Moscow – The International Congress “The World Needs a Father” was held in Moscow, bringing together parliamentarians, spiritual leaders, public figures and representatives of civil society organizations from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and South America.
The congress, held from 26–27 June 2026, was dedicated to strengthening the institution of the family, promoting responsible fatherhood, protecting traditional spiritual and moral values, and defending freedom of religion.
Participants from Russia, the United States, Brazil, India, Romania, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, the Central African Republic, Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Germany, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Luxembourg, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Argentina and other countries.
They discussed legislative and public initiatives to support families, responsible parenting, intergenerational continuity, religious freedom and international humanitarian cooperation.
One of the key events of the congress was the international interfaith “Prayer for Peace”, which united parliamentarians, spiritual leaders and public figures from 20 countries in person and online around the ideas of peace, reconciliation, human dignity, mutual respect and dialogue between nations.
A participant, David Soares, said: “The world seeks to overcome its problems, but the only One who can lead us to victory is Jesus Christ. Through prayer, in Him, peace and restoration can come to our countries”.
Yangotikala Laddi, Member of Parliament of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasised that the International Prayer unites parliamentarians around the ideas of peace, human dignity and responsible leadership.
“The International Prayer for Peace is a valuable opportunity for Christian parliamentarians to unite, strengthen one another and promote peace, human dignity, responsible leadership and family values,” Laddi said.
“As we pray for peace among nations, I would also like to remember the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who continue to suffer from war and Ebola outbreaks, especially children who have lost their fathers and need love, guidance and protection.
“May our shared faith inspire us to build a more peaceful and compassionate world for future generations.”
The central idea of the congress was that strong families, responsible fathers, freedom of religion and shared spiritual and moral values are essential foundations for social stability, intergenerational continuity and peaceful international dialogue.
Participants discussed legislative support for involved and responsible fatherhood, successful national practices for strengthening families, and the role of traditional spiritual and moral values.
They also engaged in discussions about the role of fathers in raising the next generation, protection of freedom of religion in the modern world, international cooperation in family policy, and the spiritual challenges facing families in different countries.
Protecting the child’s right to the involvement of both parents in their life, as well as the importance of traditional values for preserving cultural heritage and educating the next generation, were among the matters looked at.
Participants noted that responsible fatherhood today goes far beyond a private family matter.
A father’s active involvement in a child’s life affects upbringing, socialisation, the transmission of moral guidelines, the strengthening of intergenerational ties and the reduction of social risks.
Following the Congress, participants emphasised the need to continue international dialogue and the exchange of legislative, public and humanitarian practices in the fields of family support, responsible fatherhood, protection of freedom of religion and preservation of traditional spiritual and moral values.
They also noted the importance of building a sustainable international network of parliamentarians, public and religious leaders who share a commitment to strengthening the family, preserving cultural heritage and educating the next generation on the basis of moral guidelines.
