World of Belief

Values connect – from person to person

Humanity. Togetherness. Responsibility.

So simple. So important. So unifying.

News

The non-recognition of the spirit

Prof. Dr. Paul Imhof on faith, freedom and the crisis of our time Do humans need faith – or is reason enough?Is unbelief really the opposite of faith – or just another form of it? The conversation with Prof. Dr. Paul Imhof is not about religious slogans, but about fundamental questions of human existence: freedom, relationships, truth and responsibility. The philosopher and theologian talks about his own path between doubt and enlightenment, about the temptation of self-optimisation – and about

Feb 22, 20263 min

Generalversammlung der Völker der Welt 2026: Spirituelle und moralische Werte als Grundlage einer neuen Weltordnung

General Assembly of the Peoples of the World 2026: Spiritual and Moral Values as the Foundation of a New World Order

On 29 January 2026, the annual General Assembly of the Peoples of the World took place — a key plenary session that determines the global development strategy of the organisation. The event brought together international diplomats, politicians, representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as public figures from many countries around the world. The Assembly’s relevant departments played an important role in preparing and conducting this large-scale forum. The I

Feb 4, 20262 min

Religionsfreiheit – ein grundlegendes Menschenrecht

Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right.

Freedom of religion is not a political tool, but a fundamental human right. The following joint statement by churches of various Christian traditions is addressed to the international community. It draws attention to specific cases of pressure, persecution and interference in church life — and calls for protection, dialogue and accountability. Below is a statement from the Christian Interconfessional Consultative Committee (CICC): Statement by the Churches participating in the HMCK We, represent

Jan 21, 20262 min

Show all

Trailer

WPA Trailer 2025

16. Okt. 2025

Our Mission

In a rapidly changing world, we unite individuals, institutions, and nations to protect dignity, cultural identity, peace and freedom of belief beyond political boundaries. Our mission is to give traditional values and diverse belief systems a strong voice through international education projects, forums, and media initiatives.

Through our global network we create possibilities where shared values can flourish while respecting the diversity of cultural roots and faith traditions worldwide.

This vision is carried forward by WAVe, a nonprofit alliance based in Zurich with complete independence and global reach.

Research at WAVe – the Trinity Institute

Research is not an isolated area at WAVe, but a core pillar of its international work. It forms the foundation for sound analyses, responsible dialogue formats and long-term, viable societal impulses.

Learn more

Funding at WAVe

WAVe thrives through people, institutions and nations who take responsibility and think long-term. We understand funding not as a formal act, but as a partnership-based journey in service of research, education, dialogue and peace.

Learn more

Our Ambassadors

Prof. Dipl. Ing. Kurt J. Degand

GOTT, Dein Friede ist größer als alles, was ich verstehen kann. Dieser Friede bewahre uns in Gemeinsamkeit in DIR, mitten in Sorgen, Fragen und Unsicherheit. Wenn ich Frieden in ein Haus, in eine Situation oder in eine Gemeinschaft, bringe und er nicht angenommen wird, will ich nicht verbittert sein. Dann mag Dein Friede zu mir zurückkehren und mich selbst neu erfüllen. So will ich in Demut leben: getragen von Deinem Frieden und als Bote Deines Friedens, wo immer Du mich hinsendest.

Gilberto Ramos

Als Botschafter von WAVe in Brasilien stehe ich für eine multipolare Welt, die auf Respekt, souveräner Zusammenarbeit und echtem Dialog zwischen den Nationen basiert. Frieden entsteht dort, wo Kulturen einander zuhören, wo traditionelle Werte und Glaubensfreiheit als Ausdruck menschlicher Würde geschützt werden und wo Vielfalt nicht trennt, sondern bereichert.

Show all

ETHICS CODEX of WAVe – Alliance for Traditional Values and Freedom of Belief

WAVe is committed to lawful, transparent, and ethically sound conduct in all areas of its work. This Ethics Codex is integral to our posture and binding for all members, partners, and organizations cooperating with WAVe.

Principles

Zero Tolerance for Unethical Behavior

WAVe categorically rejects any form of corruption, bribery, money laundering, tax evasion and fraud.

No Involvement in Criminal Activities

Any direct or indirect association with drug, weapons, organ or human trafficking is excluded.

Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons

Any form of abuse, exploitation or harmful behavior is strictly prohibited and leads to immediate exclusion.

