The Good Neighbours project rests on a foundation of dedicated individuals whose vision and leadership drive its mission. From high-ranking trustees to on-the-ground coordinators, the people behind this initiative bring together expertise from government, academia, and civil society. Their collective effort is focused on building trust and cooperation between nations, one community at a time. This page introduces the key figures and structures that make the project possible.

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees provides strategic guidance and oversight for the entire Good Neighbours initiative. Composed of prominent figures from various sectors of Russian public life, the board ensures that the project benefits from a broad range of experience and influence. Their role is not merely honorary; trustees actively shape the project's direction, facilitate crucial connections, and lend their authority to its mission of fostering good neighbourly relations.

Among the distinguished members of the board are Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO University, who serves as its chairman. He is joined by Viktor Blazheev, Rector of the Moscow State Law Academy; Vladimir Pligin, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building; Vladimir Dmitriev, President of Vnesheconombank; Grigory Rapota, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Southern Federal District; Andrey Kazmin, General Director of Russian Post; Oleg Soskovets, President of the Association of Financial and Industrial Groups of Russia; Konstantin Nikolaev, General Director of Severstaltrans; Leonid Tyagachev, President of the Russian Olympic Committee; and Vladimir Filippov, Rector of RUDN University. Each brings a unique perspective and network that strengthens the project's reach.

The trustees' collective expertise spans diplomacy, education, law, finance, logistics, sports, and industry. This diversity is a deliberate choice, reflecting the multifaceted nature of good neighbourliness, which touches upon economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties. Their involvement signals a high level of commitment and helps the project gain traction in both official and informal circles.

Executive Leadership

At the operational helm of the project is Nikolay Alisov, General Director. Alisov is responsible for the day-to-day management of the initiative, translating the board's strategic vision into concrete actions. His role involves coordinating with partners, overseeing the establishment of Good Neighbourliness Centers, and ensuring that the project's activities align with its core values of mutual respect and collaboration.

The relationship between the board and the executive leadership is symbiotic. While trustees provide high-level guidance and open doors, the General Director and his team handle the practical implementation. This structure allows the project to remain both ambitious and grounded, capable of long-term planning while responding swiftly to opportunities and challenges on the ground.

Good Neighbourliness Centers

Central to the project's mission are the Good Neighbourliness Centers—physical hubs where communities can come together to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and undertake joint initiatives. These centers serve as visible symbols of the project's commitment to building lasting ties beyond political rhetoric. They offer a space for educational programs, cultural events, and social projects that bring people from different backgrounds into meaningful contact.

Each center is expected to have its own local leadership, individuals deeply rooted in their communities who understand local needs and aspirations. As the project expands, the names and contact information of these local leaders will be published on this website, allowing for greater transparency and accessibility. The aim is to create a decentralized network where each center can adapt to its specific context while remaining connected to the broader vision.

• Facilitating cultural exchanges and language learning
• Organizing community forums and public discussions
• Supporting youth engagement and volunteerism
• Promoting economic cooperation projects
• Providing a platform for civil society initiatives

A Multidisciplinary Backbone

The strength of the Good Neighbours project lies in the breadth of expertise represented by its trustees. For instance, the presence of leaders from the academic world ensures that the project benefits from rigorous research and educational methodologies. Legal experts help navigate complex regulatory environments, while business leaders contribute practical know-how in management and resource mobilization. Sports figures like Leonid Tyagachev bring a passion for youth development and international friendship through athletic competition.

This multidisciplinary approach is particularly valuable when establishing centers in neighboring countries. Different contexts require different strategies: what works in one nation may not suit another. By drawing on insights from diplomacy, finance, education, and civil society, the project can tailor its approach while maintaining a coherent overall strategy. The trustees' willingness to lend their names and time underscores their belief in the project's potential to make a tangible difference.

Our strength lies in the people who believe that good neighbourliness is not just a concept but a daily practice—and who are willing to work together to make it real.

Expanding Horizons

The Good Neighbours project is not confined to a single country; its vision extends across borders. Plans are underway to open Good Neighbourliness Centers in several neighboring countries, each tailored to the specific bilateral relationship. This expansion is both an opportunity and a challenge, as it requires building trust with local partners and adapting to different cultural and political landscapes. The central team, guided by the board and led by the General Director, works closely with prospective local leaders to lay the groundwork for successful centers.

The trustees' international connections are invaluable in this process. Their ability to engage with counterparts abroad helps smooth the path for establishing centers and fosters a sense of shared ownership. As the network grows, it is expected that the project will facilitate not only bilateral but also multilateral cooperation, creating a web of neighbourly relations across the region.

Engaging with the Project

For individuals and organizations interested in contributing to the Good Neighbours project—whether by proposing ideas, offering partnerships, or getting involved with a local center—there are clear channels of communication. The project welcomes dialogue with those who share its values and wish to play a role in building stronger communities.

Inquiries regarding the creation and operation of Good Neighbourliness Centers should be directed to Yuri Moskovsky, who coordinates such matters. As the network expands, additional contact points will be published, ensuring that engagement remains open and accessible. The project thrives on the energy and commitment of its people, and every new participant strengthens the fabric of good neighbourliness.

Written by Good Neighbours