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On behalf of the International Women’s Forum we would like to thank IWF Russia and the participants of the 2004 Reform & Transformation, 21st Century Russia Cornerstone for an amazing experience in Moscow. |
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Metropol Room |
Over 300 members and participants had a truly privileged all-access pass to Moscow, its processes, people and landmarks. IWF Russia and its leader Ludmila Shvetsova, First Deputy Mayor of Moscow, truly outdid themselves spotlighting the leaders, experiences, and locations that tell the story of the modern evolution of one of the worlds great cities and societies.
Under the stunning glass-ceilinged Metropol Room of the Metropol Hotel, the Conference began with an official greetings from IWF Russia President & First Deputy Mayor of Moscow Ludmila Shvetsova, IWF President Kim Campbell and Russian Federation Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov. In true Russian spirit, these warm welcomes and statements of support and transformation laid the groundwork for two days of interesting discovery and for learning of the story of modern Russia. |
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In the first Conference session “Voices of Transformation – A Roundtable Discussion”, a lively dialogue lead by iconic journalist Vladimir Posner, presented viewpoints and discussion on 21st Century Russia with panelists Carolyn Carter, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Grey Global Group; Alla Gryaznova, Rector, Financial Academy of the Russian Federation; Nadezhda Shvedova, Leading Scientific Researcher, Institute of US and Canadian Studies; Olga Vovchenko, Vice President, Alpha-Bank and Svetlana Vragova, Director, Moscow’s Theatre “Modern”.
Following lunch, conference participants headed off for a special flower laying ceremony at the grave of the Unknown Soldier. In a beautiful ceremony in the shadow of the Kremlin Wall, complete with Honor Guard and Military Band, IWF members paid their respects in a memorable and touching moment. |
Members IWF Canada |
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Kremlin Palace |
A tour of the Kremlin followed featuring the Cathedrals, Grounds and a special access tour of the Kremlin’s Palace of the Tsars-- which is closed to the public and accessible only to visitors of State. The beautiful churches, history and exclusive access to the gilded and ornate chambers in the Palace used for Treaty Signings and State Awards Ceremonies, filled the eye and the imagination with images of past glories, present successes and the enduring legacy of Russian grandeur. |
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| The first day came to a close with a spectacular evening of dance at the Bolshoi Theatre. In a Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Legendary Russian Choreographer and cultural icon Igor Moiseyev (in attendance), the IWF was treated to a tribute concert presented by hundreds of dancers from Dance Schools throughout Russia, performing Moiseyev’s best-loved traditional, folk and modern dances. The glory of the beautiful Bolshoi Theatre, the unmatchable skill and technique of the Russian Dancers and closing tribute presentation of 80 bouquets of flowers to Mr. Moiseyev, provided a touching finale to the performance, and to the day! |
The Bolshoi Theatre |
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Friday’s programming began at Novy Manezh, Russian Exhibition Center. The beautifully modern, light-filled room featured an inspiring exhibition of images of women from the Caucus region of Russia, which provided a stimulating backdrop to the day’s conversation. |
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St. Basil’s Cathedral |
The day’s programming entitled “Competing in the Global Marketplace”, launched with a speech by IWF Russia President & First Deputy Mayor, Ludmila Shvetsova, continued with a discussion moderated by Natalia Dubinina, President & Chairman of the Board, FD Group of Companies. Featured on the panel were Laura Goldberg, Vice President, Corporate Account Manager Information and Communication, Siemens AG; Olga Pleshakova, General Director, Transaero Aviation Company; Charlyn J. Porter, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; & Sandra Stash, TNK BP, Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment. |
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Before the break, attendees were treated to a special introduction of the Women of the Caucasus Exhibition by organizer Achsarbek Galasov, former President of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. Joining him were two representatives from the Caucasus region. Their passionate speeches, which included singing and poetry, were an inspiring testament to the beauty and pride of the people of the Caucasus region.
