Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress

Program Overview

The Open World Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1999 at the initiative of two prominent scientists and political and civic leaders of Russia and the United States - Academician Dmitri Sergeevich Likhachev, and Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington. Open World aims to promote mutual understanding between Russia and the United States by enabling Russian leaders to meet with their American counterparts and share with them ideas and expertise in the subjects and issues most important to both sides.

Open World is the only exchange program in the U.S. legislative branch, and annual funding is provided by Congress. Thus, applying to and participating in the Open World program is free of charge for all nominees and participants. Open World is managed by the Open World Leadership Center, a U.S. legislative branch agency located at the Library of Congress. Dr. James H. Billington chairs the Center's governing Board of Trustees. Open World Center's offices are situated in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Two American non-profit organization work for the Open World Program on a contractual basis. They are American Councils for International Education (administrative and logistical support) and Project Harmony Inc. (alumni programs).

The Open World Program targets for participation leaders who are governmental officials of all levels, educators, business and public sector leaders. The most appropriate nominees are talented leaders who are relatively young but have already demonstrated strong professional and leadership skills, and should be open to learning American experience and to maintaining professional and personal communication with their U.S. counterparts after their return to Eurasia.

During 10-day trips, Open World participants learn about the workings of American society, democracy and free enterprise firsthand. They also examine how the U.S. private and nonprofit sectors help meet social and civic needs encountered by the American society.

A typical delegation has four members, which enables to make a visit more extensive and effective. All participants are actively engaged in the experience sharing and observations of their American counterparts' work. Professional programs are made particularly for every delegation, and emphasize participants' interests and preferences. Usually participants stay with the host families in order to provide delegates with an opportunity to learn about American family and community life. The American hosts in turn have the opportunity to learn about Azerbaijan.

Since 1999 Open World has hosted more than 14, 000 leaders from all over Eurasia.

For more information on the Open World program, please visit http://www.openworld.gov/