Projects

The 1st International Bridge Awards for contribution to the development of cultural and business collaboration in Moscow

6 April – 18 June 2026

Moscow

The inaugural Bridge Awards is a new public initiative recognizing the contribution of foreign nationals and repatriates to the development of Moscow and Russia. The award builds on the capital’s historical role as a global center of attraction for leading minds — entrepreneurs, scientists, architects, diplomats, and cultural figures. Today, it creates a framework for public recognition of individuals who have aligned their professional and personal trajectories with Russia, successfully integrated into society, and actively contribute to the country’s development.

Objectives and scope

The award is designed to strengthen the international positioning of Moscow and Russia as an open, modern, and multicultural global hub — a “Russia as a Civilization” concept.

Key objectives include:

Recognizing the contribution of foreign nationals and repatriates to Moscow’s and Russia’s development
Strengthening Russia’s image as a country of opportunity for international professionals
Preserving the historical legacy of Russia’s attractiveness for global talent
Enhancing humanitarian, business, and cultural ties
Supporting the integration of foreign residents and their families into Russian society
Building an active international community connected to Moscow and Russia
Advancing public and cultural diplomacy tools

The award is open primarily to individuals — foreign nationals and repatriates — who carry out professional activities or implement projects within the Russian Federation. In specific cases предусмотренных положением, Russian citizens may also participate, including in the “Integration and Adaptation” category. Winners are selected across thematic nominations reflecting their contribution to the development of Moscow and Russia.

Selection process

The award follows a multi-stage selection model:

Submission of applications in digital format
Remote evaluation by the Expert Council — forming a top five shortlist in each category
Final review by the Jury at an in-person session — determining the winners
Public announcement at the official award ceremony

Participation in the award is free of charge.

Timeline

Application period — April 6 to May 11, 2026
Expert Council voting — May 18–22, 2026
Jury session — May 27, 2026
Award ceremony — June 18, 2026

The Bridge Awards establishes a new platform that shapes the agenda for international engagement — strengthening cross-border connections and reinforcing Moscow’s role as a global center of cooperation and development.

Sergey Cheremin Head of the Moscow Department for External Economic and International Relations

Moscow actively pursues a strategy focused on city and public diplomacy. We build relations not only at the government level, but also through people-to-people ties, cultural exchange, and professional dialogue. This makes cooperation stronger and more sincere. That is why today’s award is a natural step, recognizing the immense contribution of foreign citizens and repatriates to the development of our capital and the country as a whole. We see how much these people are doing, and we believe it is right and important to express our gratitude to them publicly.

Alexander VainoDirector of the “Young Professionals” Direction at the Agency for Strategic Initiatives

Pointed out that “the participants of the Bridge Awards showcase how talented and driven individuals from all over the world contribute to the growth of Russia. The list of nominees features entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, figures of culture, social leaders, and representatives of numerous other professions. Each nominee executes a dedicated project, fostering new opportunities for the development of regions, professional communities, and international cooperation. Such people reinforce the personal bonds between nations, confirming that open professional dialogue continues to be a crucial foundation for mutual growth.

The Award generated significant international interest. A total of 108 applications were submitted by candidates representing 41 countries. Following the expert evaluation process, 64 finalists from 31 countries advanced to the final stage of the competition. Among international applicants, the largest number of submissions came from the United States, the United Kingdom, Belarus, Egypt, Iran, Ireland, and Tajikistan.

On June 18, 2026, Moscow hosted the official awards ceremony of the inaugural BRIDGE AWARDS International Prize.

The winners across 12 categories are:

Architecture and Construction — Alexandr Amirov, Director of the architectural bureau Amirov Architects (Georgia).
Business — David Henderson-Stewart, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Raketa Watch Factory (New Zealand).
Integration and Adaptation — Koggala Liyanage Chethana Meshan, President of the Ufa Branch of the Association of International Students in Russia (Sri Lanka).
Culture — Kohei Fukuda, ballet dancer, producer (Japan).
Media and Communications — John Warren, TV Presenter, Showman, Producer (the United Kingdom).
Medicine and New Health-Saving Technologies — Muboraksho Muborakshoev, Surgeon at Family Doctor chain of clinics (Tajikistan).
Science and Innovation — Pavlos Lagoudakis, Professor at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Greece).
Education and Enlightenment — Tony Patrick Chamberlain, Russia Ready Educational Сamp project founder (USA).
Community Activities and Charity — Anicet Gabriel Kotchofa, Ambassador of Russian Education and Science (Benin).
Sport and Healthy Lifestyle — Jeffrey William Monson, Founder of Jeff Monson Academy (USA).
Traditional and Family Values — Arend Feenstra, Farmer (Canada).
Tourism and Hospitality — Henrik Winters, Chairman & Founder of Tigrus Restaurant Holding (Denmark).

Additionally, a special award named after Alexander Stieglitz was presented to David Arthur Brown, co-owner of the Soyuz Microphones company, industrial designer, frontman of the Brazzaville band, and author of the book "A Cozy Corner of the Galaxy" (USA)*. The award was presented to him by Margarita Stieglitz, a renowned architectural historian and descendant of Baron Stieglitz.