Winners of the Regional Stage of the Contest “Leader of Public Diplomacy” in Europe Announced

The results of the European regional stage of the V International Contest “Leader of Public Diplomacy” in Europe have been summed up. The winners in the “Cultural Diplomacy” nomination were representatives of Austria, Serbia, Moldova and the Czech Republic.

Gala Mishchenko from Austria

Independent artist Galina Mishchenko (Gala) implements projects aimed at promoting cultural heritage through contemporary art. Her project “Culture Without Borders” involves participation in international exhibition projects, the creation of international art series aimed at revealing the cultural code of the individual, and cooperation with international organizations that bring together art and the humanitarian agenda.

Galina presented her solo exhibition “The Phenomenon of the Russian Woman” at the UN Office in Vienna, dedicated to women who have contributed to the development of world civilization. Her exhibition “Russian Soul – the Heritage of Generations!”, dedicated to outstanding figures of Russian history, was held at the Russian Embassy in Austria; at the historic building of the Austrian National Library the artist took part in the international exhibition Vienna Contemporary 2025.

Speaking about leadership, Galina notes: “Leadership for me is the ability to unite people through values and to create a space for dialogue.”

Margarita Vujovic from Serbia

A piano professor, chairperson of the “Sirmium Gradus ad Parnassum” Association and director of the international Sirmium Music Fest, Margarita Vujovic has been developing international musical cooperation for many years.

Over the past three years, the number of Sirmium Music Fest participants has exceeded 10,000 people, and the geography of the contest has expanded, connecting representatives of China, South Korea, the USA, Russia, European countries and Ukraine. Speaking about this contest, Margarita Vujovic emphasizes that she manages to “unite the seemingly incompatible” in modern conditions, since music is a language understood by everyone. In addition, she regularly represents Serbia and Russia at international music competitions and serves on the jury of creative projects in European countries.

In her words, “The main thing in leadership is the ability to build a team united by common goals of strengthening international relations and improving the world through art.”

Olesya Dreglya from Moldova

Head of the ART-Fantasy vocal studio and an expert of the World Coordination Council of Russian Compatriots, Olesya Dreglya implements international cultural and educational projects for children and youth.

She curates the creative initiatives of the teenage club “PROpodrostki”, which brings together participants from more than 30 countries, organizes an international New Year song contest that has been held for 11 years, and is also the author of the project “Cultural Shift” — a creative camp where children and teenagers study vocals, theatre, poetry and dance, mastering intercultural communication skills.

“For me, the main thing in leadership is the ability to lead people through personal example, support and attention to everyone,” says Olesya Dreglya.

Svetlana Stepanova from the Czech Republic

Director of a non-profit organization and of the Russian song ensemble “Russian Soul,” Svetlana Stepanova has in recent years managed not only to preserve the group in difficult conditions but also to bring it to new international venues. Each concert is a literary and musical program that tells the story of the works, their authors and the cultural context in Russian, Czech, English and German.

After losing its rehearsal venues in the Czech Republic, the ensemble established cooperation with the Russian House in Vienna and the Russian Club at the UN, continued its concert activities and became a participant of the international festival Choral Vienna. In 2024, after a change in the group’s lineup, Svetlana formed a new team in less than two months, preserving all planned performances. The ensemble also carried out joint projects with groups from Germany and Ghana, which led to the development of long-term international cooperation.

Reflecting on leadership, Svetlana Stepanova draws the following conclusion: “For me, the essence of leadership lies in the ability to remain faithful to your mission when external pressure reaches its peak.”