will be useful, and as a result of these conversations, you will have new business initiatives and business projects.”
Speakers agreed that businesses must go beyond profit-making and actively participate in addressing social, environmental, and humanitarian challenges. Sheikh Naif Al-Muhana Aladwani of Kuwait underscored this responsibility, noting that forums like the WPA foster cooperation and shared accountability.
Panelists called for an approach that places people at the center of economic development.
Dr. Kang Zaw, Union Minister of Finance and Revenue of Myanmar, noted:
“Trust in economy and people's trust are strongly interconnected. We must take into account universal values and create partnerships to go beyond borders.”
Echoing this view, Svyatozar Darnev, Chairman of the Russian construction and financial association Osnova, said:
“The economy of life began with the search for meanings. The economy is based on people.”
Representing the private sector, Sabena Johannes, CEO of Afritrack Angola Construção Civil S.A., called for a focus on healthcare, education, and peace as the foundation of sustainable prosperity.
“Human values depend on fundamental things: healthcare, education. And most importantly, peace on the planet. If there is peace, then we will prosper,” she said.
Speakers highlighted that humanitarian cooperation and social investments create the trust needed for long-term economic partnerships.
The session concluded with a strong call for investment in education, infrastructure, and culture as enablers of youth empowerment and innovation.
Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian, Former Senator of Malaysia and Managing Partner at WIPPD Ltd., stressed:
“Education is very important! Investing in the next generation leads to youth diplomacy, and through it, to the prosperity of the future.”
Participants agreed that in a time of geopolitical uncertainty and digital transformation, trust — not competition — must be the cornerstone of international economic relations. The recommendations of the panel will inform future WPA initiatives focused on education, healthcare, ecological sustainability, and cultural cooperation.