Foreign Talent, Russian Future: Bridge Awards Chair On Why Moscow Is Courting The World’s Best – Interview -By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

In line with Russia’s state policy, International Bridge Awards was established to recognize entrepreneurial contributions and to foster dialogue on attracting special talents to Russia. The International Bridge Awards was established for talented and ambitious professionals from around the world, including renowned athletes, scientists, entrepreneurs, and public figures. Sergei Georgievskii, Head of the Organizing Committee of the Bridge Awards, Chairman of the Expert Panel, Agency for Strategic Development, discusses the main reasons for tapping foreign talents from abroad and its significance for building Russia’s society and its economy. Here are the interview excerpts:

Can we reflect back, a little bit, on the driving reasons for establishing ‘Bridge of friendship Awards’ as a center of attracting outstanding talents from around the world?

Sergei Georgievskii: Over the last few years the world has undergone massive changes: even fields like science, culture, and sports have become dependent on politics. However, Russia and Moscow remain open to people who share the values of our culture. People from all over the world continue to come here to fulfill their potential. The mission of the award is to highlight this influx, disprove the claim that we are somehow isolated, and demonstrate how vital foreigners’ contributions can be to any area of Russian life. It aims to showcase our opportunities to those who are considering working with Russia or moving to the country. Half a million foreigners have moved here to live and work, making a significant contribution to the development of science, medicine, education, sports, and culture. Part of their integration involves recognizing their accomplishments and telling their stories. By doing so we make our country and Moscow increasingly attractive.

What are the significant implications instituting these awards for ‘repatriates’ and who could qualify to get it? What are the main categories in the wonderful package? By the way, what does the term ‘repatriates’ imply in this context, and in Russia’s traditional and political developments?

Georgievskii: These individuals belong to a specific category entitled to return to Russia under a fast-track scheme. It includes, for example, descendants of those who lived in the Russian Empire or the USSR, former Soviet citizens, people who voluntarily renounced their Russian citizenship, and those Russian citizens who were permanently residing outside the Russian Federation as of February 24, 2022. They can now count on significant legal advantages compared to the standard migration process. For instance, they don’t need special employment permits, and citizenship is granted through a highly simplified procedure.

The purpose of inviting repatriates to participate in the award is the same as for foreigners with no prior connection to Russia: to show that the country is open and welcomes those who are ready to create and build here.

By the way, the award features one particular category that Russian citizens permanently living in the country were also eligible to apply for: “Integration and Adaptation”. The organizing committee deliberately included this option to reward those who help foreigners and repatriates in Russia. This is our way of showing that it’s a two-way street, a process that helps build bridges between Russia and other nations.

How do you expect, for instance, the Kremlin and other state officials, particularly at the Foreign Affairs, and the Interior, as well as Prime Minister’s office, leverage unto this partnership in support for tapping foreign talents from abroad?

Georgievskii: The origins of this award trace back to a statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, at the 2025 Agency for Strategic Initiatives’ forum “Strong Ideas for a New Time”, highlighted the importance of attracting foreigners who share our nation’s values and want to live, work, and raise their children in our country. The concept of an award dedicated to the international professional community was conceived on The Bridge Club platform in 2026. The initiative received support from the MFA of Russia, the Department for External Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow, and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives.

The project aligns perfectly with state policy. Today, there are three presidential decrees in place that create favorable conditions for moving to Russia, including the decree “Оn Providing Humanitarian Support to Persons Sharing Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values”. There is also a Regional Standard for the Social, Cultural, and Economic Integration of Impatriates—including their family members. Developed by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, it creates a “green lane” system for talented foreigners. Currently a new document is under development, which will serve as a continuation of this policy direction. The award is one of the tools of this policy, born out of a private initiative with state support.

How do you evaluate this collaboration which is already in its evolutionary process, and are there any administrative and regulatory constraints/barriers getting the ‘repatriates’ into Russian society?

Georgievskii: Quite the opposite, in fact—so much has been accomplished lately to break down these barriers. For instance, a new digital service called “Time to Live in Russia” was launched on April 15. It was developed by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives and the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, and it significantly simplifies the relocation process for talented foreigners.

It’s something like the Talent Visas available in many countries. Here, the key requirements are having in-demand skills and showing respect for traditional values. It takes about three to four months to get impatriate status. As a result, an impatriate gets a personal manager who helps with visa processing, border crossing, finding accommodation, and so on.

What are the visions to turn all these you have discussed, so far above, to become an institutional instrument for the future development of Russia and its society?

Georgievskii: When it comes to the award, the organizers aim to make it an annual event. Their goal is to turn it into more than just a selection process for winners, but to build a comprehensive program that fosters dialogue on attracting talent to Russia. It could become an event featuring series of lectures, seminars, and discussions. These would aim to educate people in this field and build a “Bridge of Friendship” and dialogue among citizens from different countries who support Russia.