Letter from the Chair and the President
The global economic crisis serves as a reminder of how closely connected societies far separated by geography really are. The sight of commodity and stock markets reeling around the world, workers laid off from their jobs and companies filing for bankruptcy reinforces the sense that our livelihoods are linked, no matter where we happen to live. The crisis has focused the minds of political leaders, and highlighted the need for collective action to return stability to the world’s economy. It has also confirmed the value of international cooperation at the grass roots level, where responses to the crisis by ordinary citizens make the difference between success or failure of households, communities and the institutions that support them.
The economic downturn this year has only enhanced the commitment of the members of the Eurasia Foundation Network to work together to resolve problems that are now more clearly perceived as shared. In projects ranging from Tajik-Afghan trade initiatives to small business development in Belarus and economic reform at the municipal level in Russia, we work with local leaders to address challenges on the ground—some that emerged only yesterday, others that have been years in the making.
Now in its second year, the Eurasia Foundation Network operates a new generation of programs ultimately aimed at accelerating the emergence of a civically engaged middle class in the Eurasia region. In this 2008 Yearbook you will find examples of projects that promote civic engagement, improve public administration, support the growth of small businesses and mobilize financial resources. You will also see stories of partnerships Eurasia Foundation established years ago with local institutions that have emerged as the leaders in their respective fields. Especially in a time of financial crisis, these joint initiatives benefit not only the citizens of Eurasia, but everyone involved.
None of this would have been possible without our generous donors. We value the sustaining support for our work by the U.S. government over the years, and deeply appreciate the significant and growing support of other governments, international foundations and corporations and the contributions of our trustees and friends. A list of our donors begins on page 24.
The Eurasia Foundation Network has the expertise and infrastructure to unleash the creativity of citizens throughout the region and to mobilize the finances necessary to advance their aspirations. With the continued support of its partners and friends, the Network will continue to link the citizens of Eurasia with Americans and others from around the world and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the Eurasia region for many years to come.
