“Raise Your Hand!”: HSE University Hosts a Round Table on Civil Society in Ghana and Ethiopia and the Role of Youth in Public Diplomacy
On September 21, 2026, the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University) held the international round table “Civil Society in African Countries and Youth Participation in Public Diplomacy.” Heads and experts of nonprofit organizations from Ghana and Ethiopia met with Russian students, researchers, and NGO practitioners. Among those present were students of the “Public Administration” program, for whom civil society is anything but a distant subject: they take a course called “Civil Society in Russia and Abroad.” That may be why the guests faced so many questions that the moderator had to gently rein in the discussion in order to fit everything planned into the time available. Candid, substantive answers turned the meeting from a series of presentations into a genuine conversation — about public diplomacy, about young people who are not always invited to the negotiating table, about aid to hospitals and schools, and about what keeps NGOs afloat as foreign grants dry up.
The meeting was moderated by Viacheslav Ivanov, chief expert at the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and the Nonprofit Sector. Four representatives of the African nonprofit sector served as the main speakers: John Aggrey, founder and CEO of the Ghana Russia Centre for Commerce and Relations (Accra, Ghana); Ziona Holm, head of business development and innovation at the same Centre; Shaibu Mohammed, executive director of the Better Dream Foundation Ghana; and Tariku Negash, head of the Ethiopian office of the international nonprofit Serve Global Inc. and a representative of the World Peoples Assembly in Ethiopia. The hall brought together HSE bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students, researchers from the Centre, representatives of Russian NGOs, and journalists, while other participants joined online. The meeting lasted about two and a half hours.
The debate gained particular intensity from the students of the Public Administration program. Civil society is no abstraction for these future civil servants: their curriculum includes a dedicated course, “Civil Society in Russia and Abroad,” and the African guests turned out to be its living continuation. Civil society is usually studied through textbooks and research papers; here it could be discussed directly with the people who build and run such organizations. The students made full use of the opportunity, asking questions such as how a Russian citizen can engage in collaboration with Africa, how to turn an idea into a business, what qualities are required to work in an NGO, who initiates nonprofits in Ghana — the state or ordinary citizens — and whether it is risky to depend on foreign grants. The guests did not shy away from these probing questions, openly sharing both their successes and their own missteps. The conversation was conducted in English, which the students, to the guests’ delight, delivered with confidence and eloquence.
The event took place within the context of a highly an eventful “African” year for the university. Over the summer, the Centre’s team, headed by Irina Mersiyanova, took part in the World Public Summit. Africa in Addis Ababa, where discussions focused on the work of African non-governmental organizations. The guests arrived in Russia for a series of significant events, including the International Youth Festival and the Second World Public Assembly. According to Viacheslav Ivanov, this encounter was intended to mark a significant milestone in the global dialogue on the development of civil society institutions and public diplomacy. The date itself was particularly symbolic, as September 21 marks the International Day of Peace, while also commemorating the birth of Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, as highlighted by John Aggrey to the audience.
In his opening remarks, Viacheslav Ivanov reminisced about his first encounter with John Aggrey, which occurred more than two years ago at the World Festival of Youth in Sochi. During the summer in Addis Ababa, he had the pleasure of attending a youth session titled “The New Generation of Leaders: Education, Employment, and International Cooperation,” where Aggrey delivered a “brilliant presentation”. Ivanov outlined the structure of the meeting in simple terms: approximately 15-minute presentations, followed by open-ended questions, and concluding with general reflections. He posed the central question that would serve as the foundation for the entire discussion: What role does youth play in shaping Africa's non-profit sector, including the realm of public diplomacy?
Before commencing his presentation, John Aggrey addressed the audience directly, saying, “Which of you have visited African countries? What was your impression?” The responses varied, but they were all personal. “I was impressed by the level of development in Egypt, Tunisia, and South Africa — both economically and in terms of infrastructure,” one student remarked. “It is clear that Africa has a rich cultural heritage. However, it is also a highly progressive continent, with a promising future for everyone.” His goal for the meeting was more practical: to gain an understanding of how non-governmental organizations and youth groups operate, and to learn about the plans African countries have for collaborating with the next generation.
Another participant, with a touch of humor, admitted, “When I visited Tunisia, I was only six or seven years old, and all I can remember is swimming in the sea in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. My perception of Africa primarily comes from Arab countries. I would like to delve into the realm of tropical Africa, exploring the landscapes and cultures of Ghana and Ethiopia.” A third respondent recalled their journeys to Tanzania and Kenya, where they encountered both poverty and relative prosperity, leaving a general impression of warmth and hospitality.
Taken collectively, these responses highlight a crucial aspect: the public's perception of Africa is largely shaped by tourist experiences and familiarity with its northern regions, whereas the tropical part of the continent, the very heart of the guests' origins, remains largely unknown. The challenge at hand is to bridge this knowledge gap.
