Despite the challenges of today’s economic climate, Eurasia Foundation Network and its partners found great success in 2009. However, our greatest successes came from the individual citizens in the Eurasia region who implemented the grassroots programs that are positively affecting these communities every day. In an effort to shed light on the tremendous work carried out by these exceptional individuals, Eurasia Foundation Network is kicking off a series of events to bring together colleagues and friends of the organization to celebrate the successes of 2009 and goals for 2010.

On November 5, Eurasia Foundation Network will honor four individuals from the Eurasia region with the Bill Maynes Fund for Future Leaders of Eurasia, dedicated to Eurasia Foundation’s former President, the late Charles William “Bill” Maynes. The Fund is an instrument that honors and supports outstanding individuals from the countries where Eurasia Foundation operates and who share Bill’s vision for stable, inclusive and prosperous societies. More information about the Fund and details on the 2008 class of recipients can be found here. 

Eurasia Foundation is also pleased to announce its first annual dinner, an event that will celebrate Ordinary People and Extraordinary Achievements throughout Eurasia. With featured speaker General Brent Scowcroft, the new event will be held on January 12, 2010 at 6:00 PM in Washington D.C.’s Mayflower Hotel. The event will highlight specific projects from each of the partner foundations, most notably the Silk Road Cyclists who have gained international attention for their efforts to raise money for sustainable projects in Tajikistan through EFCA.

Eurasia Foundation Network will also be launching a lecture series in spring 2010 with the aim of bringing new voices to the dialogue on development in Eurasia. The lecture series will feature two events in D.C. each year and will be open to the public. More details on the lecture series will be released at the start of the New Year.