Public Health
Non-communicable disease is the principal cause of illness, disability, and mortality in both the US and Russia. The consequences of preventable disease and premature death are significant. In the US, they propel soaring health care costs that overwhelm federal, state, and corporate budgets; in Russia, they corrode the labor force that will be crucial to development and diversification of the economy-all at a time when both societies are facing economic crisis. This line of work will bring together physicians and public health professionals to share knowledge, experience, and skills in the prevention and management of chronic disease. The US and Russian health care systems have complementary strengths and weaknesses that should provide fertile ground for exchange of best practices. Specific efforts may include exchanges of clinical professionals; joint development of communication strategies, using a variety of media, to educate the public about healthy behaviors; and joint inquiry into the causes and consequences of the primary drivers of illness. Examples of focal points include anti-smoking campaigns targeted at children, efforts to detect and treat hypertension, education strategies focused on responsible alcohol consumption, and implementation of known strategies to improve the outcomes of pregnancy. Existing NGOs in the US and in Russia offer a promising foundation for engagement in this sphere.
Community Development
Representatives will examine a variety of issues critical to improving the quality of life for citizens (particularly in regions beyond major cities) and building stronger communities. An overarching theme of this line of work is the engagement of citizens, institutions, and resources at the local level to address the consequences of the current economic crisis. Topics may range from affordable housing and energy efficiency; to labor and social issues in one-company towns; and from conflict prevention and labor migration issues; to the impact of extractive industries on local communities in both countries. Leading experts, experienced NGOs and community foundations in the US and Russia may offer promising models and resources for engagement in this sphere.
Human Rights and Rule of Law
Both US and Russian NGOs have had recent successes in influencing government policies relating to human rights, but also experience real limitations, made worse by the economic crisis. This line of work may examine these successes and explore strategies for joint efforts to build on them. Drawing on current (and future) research, participants may assess how each population views human rights, law, and the role of NGOs. Future joint efforts may involve initiatives to expand the local demand for improvement of human rights and adherence to the rule of law in both the United States and Russia, thus broadening constituencies and deepening the dialogue. Because of the leveling effect of the economic crisis and with new presidential administrations in both countries, practitioners may also explore creating and launching new joint projects aimed at improving livelihoods and interaction with authorities.
Youth and Education
Educational institutions in both Russia and the US are confronting numerous challenges, especially in the environment of the current economic and financial crisis. They are striving to meet new labor market demands, to compete on global educational markets, to make use of new communication technologies and new teaching methods. At the same time, the social function of education has never been more important. Schools, colleges and universities in both countries have to build stronger ties to local communities, municipalities, media and NGOs. Educational institutions have to produce not only graduates, but citizens. New approaches to US – Russian cooperation are needed to assure that the two sides can learn from each other in this critically important field.
Press and New Media
With independent journalism in both countries experiencing pressure from the economic crisis and the evolution of media markets, this line of work will explore how, given the shrinking numbers of traditional newsrooms and the emergence of online media, journalists and media outlets in both countries can enhance their editorial integrity and financial viability while delivering informed stories about our respective societies to their audiences. Journalists, editors, and managers of media outlets – particularly those associated with independent local newspapers and web-based new media – may explore future content sharing and enhanced news coverage to increase understanding and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions on both sides. Special emphasis may be given to harnessing the promise of emerging communications and social networking technologies by civil society institutions.
The Environment
The United States and Russia share many environmental issues of global environmental, economic and social significance. Our nations’ abilities to effectively address these issues directly affects the well-being of our citizens. Intensified cooperation between Russia and the United States on environmental issues presents both nations with the opportunity to optimize the development and implementation of strategies to combat environmental threats through the sharing of expertise and resources. Citizens and civic organizations in both nations can play an important role in catalyzing bilateral collaboration, defining priority areas for environmental cooperation, participating in conservation and sustainable-use initiatives and undertaking efforts to share knowledge across national boundaries. To facilitate these processes, this Civil Society Summit line of work will examine priority environmental issues in which civil society institutions must play a prominent role in shaping the future, focusing upon the broad topics of global climate change, freshwater and marine ecosystem management, and biodiversity conservation. For each priority issue, joint initiatives will be outlined describing collaborative, bilateral means of addressing threats specific to these overlying topics. Potential examples include transnational protected area creation, establishment of new forums for the sharing of best practices and models, and joint research exploring ways to provide incentives sustainable natural resource management. For each initiative, participants will describe opportunities for the engagement of civil society.
