From Feb. 28–March 8, Utah Valley University is hosting a delegation of six Russian leaders, who will be in Utah learning more about accountable governance. The delegation is part of the Open World Program. Managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress, Open World enables emerging Eurasian political and civic leaders to work with their U.S. counterparts and experience American-style democracy at the local level. 

The delegates will meet with state representatives and senators, as well as with the mayors and city councils of Orem, Provo and Lehi.

While at UVU, the delegation will discuss political parties at the national and local levels and the role of public opinion with associate professor of political science Jay DeSart. The delegation will also speak to UVU political science, peace and justice, and constitutional studies classes which will be facilitated by Baktybek Andrisaev, history and political science lecturer.

“This delegation of key decision makers will have great influence among their peers while allowing our students and faculty to engage with them," said Rusty Butler, associate vice president for UVU International Affairs & Diplomacy.

The delegates will stay in the homes of local residents so they can experience American family life. They will also take part in several cultural and community activities.

The Open World Leadership Center has awarded a grant to Family Health International 360 to administer this and similar exchanges in 2014. The Open World Program is a unique, nonpartisan initiative of the U.S. Congress designed to build mutual understanding between the United States and Eurasia. More than 18,000 Open World participants have been hosted in all 50 U.S. states since the program's inception in 1999. Delegates range from members of parliament to mayors, from innovative nonprofit directors to experienced journalists and from political party activists to regional

http://www.openworld.gov/

Orem City Fire, Police, and Emergency Services

Tour of Utah Olympic Park

Open World delegates visit the State Capital with UVU's Amy Barnett