The World in Faces

04/20/2026

UNESCO | Institutional Collaboration

Curator’s Note:

This curated album documents the 2024–2025 collaboration between UNESCO and The World in Faces, a photographic project by Alexander Khimushin.

The collaboration was initiated in early 2024, when UNESCO approached Alexander Khimushin to develop a joint editorial series. Following a few months of preparation—including the selection of portraits and accompanying stories created over years of independent work—the collaboration was officially launched on 09 August 2024, marking the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, when UNESCO introduced his work across its global platforms to a worldwide audience.

Over the following several months, selected portraits and stories—curated from extensive fieldwork across nearly 100 countries—were published as part of a dedicated editorial series. Through these features, the project highlighted the cultural diversity, identity, and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples around the world.

These powerful images honor the rich traditions, identities, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples, echoing the themes of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.

The collaboration was initially conceived as a long-term editorial partnership. However, due to internal institutional policies in place at the time, only a limited number of the prepared works were ultimately approved for publication. As a result, the collaboration concluded in February 2025.

While limited in scope, this collaboration marked an important moment of institutional recognition, with UNESCO presenting The World in Faces to a global audience and affirming the project’s core message: the importance of cultural dignity, visibility, and mutual respect.

This collaboration reflects both the opportunities and inherent complexities of presenting cultural narratives within global institutional frameworks, highlighting the importance of enabling the full diversity of the world’s peoples to be represented with dignity, accuracy, and respect.

Preserved here, this album serves as a record of that collaboration, including selected portraits and the original introductory feature published by UNESCO.

Key Highlights of the Collaboration:

- Launch: Initiated in early 2024 and officially released on 09 August 2024

- Platform: Featured across UNESCO’s official global social media channels

- Authorship: All photographs and stories created and curated by Alexander Khimushin as part of The World in Faces

- Global Reach: Introduced to a worldwide audience through UNESCO’s platforms

- Editorial Series: Selected portraits and narratives published over several months

- Scope Limitation: Only a portion of the prepared material approved due to internal policies

04/19/2026

United Nations News | International Media Feature

Curator’s Note:

This curated album preserves the 2021 feature published by United Nations News, marking an important moment in the international recognition of The World in Faces, a long-term photographic project created by Alexander Khimushin.

Published on 26 April 2021 under the title “From the Field: Rights of Indigenous Peoples Highlighted in UN Photo Exhibit,” the article serves as an introduction to The World in Faces online exhibition, presented by the United Nations and consisting entirely of photographic works by Alexander Khimushin.

Originally exhibited in physical form during the 18th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in 2019, the project was later reintroduced by the United Nations as a global digital exhibition for the 20th session of the Forum in 2021. This online exhibition, hosted on the United Nations platform, remains publicly accessible and continues to reach audiences worldwide.

The album brings together the complete original feature alongside six portraits included in the publication. These images, drawn from the larger exhibition, are part of Khimushin’s ongoing work developed over many years of independent travel and engagement with Indigenous communities across the globe. Spanning continents—from Siberia and Ethiopia to Guatemala and beyond—the portraits form a visual narrative of identity, tradition, and resilience.

As highlighted in the article, Indigenous peoples—estimated at 476 million across more than 90 countries—continue to face challenges in maintaining control over their cultural, social, and economic development. Through his photography, Khimushin contributes to this dialogue by documenting individuals and communities with an emphasis on dignity, presence, and cultural continuity.

These works reflect a practice grounded in long-term engagement and human connection, where each portrait emerges from time spent in conversation and mutual trust—an approach that defines The World in Faces as both an artistic and human-centered endeavor.

By presenting this body of work within its institutional framework, the United Nations positioned Khimushin’s photography as part of a broader global conversation on human rights, cultural preservation, and inclusion. The online exhibition has since become one of the most widely viewed digital exhibitions hosted by the United Nations.

Preserved here, this 2021 publication stands as a record of the project’s continued evolution—from a physical exhibition space to a globally accessible digital platform—and affirms its role in fostering respect for cultural diversity and human dignity.

Key Highlights of the Feature:

- Authorship: Exhibition and all featured works are created by Alexander Khimushin as part of The World in Faces.

- Exhibition Context: First presented physically in 2019 and later adapted into a global online format.

- Institutional Platform: Featured in connection with the 20th session of UNPFII.

- Global Accessibility: Online exhibition remains publicly available on the United Nations platform.

- Cultural Representation: Showcases Indigenous peoples from multiple continents through portraiture.

