Celebrating the Young Professionals Network Class of 2023

On Tuesday, June 6, Eurasia Foundation hosted a closing ceremony for the 2022-2023 Young Professionals Network fellowship year. Robert O’Donovan, EF vice president, and Hrachya Topalyan, director of civic engagement and leadership, delivered welcoming remarks. O’Donovan reflected on recent events that have shaken the Eurasia region, like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized that equipping a new generation of regional specialists to respond to these challenges is as important as ever. He then introduced EF trustee Leif Ulstrup to deliver the evening’s keynote remarks.

Ulstrup is founder of Primehook Technologies, where he helps organizations adopt cutting-edge technologies to meet strategic goals. His comments centered on how emerging technologies might dramatically change democracy and governance practices. He encouraged fellows to acquaint themselves with new data and information technology like artificial intelligence, as these forces will undoubtedly shape their career trajectories. “Fortune favors the prepared mind,” he closed, quoting innovator Louis Pasteur.

The closing ceremony was the last in a series of in-person and hybrid events that fellows attended. Throughout this YPN season, fellows met with Eurasia expert Dr. Angela Stent, journalist Thomas de Waal, retired UK Ambassador Alexandra Hall Hall, and other distinguished guests.

This ceremony does not mark the end of participants’ journeys with YPN. Fellows can continue to engage with one another and participate in future events through YPN’s alumni network. We look forward to all that these young leaders will accomplish in the years ahead!