Open World has been forging lasting positive relationships between emerging and established leaders in the former Soviet Union and their American counterparts. The participants come from remote towns and urban centers, and each gains a better understanding of the practice of democracy and the rule of law. They are introduced to best practices in critical areas like sustaining NGOs, tackling corruption, promoting an independent judiciary, and so much more. This program is an important, cost-effective investment by the U.S. government in advancing democracy, building civil societies, and creating a better world for all of us. This is people-to-people exchange at its best.