Meeting Russia

Meeting

Public Diplomacy Program for Young Leaders

Russia

About

Meeting Russia is the premier public diplomacy project for the Russian NGO, Creative Diplomacy. It is a unique public diplomacy program for aspiring leaders. It brings together bright individuals of diverse backgrounds: some are coming from academia, analytical centers, media, and the private sector, whereas others represent governmental institutions of their respective countries. Meeting Russia seeks to facilitate productive dialogue among the new generation of leaders and draw attention to the critical points in Russia's relations with the United States and the European Union. The program was launched five years ago in 2017 with 19 young leaders from 8 countries, and since then, over 80 experts are now members of the Meeting Russia Alumni Family. Traditionally our participants visit a number of government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Moscow, the State Duma, the Eurasian Economic Commission, and some research organizations, such as the Valdai Club and the Russian International Affairs Council. In December 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Meeting Russia was held online for the first time. In May 2022, BRICS countries became a focus of the Meeting Russia program.

Reunion 2021

In 2021, the city of Ulyanovsk hosted the first Meeting Russia Reunion. Ulyanovsk is one of the largest and most picturesque towns on the Volga River, and the birthplace of Vladimir Ulyanov (Lenin) now carrying his name. Why Ulyanovsk? We wanted to provide our guests with a provincial experience in contrast to previous programs in Moscow. We also show that even in the provinces, much takes place, from arts and culture to foreign direct investment into the Russian economy. Our guests met local leaders in the government and private sector, visited a regional tech hub, Ulnanotech, a nanotech startup lab, and acquainted themselves with the region's rich history and culture.

Aug 08, 2021

Meeting Russia Reunion: from world politics to Russian culture

On July 27-30, the first meeting of the Meeting Russia program alumni was held in Ulyanovsk. More than 20 international experts from Europe, the USA, and Canada took part in it. Young experts from India, China, and South Africa also joined the program.

Jul 30, 2021

Meeting Russia Reunion: the 2nd day of the project

The second day of the Meeting Russia Reunion ended in Ulyanovsk. Participants discussed humanitarian aid in times of pandemics, sanctions, regional economy, and energy

Jul 29, 2021

The1st day of the Meeting Russia Reunion in Ulyanovsk

Within the framework of the Meeting Russia Reunion project, the foreign delegation will have several expert discussions about modern international relations and get acquainted with the structure of the Russian regional power system

Meeting Russia Online Discussion Club

Public Diplomacy Digest

Voices of Meeting Russia

Voices of Meeting Russia - Reid Standish (USA)

Voices of Meeting Russia - Miriam Hinthorn (USA)

Voices of Meeting Russia - Lisa Gurth (Germany)

Voice of Meeting Russia - Lauren Rogers (USA)

History

Meeting Russia was first held in February 2017 with 19 participants from eight countries (Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Spain, United States). In fall 2017, Creative Diplomacy promoted the program in New York, Washington, D.C., Brussels and Berlin.

In March 2018 the program was held for the second time and brought together 24 participants from 10 countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States).

In March 2019 Meeting Russia was held in Moscow for the third time. Twenty one participants from the United States, European countries, Canada and China visited Moscow to learn about the Russian perspective on international affairs.

The participants of the program visited a number of government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Moscow, the State Duma, the Eurasian Economic Commission and some research organizations, such as the Valdai Club and the Russian International Affairs Council. Meeting Russia also arranged museum tours to the Jewish Museum, the Tolerance Center and the Tretyakov Gallery, allowing the participants to better familiarize themselves with the Russian culture.

On the last day of the program, the international participants were joined by their Russian peers for a heated debate over the Russia–U.S. relations, touching upon the crisis of political leadership, new generation of leaders and prospects for public diplomacy.

In December 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Meeting Russia was held online for the first time. A group of young foreign experts from the U.S., Germany, Canada, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Greece, and Spain were eager to learn more about Russia. The program participants met with prominent specialists in various fields: the Russian foreign policy orientation, international security, national economy, and challenges in cyberspace. The special invited speaker was Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. The top official addressed the participants with some key current issues.

In 2021, the city of Ulyanovsk hosted the 1st Meeting Russia Reunion. It was attended by more than 40 young leaders: international experts from Europe, the USA and Canada. Young experts from India, China and South Africa also joined the program. Our alumni met local leaders in the government and private sector, visited a regional tech hub, Ulnanotech, a nanotech startup lab, and acquainted themselves with the region's rich history and culture. Among the Russian guests and speakers of the event were Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, Andrey Kortunov, Director General of the Russian Council for International Affairs, and Ivan Timofeev, Program Director of the RIAC.