Digital Integrity

Cybercrime, hacking, manipulation of digital systems or misuse of technologies are incompatible with the values of WAVe.

Commitment to Truth and Transparency

WAVe acts independently, honestly and transparently in research, communication and cooperation. Manipulation or deliberate deception have no place in our work.

Consequences for violations

Breaches of this Codex trigger immediate measures—up to exclusion from the organization and, if necessary, reporting to competent authorities.

Validity and evolution

The Ethics Codex is reviewed and updated regularly. It serves as a binding framework for responsible, clear, and trustworthy collaboration in line with our values.

Our Values

Dignity

We are committed to the inalienable worth of every human being — regardless of origin, faith or cultural heritage.

Cultural Identity

We honor and protect the rich tapestry of traditions, languages and customs that shapes communities worldwide.

Peace

We promote dialogue and understanding between cultures and faiths, building bridges instead of walls.

Freedom of Belief

We defend the fundamental right of every person to freely hold, practice and express their spiritual and philosophical convictions.

Our Partners

World Peoples Assembly

Show all partners

Our Founders

Waldemar Herdt is a former member of the German Bundestag, entrepreneur and dedicated advocate for traditional values and lived faith. Born in the former Soviet Union and shaped by his Christian faith under challenging conditions, he later brought his experiences into German politics. In the Bundestag, he championed religious freedom, the protection of family structures and intercultural dialogue. Even after his parliamentary career, he continues to serve as a mediator, speaker and bridge-builder — with a clear compass, international perspective and great responsibility for the future of free societies.

David Soares is a jurist, journalist and was for many years a member of the Brazilian National Congress. As the son of a traditional Christian family, he grew up in an environment where faith and social responsibility are closely intertwined. Politically, he distinguished himself in committees on Communication, Science and Foreign Relations, as well as a representative of Brazil in Parlasul. He brings the perspective of a Latin American bridge-builder who connects national concerns with regional and international cooperation.

Bishop Sergei Ryakhovsky is the Presiding Bishop of the Russian Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith (ROSKhVE) and one of the most prominent voices of evangelical Christians in Russia. In the fourth generation of pastoral service, he combines theological depth with social engagement. As a member of several advisory bodies to the President of the Russian Federation and the Civic Chamber, he contributes on questions of faith, values and interreligious dialogue. His ministry encompasses more than 1,000 congregations.

Sheikh Dr. Fares AlSalmo AlTayy is an internationally connected bridge-builder, Secretary General of the International Organization for Peace to Build Human and Homelands (IOP) and long-standing partner in peace and development processes. He combines diplomatic foresight with practical projects in crisis regions such as Iraq, Syria and Somalia. With a focus on education, reconstruction and intercultural dialogue, he initiates sustainable cooperation between governments, institutions and civil society.

Prof. Dr. Paul Imhof Prof. Dr. theol. Dr. phil. Paul Imhof is an internationally renowned theologian, philosopher and spiritual bridge-builder. After his ordination and intensive academic and spiritual formation — including close collaboration with Karl Rahner — he later joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church. As founder of the St. Paul Academy, retreat leader and founding rector of the German University in Armenia, he combines lived spirituality with intercultural competence. He has also produced numerous documentaries at sacred sites and is the author of a vast number of theological and philosophical books.

Martin Imhof is a founding member of WAVe and stands for responsibility, clarity and lived values. His path first led him as an officer of the Swiss Army into leadership roles, shaped by discipline and service to the common good. He subsequently worked for many years in finance and insurance, focusing on stability, foresight and sustainable decisions. As president of a private school, he is committed to values-oriented, holistic education for young people. He also serves as president of Urig Schwyz, championing cultural identity and community. In WAVe, Martin Imhof brings a calm, reliable leadership personality that honors tradition, lives responsibility and shapes the future with measure and conviction.

Sandra Bünger is a strategic initiator, journalist with international press credentials, book author and moderator. She develops media formats, advises individuals and companies on communication matters and accompanies projects that require orientation, transformation and impact. With a sure eye for potential, she recognizes early what possibilities lie in people and structures — and how sustainable developments can emerge from them. Her strength lies in making complexity understandable and opening paths that were previously invisible. Her compass — carried by faith: creating clarity, making opportunities accessible and fostering paths of peace.

Be Part of our Community

Connect with millions of people worldwide.

6.8 Billion

People of Faith

WAVe Projects

10,000

Religious Traditions

worldofbelief.org