“Thank you for your insightful contribution,” Aggrey replied, swiftly redirecting the conversation. He posed a question: could Africa contribute something to the audience itself — to Russian civil society and public diplomacy? “This is a roundtable,” he reminded everyone. “Share your ideas, share what you know. I may well learn something from you too.” One participant’s comment struck like a thesis: Africa is one of the world’s most populous and culturally significant regions, and “it can — and should — contribute to the development of the third sector.” A representative of a Russian NGO who has worked with Aggrey for years backed him up: people in Russia may not know all that much about Africa yet, “but now is exactly the time to start learning.” The familiar formula of “we help, they thank us” gave way to a new approach: exchange.
The figures Aggrey provided at the outset of his discourse imbued the exchange with substantial gravitas. According to his calculations, Africa's population is nearing 1.5 billion people, with approximately 70% of the population falling below the age of 30. "The mere mention of the word 'billion' can cause one's heart to skip a beat," he observed, but swiftly qualified himself, stating that numbers devoid of substance are meaningless. Demography, he emphasized, does not dictate destiny; rather, it serves as the initial capital that must be transformed into opportunities. The remainder of the discussion centered on the means by which this transformation could be achieved.
What sets public diplomacy apart from civil society? Aggrey suggested drawing the line in the following manner: civil society encompasses a variety of institutions, not limited to non-governmental organizations, but also including local and religious associations, labor unions, student groups, and informal movements. On the other hand, public diplomacy revolves around human-to-human interactions. The latter relies on the former; for the dialogue to be effective, it is essential to comprehend the actual workings of these organizations, the individuals they assist, and their future trajectories.
His central thesis was that public diplomacy had long since transcended the confines of governmental institutions. “When we hear the term 'international relations', the first image that springs to mind is that of a diplomat," he mused. "But is this not already changing?” he inquired. Today, the realm of international relations encompasses universities, businesses, tourism, music, sports, film, digital platforms, and entrepreneurship. The latter, in particular, he emphasized, as young people from diverse backgrounds launching businesses together engage in public diplomacy without necessarily labeling it as such. In his view, diplomacy itself is no longer limited to the chambers where grandiose statements are crafted and disseminated.
So why is civil society still necessary? Aggrey posed this question to the audience, and hands immediately shot up. “It gathers and voices the problems that people face,” one student began. “The state isn’t always effective at public diplomacy, and neither is business,” another continued. “Civil society fills the gaps that bureaucracy can’t close.” A third pointed to socialization: it teaches young people project-based thinking, which they can later apply to their own initiatives. A fourth mentioned oversight: civil society sometimes monitors those in power when they fail to respond to public demands. Aggrey added a visual that is more memorable than any definition: governments change, and the problems persist; political administrations and international priorities shift, but human relationships do not. “No matter which government comes to power or whichever party wins the election, you and I stay the same people.”
The most compelling evidence of this can be found in Ziona Holm’s personal narrative. Prior to her initial visit to Russia, she confessed that she had heard plenty of rumors and stereotypes. “I decided I couldn’t judge a country by hearsay — I had to get to know these people myself,” she stated. A warm welcome changed her mind: already at the airport, she recalled being greeted with, “Ziona, how was your flight? How is Ghana doing?” She was taken aback: “Is this really what Russians are like? Are they serious, or is this a joke?” What followed were experiences like chak-chak in Kazan and pelmeni in Moscow, accompanied by visits to museums and landmarks. Her conclusion was that Russians are resilient individuals who, when faced with setbacks, find ways to overcome them and move forward. “Diplomacy begins when I set foot on the soil,” she asserted. Viacheslav Ivanov echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that personal welcome and hospitality serve as the initial and often most persuasive argument in discussions about a country's character. He noted, “We take great pride in our hospitality, which is one of our most notable qualities.”. This is, to be sure, a personal account rather than a sociological comparative analysis of two nations, but trust between societies is forged through precisely such narratives.
For Tariku Negash, the Ethiopian guest, this logic has been passed down through generations. He discovered Russian culture at around the age of ten, through the works of Chekhov, Bunin, and Pushkin. His family’s ties to Russia have never been severed: 40 to 50 years ago, members of the older generation came here to study agriculture and medicine and, upon returning home, translated Russian books into their native tongue. He also noted that Pushkin himself had Ethiopian roots. Today, more than 200 Ethiopian students enroll in Russian universities each year, and roughly 20,000 Ethiopians have studied in Russia since the first group arrived. “I am here because of public diplomacy,” he concluded. Tariku locates the points of contact between the two nations in history and values — religion, literature, and a common struggle against colonialism.
