Finland and Estonia have determined the Winners of the Country Stages of the V International Contest "Leader of Public Diplomacy"

The results of the country stages of the V International Contest "Leader of Public Diplomacy" were summed up in May 2026 in Finland and Estonia.

In Finland the Contest country stage was won by Olga Svanberg

Olga Svanberg is a producer, organizer and presenter of cultural events, writer, author of 4 books of poetry and prose

For many years, Olga Svanberg has been implementing projects aimed at developing intercultural dialogue and preserving cultural diversity. She organizes and participates in international musical and poetic events in Finland, Russia, Belarus and Azerbaijan.

The project "Living Language", which unites representatives of different nations, occupies a special place in her activities. As part of the project, participants recite poetry, perform songs in their native languages and introduce the audience to national dance traditions. The number of nationalities represented in the project has reached 23, this is a vivid example of cultural unity in diversity.

In addition to social and cultural work, Olga conducts scientific activities. She gave a presentation on the work of the poet Nasimi in Moscow, and also runs the Developing Environment self-development club.

Answering the question about the main features of the leader, Olga Svanberg notes:

– A leader inspires, not does things for you. He connects and guides, not serves, sees the future and talks about it.

She calls the word, music and beauty her main tools for uniting people.

The winner in Estonia is Irena Pabo

The jeweler Irena Pabo is the winner of the country stage of the Contest in Estonia.

Irena Pabo's professional and social activities are aimed at strengthening cultural ties through art. She runs her own blog, where she talks about art and philosophy, as well as raises issues of preserving traditional values and supporting the Russian language.

Irena Pabo is a participant in Russian and international jewelry competitions and exhibitions, she uses the language of art as a universal tool for cultural dialogue. In addition, she regularly speaks in the media about the resettlement of compatriots to the Russian Federation.

Reflecting on the essence of leadership, Irena Pabo emphasizes the special role of responsibility:

– A leader is someone who leads. A leader always has the task of getting someone somewhere. Therefore, the main thing for a leader is responsibility. The ability to be responsible for yourself and for those you lead.

Irena considers her mission to be the desire to connect people's hearts through art, creating a space for mutual understanding and cultural interaction.

The stories of Olga Svanberg and Irena Pabo clearly demonstrate that modern public diplomacy is based on human communication, creativity and respect for the cultural heritage of nations. Through literature, music, art, and community initiatives, they help people better understand each other and create a solid foundation for international cooperation.

– Congratulations to the winners of the country stages of the V International Contest "Leader of Public Diplomacy" and wish them new projects, inspiring ideas and further success in developing cultural dialogue between countries and peoples, – say the organizers of the Contest.

More information is on the official website of the World Peoples Assembly and media@world-assembly.org.