In May 2022, Meeting Russia, the Russian Public Diplomacy program for young leaders, started for the fifth time. This time diplomats, analysts, journalists, and social activists from the BRICS countries, the CIS member states, the EU, Latin America, and South-East Asia gathered online. The special invited speaker was Dmitry Polyansky, deputy head of Russia's mission to the UN.

In March 2023, Meeting Russia was held for the first time in Spanish ("Hablemos con Rusia"), for the third time in online format and for the sixth time in total. It united 27 participants from 9 Latin American states (Argentina, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Nicaragua, Mexico, Uruguay, Venezuela and Colombia). Among them were journalists, members of Chamber of Deputies and of Senators, geopolitical analysts, business representatives etc. Moreover, 8 young International Relations specialists represented the Russian Federation during the Meeting.

Leading experts in the field of international relations, economics, journalism, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation were invited as the speakers of the programme. During the Meeting were discussed topics concerning Russian foreign policy towards Latin America, cooperation between Russia and the region in different areas, the role of think tanks in their interaction etc.

Alumni

Participants' feedback

"In the most challenging political chaos transpiring around the world, PICREADI still managed to make commendable efforts of practicing ingenious diplomacy through Meeting Russia 2022. The discussions have been followed through the digital space by engaging the most outstanding participants around the world. Meeting Russia 2022 brought me the answers to many new perspectives about Russia's foreign policy, instantaneous geopolitical change, and more importantly, Russia's economic challenges with defiance to the global sanctions were among the most interesting topics of discussion for me. I appreciate and express my great reverence to the moderators and especially to all the esteemed speakers as in each panel discussion they responded to so many onerous and substantial questions in a very comprehensive way. I certainly believe that such inclusive spaces of discussions contribute to a variety of research & academics and also to the development of international networking and policy making. Being the first-ever Pakistani to be selected as a participant in Meeting Russia 2022, I hold a great privilege and affiliation with PICREADI. Thank you for honoring me. I am looking forward to many more in the future."

Bilawal Ali Joya, MR2022

"The Meeting Russia program is a unique platform that unites analysts, journalists and public activists from all over the world. First-class speakers, interesting topics for discussion, competent and efficient organization. It was the first time I attended such an event, I received exactly the information that interested me, for which I am sincerely grateful. I wish the organizers success in the future!"

Daniyar Abenov, MR2022

"Meeting Russia is an enlightening experience for anyone interested in the inner workings of Russian foreign policy. All speakers, whether experts or policymakers, were highly qualified in their relevant field of speciality and, above all, were very forthcoming to the participants' questions. Although this year the program was conducted online due to the pandemic, it definitely exceeded my initial expectations. It should not be omitted to mention that the coordinators did a great job in organizing the event and in selecting a great set of speakers. I look forward to meeting the co-participants and the coordinators in Moscow next year."

Alexis Lekakis Kerkyraios, MR2020

"Meeting Russia provides a platform to engage in an active and frank discussion with Russian experts on foreign policy and international affairs. Participants from 'the West' need to prepare to be confronted with views that will surprise and maybe even offend them. That, however, is the reality of relations between Russia and 'the West' today. For anyone who wishes to work on the challenge of this geopolitical divide with Russia, this program can be a valuable opportunity: not only to hear Russian views first-hand and better understand them but also to challenge them and test one's own arguments."

Randolf Carr, MR2020

"Meeting Russia is a very well organized program that gives you the opportunity to engage with experts and leaders to discuss Russian Foreign Policy, addressing important subjects relevant to today's international politics. It is highly informative, covers broad topics and brings young leaders to analyze foreign policy issues, making it a valuable experience. Definitely a program I would recommend to someone that is interested in understanding the different political perspectives between Russia and the West."

Hector Cantu, MR2020

"Even though the pandemic times have completely changed the event's format, Meeting Russia 2020 that I attended this year, was conducted and lead professionally and on a high level. The participants could notice important and knowledgeable guests such as Ivan Timofeev and Maria Zakharova have really taken their time to be with us and debate on the Russian Foreign Policy issues. I especially liked the fact that everyone had a chance to speak up and ask a question connected with the topic while also received a sufficient answer. The knowledge and views that all the participants got at the event cannot be acquired in any other way than by a creative dialog with other side and the event gave us a unique opportunity to get familiar with Russian views on policy issues that are so differently presented through Western media.

Different format deprived us of networking and getting to know with other participants, but I am sure we will have more than enough time for that next year, when we gather together once again, this time live, as Alumni."

