RESOLUTION NO. 030947

Welcoming the Open World Leadership Center delegation hosted by People to People International to Kansas City.

WHEREAS, in 1999, the Russian Leadership Program was authorized and later changed its name to the Open World Program and managed by the Open Wold Leadership Center which hosted Russian visitors to the United States; and

WHEREAS, since 1999, over 6,265 Russians have visited the United States to participate in programs concerning economic development, education reform, environment, federalism, health, rule of law, women as leaders and youth issues; and

WHEREAS, for many years, People to People International, the host of the Open World Leadership Center delegation, has had a mission to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among peoples of different counties and diverse cultures; and

WHEREAS, the 2003 Open World Leadership Center delegation consists of Murad Shandandinovich Abdulmukminov, Yelena Grigoryevna Dyakova, Yuriy Vladimirovich Maksimov, Yevgeniy Ivanovich Yegorov, Natalya Ivanovna Anchugova, Boris Nikolayevich Melkoyedov, Tatyana Ivanovna Pesotskaya, Maksim Vladimirovich Pleshcheyev, Yevgeniy Valeryevich Ionov and Karina Vladimirovna Chupina; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby welcome THE Open World Leadership Center delegation to Kansas City, Missouri; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that copies hereof be presented to each of them in token of the respect and esteem in which they are held in the hearts and minds of the Mayor, Council and citizens of Kansas City, Missouri, and in appreciation of the importance of this delegation in bringing international understanding and cooperation to both cultures.

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