The Ghanaian side is building upon the same foundation. The Aggrey Centre assists Ghanaian students in their pursuit of education in Russia, while those who return impart their acquired knowledge to others. A clothing initiative is currently underway, through which Ziona Holm aspires to harmoniously merge Ghanaian and Russian cultural elements. Following her experience of wearing an ensemble in Kazan that bore resemblance to Ghanaian attire in certain aspects, the Centre has embarked on designing a novel style emblematic of cooperation between the two nations.
Age: A Barrier That Can Be Broken
“What prevents young people from engaging in political activities?” Aggrey inquired. The room answered unequivocally: distrust rooted in age and lack of experience, a shortage of reliable information, and too few connections — all of which necessitate mentorship from older members to facilitate their entry into politics. One student added a personal touch to the discussion, stating that they also lacked the status and authority to advocate for their ideas within their communities and forge connections necessary for their ideas to materialize. Another participant emphasized the significance of intercultural literacy, sharing a personal anecdote about how he once invited his Chinese friend to a Japanese restaurant, unaware of the weight carried by the tragic chapters of Japanese-Chinese history. To him, it was merely a restaurant, but for his friend, it served as an unwelcome reminder of historical pain. The encounter became awkward, leading the speaker to conclude that knowledge of history and cultural nuances is essential.
To these personal narratives, Aggrey adds the obstacles imposed not by age but by the very system itself. In certain countries, presidential candidates must be at least forty years of age; in Nigeria, as he recounts, young people responded with a campaign under their own hashtag, and the authorities eventually listened and lowered the age requirement. Many young Africans find themselves spending the majority of their time engaged in informal employment, leaving little space for civic concerns when survival demands take priority. Digital surveillance further discourages bold action. And, finally, there is the familiar rhetoric from older generations: “When were you born to lead us? Wait ten or twenty years.” Aggrey counters this argument, stating that as long as one is capable of thinking, writing, reading, and understanding their rights, they already possess the necessary qualities to become a leader.
His proposed solutions were concrete and practical. Financial support: many individuals possess the skills and determination, but lack the financial means to attend a conference in Ghana, Ethiopia, or Nigeria. Representation at the table: in certain countries, international delegations consist predominantly of individuals over 40 years of age, with young individuals fortunate to be present even as assistants. He proposed a proportional approach — if five individuals attend, at least two to three should be under forty. Educational integration: public diplomacy ought to be incorporated into school and university curriculums. Networking: following each conference, he reflects on what Dr. Ivanov does, how his expertise could contribute to this project, and what Tariku is doing in Ethiopia. This, he stated, is how his international initiatives take shape. He emphasized that expanding opportunities for young individuals is not merely a matter of charity, but rather an “investment in social stability,” as it is unjust to ask them to shape the future without integrating them into the economic landscape.
The audience proved on the spot that younger generation is already capable of taking action. When asked to define youth’s role in developing Africa’s nonprofit sector, the students pointed out that young people make up the largest segment of society, characterized by their activity, creativity, and willingness to contribute. They also noted that young individuals possess the ability to capture attention through various media, such as creating videos and sharing them, which can reach millions of viewers. The discussion then shifted to the realm of entrepreneurship, revealing the presence of genuine business minds within the room. Aggrey posed the question: “How many of you are already running your own businesses?” Real-life examples emerged, with individuals sharing their experiences. One participant stated, "My company assists school students in preparing for the Unified State Exam and securing admission to universities.” Another shared, “In my school days, I operated a small gift shop and later ventured into the baking business.” Aggrey expressed his admiration, stating, “I am truly impressed and proud of what I have heard today.” Later, he offered his final thoughts on the audience, encapsulating his impression: “Dr. Ivanov, your pupils are truly remarkable today. Their responses leave me in awe. I have visited many places, but these students are, at present, unparalleled.”
Addressing the students, Viacheslav Ivanov articulated what might be considered the rallying cry of the roundtable. “I have been engaged in public diplomacy throughout my life,” he stated, “beginning when I was a student myself, actively participating in various events and never failing to raise my hand. Recall that initiative has the power to transform your life, and do not be afraid to venture into new projects.” Aggrey then demonstrated how this principle works in practice. Firstly, establish your goals and approach the relevant institution directly: if you are interested in healthcare, approach the Ministry of Health rather than the Ministry of Youth. Be direct in your approach: “Hello, my name is John Aggrey, I saw the programme at HSE in December. These are my qualifications and areas of interest — is it possible for me to join?”
The initial response is likely to be “We will get back to you”. As Aggrey advised, this should not discourage you. Continue to pursue your endeavors, and, in Dr. Ivanov's words, persist in raising your hand until you are noticed.