- Human Rights Focus: Highlights challenges faced by Indigenous communities worldwide.

- Photographic Approach: Reflects a process grounded in time, trust, and personal connection.

- Global Impact: Recognized as one of the most widely viewed online exhibitions hosted by the United Nations.

04/18/2026

Der Spiegel | International Media Feature

04/18/2026

Der Spiegel | International Media Feature

Curator’s Note:

This curated album preserves the landmark 2018 feature by Der Spiegel, one of Germany’s most influential publications, marking a defining moment in the evolution of The World in Faces. Published in March 2018 under the title “The World in Faces,” the article reflects the project’s transformation from a personal journey into an internationally recognized cultural and humanitarian mission.

While some earlier coverage focused on the project’s origins, Der Spiegel presented it through a wider global lens—reflecting its scope across 84 countries and nearly a decade of independent travel.

The album brings together the complete original feature alongside fifteen portraits presented in the publication’s dedicated section, “From Ethiopia to Australia.” This curated selection traces a visual journey across continents, capturing individuals from diverse cultural landscapes and traditions, and offering a powerful reflection on both human difference and shared identity.

These portraits represent more than documentation; they embody a distinctive methodology of “slow photography,” rooted in patience, presence, and trust. As described in the article, encounters often unfold over hours of conversation—moments of connection that precede the act of photographing.

By portraying the dignity of Indigenous peoples and the richness of their cultural expression, this feature introduced the project to a wide European audience and reinforced its central message: that beyond all visible differences, humanity is united by common values and mutual recognition.

Preserved here, this 2018 publication stands as an important record of the project’s growing international resonance and its enduring mission to foster cultural respect, visibility, and preservation.

Key Highlights of the Feature:

- Global Scope: Documents the project’s expansion across 84 countries over nearly a decade of travel.

- Photographic Approach: Emphasizes a patient, human-centered process grounded in time, dialogue, and trust.

- Cultural Mission: Draws attention to Indigenous communities and the importance of preserving their traditions.

- Curated Selection: Features 15 portraits from “From Ethiopia to Australia,” forming a visual bridge across cultures.

- Shared Humanity: Affirms the idea that people across the world are united by the same fundamental human values.

04/09/2026

UN Today | International Media Feature

Curator’s Note:

This curated album preserves the 2021 feature published by UN Today under the title “Culture: Pictures of a Dreamer.” Presented here in its original form, the album serves as an archival record of the publication as released by the United Nations.

The article was produced in the context of Alexander Khimushin’s solo exhibition The World in Faces, presented at the Palais des Nations in Geneva during International Human Rights Day 2021.

That exhibition, consisting entirely of photographic works by Alexander Khimushin, was realized on a monumental scale, bringing together over 170 large-format portraits representing Indigenous cultures and ethnic groups from around the world. Formally approved by the Cultural Activities Committee of the United Nations Office at Geneva and opened by the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, it was recognized as one of the most significant cultural exhibitions hosted at the Palais des Nations in recent years.

Its impact within the United Nations community led to multiple extensions, with the exhibition remaining on display for nearly three months from November 2021 through mid-February 2022—an exceptional duration within the UN exhibition program.

While this album does not document the full exhibition itself, it preserves the official media feature that accompanied it, offering insight into the artistic vision, personal journey, and humanitarian message behind the project.

As reflected in the article, The World in Faces is the result of many years of independent work, dedicated to documenting cultural diversity and promoting a deeper sense of shared humanity across borders and traditions.

Preserved here without alteration, this publication stands as part of the historical record of the project’s presentation within the United Nations framework.

Key Highlights of the Feature:

- Archival Record: Full preservation of the original UN Today article as published.

- Context: Article released in connection with the UN exhibition The World in Faces.

- Authorship: Exhibition and all photographic works are created by Alexander Khimushin.

- Exhibition Scale: Over 170 monumental portraits representing global Indigenous cultures.

- Institutional Recognition: Officially approved and opened by UN leadership; recognized as one of the most significant exhibitions in recent years.

- Institutional Impact: Extended multiple times, remaining on display for nearly three months.

- Editorial Focus: Explores both the artistic approach and humanitarian vision behind the project.

- UN Platform: Presented within the framework of International Human Rights Day in Geneva.

