From Capitol Hill to Moscow, politicians, ambassadors, advocates and corporate executives came together in full force on January 12 to join Eurasia Foundation, an organization which works locally to promote prosperity and stability in the former Soviet Union, in celebration of the organization’s eighteen years of success in the region. Under the theme, “Celebrating Ordinary People and Extraordinary Achievements throughout Eurasia,” the event drew more than 240 individuals, including Ambassadors from Russia, Kazakhstan and Sweden and four other countries participating in Eurasia Foundation’s work.

General Brent Scowcroft, the featured speaker and one of the principle architects of post-cold war cooperation, reminded the distinguished guests of the evolution of the former Soviet Union and Eurasia Foundation’s role in its development. “I have seen enough of the world to know that what we hope for is the same thing the citizens of Eurasia seek – peace, prosperity, and security for themselves and their children,” said General Brent Scowcroft in his address to the room. “Eurasia Foundation is one of that rare breed of institutions that connects people more closely with each other, their governments, and the wider world.  And in so doing, brings us all a little closer to the goals we share.”  

The event, which was the first of its kind for Eurasia Foundation, was generously sponsored by Eurasia Foundation Trustee Drew Guff of Sigular Guff, with additional sponsorships from Chevron and APCO Worldwide among others. “These companies and others are funding the Foundation's work with youth, with economic development programs and with programs that address the social needs of underserved segments of the population,” said Sarah Carey, chair of Eurasia Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “They are also donating professional and management expertise, forming partnerships with NGOs.”

“Tonight’s event confirmed – for us and our partners – that by linking governments together with international businesses and nonprofits committed to the Eurasia region, we draw on the best local and international talent to improve the lives of ordinary citizens in the region and help steer their communities toward a stable, modern future,” said Horton Beebe-Center, president of Eurasia Foundation in Washington, DC.  “We hope to make the dinner an annual event where the incredible community of advocates here in Washington can connect and find new ways to work together with the citizens of Eurasia.”