Following an opportunity to review the exhibition, the program continued with “Global Civil Society & The Role of the NGO”. Following an introductory speech by Sarah Carey, Chair, Eurasia Foundation, a panel moderated by Larisa Vasilieva, President, League of Women Writers of Russia, who spoke with participants; Achsarbek Galasov, President, the charitable foundation, “The World of the Caucasus” & former President of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania; Svetlana Gannushkina, Board Member, Human Rights Center Memorial & Member of the President's Committee on Human Rights; Susan King, Vice President Public Affairs, Carnegie Corporation; Louise Roy, Chair, Leadership for Tomorrow, CIRANO; and Vera Soboleva, Public Information Officer, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the Russian Federation. |
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Dr. Rajaa Khuzai
Ines Gomis (Spain) & Joyce Ginatta (Ecuador) |
Friday’s lunch featured a special tribute and recognition for women ministers who joined the conference from throughout the world. Moderated by IWF’s immediate Past President, Luz Lajous, the luncheon featured a salute to the women who have reached the highest ranks in Government around the world. Invited to the stage were Kathy Bell Cooper, United States Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs; Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, South African Minister of Communication; Dr. Rajaa Khuzai, Member, Iraqi Interim Governing Council; & Ms. Naledi Pandor, South African Minister for Education. Also present and acknowledged were Joyce Ginatta, President, Ecuadorian Committee on Competitiveness; Ruth Kaplan, Deputy Secretary General of Israel’s Knesset; and Miriam Yachin, Chief of Protocol for Israel’s Knesset. Following the acknowledgements Dr. Rajaa Khuzai was invited to speak for the women of Iraq. Dr. Khuzai’s moving testament of the plight of the Iraqi women and her role in securing women’s representation in the new Iraqi Government inspired the luncheon crowd to their feet in a well-deserved standing ovation. Following Dr. Khuzai’s presentation, Zoya Zarubina was welcomed to the stage in recognition of her life’s work in honoring and recognizing the Russian Veterans and survivors of WWII.
Behind The Scenes tours included visits at various destinations throughout Moscow including: the Russian State Duma, Moscow City Duma, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the International Aviation Committee, and the Moscow Office for Marriage Registration.
Conference presentations concluded later that afternoon at the Moscow State Institute for Management. With stirring remarks from Ludmila Shvetsova and Kim Campbell, as well as recognition of the IWF Russia Organizing Committee for their hard work, the business of the IWF Moscow Cornerstone Conference concluded. |
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| Later that evening, our participants were hosted at an affair of State with the Mayor’s Reception & Celebration. A stunning evening all around, the Reception was a true celebration of Russia, its potential and its women. With speeches from Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, IWF President Kim Campbell and a surprise appearance by Valentina Matvienko, Governor of St. Petersburg, the program was rich with reverence to the work that has been done, and is being done for Russian women and women leaders everywhere. Orchestras, singers, dancers, an awards tribute to members of IWF Russia and a lavish meal, brought IWF members to their feet in celebration and dancing. With a confetti-laden finale, this celebration is yet another of the IWF Moscow Cornerstone experiences that will not be soon forgotten. |
Members Celebrate at the Closing of the Mayor's Reception |
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IWF Canada Members Carmen Robinson,
Louise Roy & Micheline Bouchard |
Karen Scappaticci (Fellow Alumna), Ophelia Cheung (Hong Kong) & Kim Campbell (Canada & Southern California) |
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The Kremlin Clock Tower |
National Day Celebration |
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The National Day celebrations kicked-off the final day of the conference. At noon, as the Kremlin clock-tower was struck true, IWF conference participants, the diplomatic community and state and national officials were treated to an unbelievable show of nationalism, patriotism and Russian pride. In one of the largest and most colorful presentations many attendees are likely to see in a lifetime, this celebration of Russian unity featured thousands of performers paying tribute to the peoples of the Russian Federation, the history of the army that protected them, and the diversity of its people. Concluded with an address by Russian President Vladimir Putin, this celebration was a triumphant display of a country that has worked with rapidity and determination toward reform and transformation. |
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National Day Celebration |
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| Following the National Day Celebration, IWF participants journeyed to the Moscow River for a leisurely afternoon cruise of food and music celebrating the many special IWF friendships, and the new alliances developed over the course of the Moscow Cornerstone meeting. |
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