Peter Levstek, MR2020

"A rare and unparraled opportunity to engage directly with the makers and shapers of Russian policy, both foreign and domestic. In a short condensed time, PICREADI organized the most diverse lineup of senior Russian policymakers, think tanks (both liberal and establishment), foreign experts, and trade and conflict specialists I have ever encountered during my years of Russian studies. Truly depthful content- I still can't believe I got to talk directly with the Hon. Maria Zakharova! This has been a surreal experience, and the knowledge and insights I've gained over the past week will professionally elevate both me and the organization I am representing."

Parv Aggarwal, MR2020

"I originally applied to this program as a way to expand my horizons and challenge myself to learn about — and better understand — an often maligned country. Indeed this experience showed me a different side of Russia, one where its citizens — like in any other country — want to thrive and advance the progress of its nation. The speakers were of diverse views and came with a great wealth of knowledge. I would highly recommend Meeting Russia for any young professional aiming to learn more about Russia and their geopolitical views.

Many hurdles remain ahead for US and Russia. Nonetheless, I think everyone would agree that a positive and respectful relationship is the most beneficial way moving forward, just not for these two nations, but the world at large."

Carlos Monteverde, MR2018

"I believe that the importance to keep and improve the dialogue between Russia and the West is now stronger than ever. It is so easy to judge when not knowing each other. Meeting Russia is an excellent program, which attacks exactly these issues by bringing together young leaders from Europe and the US to discuss foreign policy with Russian leaders. The results are new insights and a better understanding of the Russian perception of international issues."

Patricia Seige, MR2018

"I was very excited to participate in the 'Meeting Russia' program and I left with an experience that went far beyond my expectations. I feel that the coordinators did a great job on picking the participants and the speakers for the various events. I traveled around Moscow to various venues with an exceptional group of young professionals who were just as enlightening as the experts and government officials that we met. Not only did we discuss many different topics, but we also learned from different perspectives as the coordinators did very well in choosing speakers that often shared different views. Anyone who has an interest in Russia will greatly benefit from this program."

Jesse Metzger, MR2018

"Le programme Meeting Russia est une opportunité unique de dialoguer avec plusieurs experts de haut-niveau qui travaillent sur le monde russe/eurasien et d'aborder des questions fondamentales. Bénéficier de la perspective russe est un moyen de rapprochement entre les USA/UE et la Russie/Chine et permet de comprendre les tensions entre les grandes puissances sous un angle unique et pragmatique."

"The Meeting Russia program is a unique opportunity to have a dialogue with many high-level experts specializing in Russia/Eurasia and to address fundamental issues. Knowing the Russian perspective can be beneficial when thinking about means for rapprochement between the United States/EU and Russia/China and it helps understand tensions between great powers in a unique and pragmatic way".

Michael Eric Lambert, MR2018

"This program provides an unparalleled opportunity to get rare and privileged access to institutions and experts inside Moscow that will help anyone further their understanding of Russian foreign policy issues, including those who have lived and worked in Russia before, as well as those who study and analyse the country's affairs from afar. The range of meetings, speakers and participants included in the program guarantees a lively and healthy dialogue around important geopolitical issues. I came away with clearer insight into topics I already had some knowledge of, and new insight into topics I should've known more about. An excellent and very valuable experience."

Rosanna Lockwood, MR2018

"Participating in this programme was a great experience since we were given an insight into a quite uncharted area of foreign policy — the Russian view of many highly debated issues and its argumentation.

Meeting Russia is a high — quality programme which is well — suited for academics, researchers, NGO's and other activists organisations which have an interest in diplomacy, politics and public policy. It is well — organized, nicely structured and gives you a unique opportunity to discuss burning public policy issues with relevant Russian decision and policymakers as well as international relations experts and analysts. I am definitely very grateful for being a participant in such a thought — provoking program!"

Darija Maric, MR2017

"At a time where the frosty rhetoric on a political level alienates Russia and 'the West', programmes and exchanges such as this are crucial to dispel mutual demonizations and stigmatizations. The political alienation must not jeopardize societal exchanges and people-to-people connections, the latter of which contribute to better understandings of each others' societies, histories, and viewpoints. Especially when we disagree on norms and policies: We better talk with each other than about each other".

Moritz Pieper, MR2017

"The Meeting Russia program provided us with highly thought-provoking sessions that allowed us to think more clearly and critically about world order and Russia's place in international politics — a highly informative insight into Russian foreign policy discourse and thought. At a time of rapid global geopolitical change, this program should prove invaluable to anyone who wishes to participate".

Zachary Paikin, MR2017

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