The World Organization of Writers (WOW) is making waves in the global literary community by launching its ambitious Development Program. This initiative aims to create a new cultural and humanitarian narrative—a "literary GPS" guiding humanity through today’s social and spiritual crises. In an exclusive interview, Margarita Al, President of WOW, shares insights into the organization’s journey, achievements, and future goals.
A Year of Growth: WOW’s Journey Since Its Inception
Ashraf Aboul-Yazid: Margarita, it is a pleasure to speak with you again. In 2023, when we signed the memorandum to establish the World Organization of Writers in Cairo, you were appointed its president. This event was first announced on Nile TV in Egypt. How do you assess the path that WOW has taken over the past year?
Margarita Al:
Ashraf, I am also pleased to have this conversation. The past year has been one of intense work and development for WOW. We have expanded our global reach, bringing together writers from dozens of countries. The First World Writers’ Congress of WOW, held in Abuja, Nigeria, was a milestone, integrating Africa into the global literary conversation. Several cooperation agreements were signed, uniting diverse cultural spaces. Now, as Russia prepares to host the Second Congress in 2025, we are further solidifying our strategic direction.
WOW in Russia: A Literary Powerhouse
Ashraf Aboul-Yazid: How is WOW developing in Russia, a country with a rich literary heritage?
Margarita Al:
WOW in Russia mirrors the diversity of the global literary community. Over 40 linguistic groups have joined our network, comprising writers who have become part of Russian literature while maintaining their linguistic and cultural identities. Many of these writers have been featured in the LIFFT journal and participated in LIFFT festivals since 2015. As we celebrate WOW’s first anniversary, we also mark the tenth anniversary of the All-Russian Literary Project LIFFT (2015–2035), which laid the foundation for our global literary movement.
The Role of the Assembly of the Peoples of Eurasia and Africa
Ashraf Aboul-Yazid: What role has the Assembly of the Peoples of Eurasia and Africa played in the development of WOW?
Margarita Al:
The Assembly has been a crucial partner since its inception. Even before WOW was officially formed, we held six Eurasian literary festivals under LIFFT, which earned us global recognition. In 2019, at a festival in Azerbaijan, the idea of a global writers' union was proposed, and it received support from 52 countries, including Kazakhstan’s national poet, Olzhas Suleimenov. The Assembly became one of WOW’s founding members, alongside UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Alexandra Ochirova and myself.
The Second World Writers’ Congress in Russia (2025)
Ashraf Aboul-Yazid: In 2025, Russia will host the Second World Writers' Congress of WOW. What can we expect from this event?
Margarita Al:
The Congress will gather literary leaders from around the world, including over 50 chairpersons of writers' unions, humanitarian scholars, journalists, editors, renowned authors, Nobel laureates, and Manhae Prize winners. We will sign new cooperation agreements and expand our Board of Trustees. The highlight will be the announcement of the next host country for the Third Writers' Congress.
Shaping the Global Literary Agenda
Ashraf Aboul-Yazid: Is WOW shaping the global literary agenda?
Margarita Al:
WOW is more than a literary organization—it is a movement that redefines the role of literature in shaping civilization’s future. We don’t just document reality; we rewrite it, creating narratives that foster moral and humanitarian progress. As Alexandra Ochirova has stated:
Only a moral and responsible person can save a world overwhelmed by contradictions, poverty, hunger, inequality, and extremism. Humanitarian security and modernization must be integrated into global policies.
This vision is embedded in the WOW memorandum. We are creating a new ethical foundation for creativity—a humanitarian GPS guiding humanity toward spiritual and moral renewal.
Ashraf Aboul-Yazid: Thank you for this conversation, Margarita. I am confident that WOW will continue to grow and make a significant contribution to world literature.
Margarita Al:
Thank you, Ashraf! Literature is a powerful bridge between cultures. Let it lead us toward a future where dialogue, understanding, and creativity triumph over division and crisis.
Interview conducted by Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, Secretary General, Congress of African Journalists (Egypt)
Photo Highlights:
📷 Wole Soyinka, Nigerian Nobel Laureate (1986), with Margarita Al and Dr. Wale Okediran in Morocco, celebrating Soyinka's 90th birthday
📷 Meeting with Poetess Margarita Al in Istanbul
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