Maria Chertok, director of CAF Russia, has been honoured with an Expression of Appreciation for services to civil society. Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has issued a presidential decree recognizing CAF Russia’s contribution to the development of civil society and participation in the work of the Public Chamber.

The Public Chamber is a public consultative assembly of civil society representatives. It was set up four years ago and works through a number of its commissions. One of the commissions was headed by Vladimir Potanin, a businessman and philanthropist.

He and his commission – in close cooperation with leading sector organizations and experts, including CAF Russia – played a very significant role in steering legislation and public opinion towards recognition of the needs and potential of the sector in Russia. No other commission of the Public Chamber has achieved this level of appreciation and recognition.

‘I am pleased that the value of independent expertise of the sector leaders was duly appreciated,’ said Maria Chertok. ‘Indeed, in the last couple of years many positive changes have happened in the regulation of the sector, and they would not have been possible without the active participation of the people and organizations that are now recognized by the President. For me this recognition is a credit to the whole CAF Russia team, to their dedication, hard work and first-hand knowledge of the needs and aspirations of hundreds of NGOs across the country.’

For more information
http://www.cafrussia.ru/eng