04/09/2026

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢

The World In Faces is more than photography; it is a global movement and an international non-profit foundation dedicated to the dignity and heritage of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

~ 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 & 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 ~

Nearly two decades ago, photographer Alexander Khimushin began a personal mission that has grown into a significant global archive. Having visited over 100 countries, Alexander documents the beauty, resilience, and unique traditional cultures of Indigenous Peoples—the original guardians of our planet’s heritage.

~ 𝘼 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 ~

From the Arctic and the Amazon to the Black Hills and the Outback, Indigenous communities worldwide share a common struggle to maintain their cultural sovereignty. Our work transcends modern geopolitics and borders to ensure these voices are seen, respected, and honored for future generations.

~ 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙-𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 ~

This collage represents the 30 portraits that have received the highest level of international acclaim. Following a solo exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2019, the UN requested these images to be featured in an ongoing digital exhibition.

Today, in 2026, we are proud that "The World In Faces" remains one of the most visited online exhibitions in the history of the United Nations un.org/en/exhibits/exhibit/world-in-faces . This enduring global interest serves as a testament to the universal importance of indigenous cultural preservation.

~ 𝘼 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 ~

The life of our founder, Alexander Khimushin, embodies the mission of this foundation. An Australian with Russian and Ukrainian heritage, Alexander is a global citizen whose mindset is shaped by the hundreds of cultures he has visited. His personal history and global perspective reinforce a singular, lifelong belief:

"𝘽𝒐𝙧𝒅𝙚𝒓𝙨 𝙢𝒂𝙮 𝙙𝒊𝙫𝒊𝙙𝒆 𝒖𝙨, 𝒃𝙪𝒕 𝒐𝙪𝒓 𝒉𝙪𝒎𝙖𝒏𝙞𝒕𝙮 𝙪𝒏𝙞𝒕𝙚𝒔 𝒖𝙨. 𝑶𝙣𝒆 𝑷𝙚𝒐𝙥𝒍𝙚. 𝑶𝙣𝒆 𝑾𝙤𝒓𝙡𝒅. 𝙊𝒏𝙚 𝙇𝒐𝙫𝒆."

~ 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙑𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 ~

This page serves as the official representation of The World In Faces Foundation. While our website hosts our digital museum and extensive archives, this platform is a space for community, humanitarian advocacy, and cultural dialogue.

We leave politics at the door to focus on what unites us. While we welcome your participation, this platform is not for nationalistic hostility or hate speech. To maintain the dignity of the cultures we represent, any political negativity will be removed.

𝙒𝒆 𝒊𝙣𝒗𝙞𝒕𝙚 𝙮𝒐𝙪 𝙩𝒐 𝒋𝙤𝒊𝙣 𝙪𝒔 𝒊𝙣 𝙘𝒆𝙡𝒆𝙗𝒓𝙖𝒕𝙞𝒏𝙜 𝙩𝒉𝙚 𝙊𝒏𝙚 𝙒𝒐𝙧𝒍𝙙 𝙬𝒆 𝒂𝙡𝒍 𝒔𝙝𝒂𝙧𝒆.

The World in Faces: Global Non-Profit Foundation by Alexander Khimushin. Diversity of traditional cultures through the portraits of Indigenous Peoples.

One People. One World. One Love.

04/08/2026

03/28/2026

I've been quiet on social media for some time now, but for a very important reason - working in silence to build a permanent home for my life's work. After 17 years of traveling and documenting the incredible ethnic diversity of our world, The World In Faces is evolving.

As of March 27, 2026, we are officially incorporated as The World In Faces Foundation, a Public Benefit Nonprofit Corporation.

This is more than just a name change. It's the birth of a formal visual anthropological record dedicated to the preservation of global indigenous cultures—including traditional attire, oral histories, and rare cultural environments.

This foundation is designed to serve as a permanent educational resource for the public benefit, ensuring that these stories and faces are protected forever.

Thank you for your patience during this transition. I'll be back, and the vision is larger than ever. 🌎☮️❤️📸🙏✨

12/08/2024

This is a portrait of Koji Takeuchi, Ainu man from Hokkaido Island, Japan. The Ainu People are an indigenous people who have long inhabited the northern regions of Japan and neighbouring parts of the Far East of Siberia.

Known for their unique culture and traditions, the Ainu have made strides in revitalizing the critically endangered Ainu language and preserving their heritage. In 2019, the Japanese government officially recognized the Ainu as an indigenous people of Japan.

This image is part of The World in Faces photo project by Alexander Khimushin. By publishing these images, UNESCO celebrates the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032, fostering a global community around Indigenous and traditional Peoples and their languages.