Civil Society Summit (CSS) in Moscow, Russia

CCLF Executive Director Calvin L. Holmes recently participated in the Civil Society Summit (CSS) in Moscow, Russia, which coincided with President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev's summit in the same city. Holmes was honored to present the results of the Community Development and Youth Empowerment and Education group participants, where he shared a dais with President Obama.

The CSS was organized by Eurasia Foundation, New Eurasia Foundation and Center for Strategic & International Studies. The CSS was held to engage nongovernmental experts and organizations to develop recommendations for increased collaboration between US and Russian organizations. These recommendations were then formally presented to both President Obama and representatives of the President of the Russian Federation at the conclusion of the summit.

Holmes reflected on the experience: "Russia is a fascinating country with a complex history and people. I came to appreciate that our Russian community development counterparts have less support from the public and private sectors yet display great courage and tenacity in their quest to improve living conditions for low-wealth Russians."