In a world dictated by the ebb and flow of public diplomacy, how can we account for the development of future leaders? Two Russian exchange programs tackle this issue head-on with extraordinary results.

Open World brings American minds to Russia

This February, four young Russian scientists received the annual Presidential Award in Science and Innovation. Established by President Medvedev in 2008 to motivate young scientists and drive innovation, the award marks prominent contributions to the field of science. In his award ceremony speech, Medvedev stressed that Russia “is committed to promoting the development of science and supporting researchers, making it one of its top priorities.”

Italy-Russia relations have been strong and rooted in a deep friendship for centuries. And this is particularly so in the cultural sphere. So it is fitting that the emblem chosen for the Year of Italian Culture in Russia and Russian Culture in Italy is a heart in the four colours of the two national flags:  red, white, green and blue.

With the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic voyage into outer space this April, the British and Russian governments have declared 2011 the UK-Russia Year of Space in a bid to promote the benefits of space research in both countries.

At Disney, we are proud of our rich history in Russia and our success at becoming more a part of the society and fabric of Russian culture. As my colleague Andy Bird, the chairman of Walt Disney International, shares in the following video, Disney is committed to its presence and business in Russia and to applying technological advancements learned here to Disney’s work in the rest of the world: