Representation of the World Russian People's Council to the United Nations
“Prayer, abstaining from non-Lenten food, attending church, and works of mercy, which should be done especially during the days of Great Lent — all this helps a person take an important step on the path to God.”
— His Holiness Patriarch Kirill
Representation of the World Russian People's Council
to the United Nations
The World Russian People’s Council (WRPC) is the largest Russian public forum. It has existed since 1993 and plays a considerable role in shaping civil society in Russia. Its sessions are traditionally attended by representatives of all branches of government, leaders of public associations, the senior clergy of Russia’s traditional religions, faculty and students of the country’s leading educational institutions, figures of science and culture, delegates of Russian communities from the near and far abroad, and many young people.
From its founding until his repose in 2008, the Head of the Council was His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus’. The current Head of the Council is His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’.
The Presidium and Council of the WRPC include well-known Russian politicians and public figures, representatives of science, culture and education, military leaders, and compatriots from the near and far abroad.
From the outset the Council was intended to be a broad public forum, a meeting place for people of different political convictions united by concern for the future of Russia and committed to constructive dialogue and active cooperation. Regional branches of the Council have been established in many cities and regions of Russia, including Volgograd, Kaliningrad, Smolensk, the Komi Republic, Sarov, Arzamas and others.
Since the founding of the World Russian People’s Council, 11 sessions have been held. Russian President V.V. Putin took part in the 6th WRPC, held in December 2001 on the theme “Russia: Faith and Civilization. A Dialogue of Eras.”
On July 21, 2005, the World Russian People’s Council was granted special consultative status with the UN. This clearly testifies to the recognition of the importance of the WRPC’s authority and experience for the work of the world organization. At the same time, the Representation of the WRPC to the UN was established to ensure cooperation between the Council and the UN.