From July 30 to August 2, Open World alumni from across Siberia gathered in Altai Territory, on the Russia–Kazakhstan border, for a "caravan conference" on youth issues. Billed as the "Youth — Real-Life Impact Alumni Forum," the traveling conference bused participants between Barnaul (the regional capital), Biysk and Gorny-Altai to explore evolving programs and projects for youth (which Russians define as being between the ages of 18 and 35).

At each stop, the 52 Open World alumni and government representatives who were the forum's core participants joined local youth, Rotarians, and specialists for presentations, workshops, and animated group discussions on topics like civic education and substance abuse prevention. Most alumni attendees were government or NGO officials who had participated in one of Open World's exchanges focused on youth issues.

The tone of the conference was set by opening remarks from Altai senior legislator Boris Larin and Barnaul Deputy Mayor Nikolai Cherepanov, both of whom expressed their commitment to meeting the needs of their region's youth. "Altai is a unique example of a region that has adopted its own legislation for youth services," noted Deputy Larin, citing youth employment and housing as major priorities. Deputy Mayor Cherepanov reminded attendees of the contributions Open World alumni have made, emphasizing that the program's five years of successful activities has brought tangible results for Russia in general and Altai Territory in particular. (Eighty-seven Altai Territory leaders have participated in Open World.)

The Barnaul portion of the conference featured breakout sessions on government programs, NGO-sponsored civic education, and business-sponsored projects. Next, in the riverport city of Biysk, participants listened to high schoolers debate the value of having youth parliaments, which are similar to U.S. student councils, except that their leaders often advise local officials on youth issues. Participants also reported on public awareness campaigns, youth clubs, support groups, and other approaches they are using to fight substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. The wrap-up session in Gorny-Altai — a mountainous region spanning the border of Altai Territory and neighboring Altai Republic — was designed to encourage the alumni to create joint projects.

Said conference co-organizer and Open World alumna Irina Perova as the event got under way, "This conference provides our colleagues throughout Siberia a unique opportunity to discuss our experience and share our initiatives and ideas in the area of youth programs. This is a very timely and productive undertaking."

Click HERE for Open World Program Manager for Alumni Coordination Vera DeBuchananne's Firsthand Account of the Youth Alumni Forum.

Published by The PBN Company for the Open World Leadership Center, whose Open World Program has hosted nearly 9,000 citizens from Russia, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan since its inception in 1999. The Center is an independent legislative branch agency that works cooperatively with the U.S. Department of State and other U.S. executive and judicial branch agencies. For additional information, please visit the Open World Leadership Center's website at www.openworld.gov or contact the office at +1 202-707-8943.