“What Can We Do?”: Students’ Questions to Aggrey
The questions became increasingly specific. “How can a Russian student contribute to Africa, to your country?” someone in the room inquired. “What can we do?”
Aggrey's response was an invitation: he explained that following the World Festival of Youth in Sochi, there had been an initiative to establish friendship clubs. Ghana had established the Ghana-Russia Friendship Club, which had not yet been officially launched. He suggested that HSE could be the first institution to initiate this partnership, with their participation. He emphasized that this collaboration could extend beyond public diplomacy and encompass various fields, including sports. No formal decision was made during the meeting, as it remained an invitation, albeit a serious one, for further exploration and action.
A question about government support followed immediately: are there grants or other measures for young people? According to Aggrey, Ghana has a National Youth Authority and a Ghana Youth Federation operating under the Ministry of Youth and Employment. What interests them are financially viable projects — ones that generate profit or create jobs; applicants need a five-year forecast and a break-even point. There are also accelerators and innovation hubs that sometimes fund ideas in exchange for equity — 50-50, for instance. “The system is new, but we’re making progress,” he summed up.
A question about institutional distrust of young people, and about what qualities are needed to work at an NGO, brought the conversation to what he considers the most important one. Aggrey again began with his own story: five years of volunteering before he launched his business. “Why spend your time there if you could go somewhere that pays?” he asked himself rhetorically. “But the goal of the civic sector isn’t profit — it’s serving people. I feel sorry for those who go into it for the money.” The key quality in this field, he said, is empathy. As an example, he cited the flooding in Dagestan, which drew volunteers from many Russian regions, and the aid sent to Nepal after its own flood, including an entire planeload of food and medicine. “The keywords of the humanitarian sector are empathy, trust, and respect. If you don’t have them, this sector isn’t for you.”
“And what issues concern Ghana’s young people most?” the next participant asked. Aggrey answered without pausing: maternal and child health. Hospitals are scarce, and the ones that exist are often far away. “There are cases where a woman about to give birth has to travel to the clinic on a motorcycle,” he said. “It’s painful to see a mother bringing new life into the world under such conditions.” That is why the Centre visits hospitals every year: last year, he said, 200 women received everything they needed, from diapers to children’s clothes and food. “It says something that in some hospitals, children don’t even have enough food,” he added. “We believe people shouldn’t be at a disadvantage simply because they have nothing.” A second concern is rural schools, which lack basic teaching materials.
A follow-up may come soon. Early next year, Aggrey hopes to launch, together with Russian organizations, Ghana’s first program of specialist-volunteer missions, and he is inviting Russian students to take part. The project in question is International Voluteer Program “Mission Dobro”: as Viacheslav Ivanov explained, it was launched four years ago at the initiative of Rossotrudnichestvo and the “Dobro.ru” Association, and there is already a potential pool of about 900 specialists: doctors, rescue workers, engineers, and technicians ready to work in African countries. For the time being, this remains a prospective endeavour, as the meeting did not delineate the composition of the team, the budget, or the travel dates.
“If There’s No Empathy, I Don’t Think You’re Right for Us”
When Ziona Holm took the floor, the questions grew more personal. “They say empathy is central to both Russian and African culture. Is that true?” someone asked. “Yes. It is,” she replied, and gave an example from the Centre’s work: helping Ghanaian students who come to study in Russia and, on their return, share what they’ve learned. Another question cut deeper: “Russians tend to come together quickly after tragedies — think of the Dagestan flood or the Crocus City Hall attack. Does something similar happen in Ghana?” Ziona answered by describing what mutual support looks like day to day: hospitals, baby supplies for mothers, books and hygiene items for children in rural schools. She also mentioned a football team that had nothing to wear onto the field: the Centre supplied them with personalized kits and sports equipment.
“Many Ghanaians have studied in the USSR and in Russia. Do these alumni participate in public diplomacy today? Do they maintain any associations? How can current students establish connect with them?” came another question from the room. “You simply need to reach out to the students who are already here,” Ziona answered. Another question related to volunteering arose: “How well-developed is volunteerism in Ghana? Are there any organizations where international students could engage in volunteer work?” The guest acknowledged that students could indeed volunteer in Ghana, emphasizing that various organizations welcomed activists in various fields. They specifically mentioned hospitals as an area that could benefit from assistance. While specific organizations were not mentioned, the message was clear: Ghana welcomes volunteers.
Perhaps the most pertinent question of all arose at the conclusion: “In your nation, are non-governmental organizations typically established on the initiative of the state or of the people? Here, the government often assumes a significant role in this process.” Ziona's response was unequivocal: the government cannot shoulder the entire burden alone. Governments are not equipped to accomplish everything, and their support is not always effective across the board. This is precisely why non-profit organizations step in – the entire system relies on individuals who are proactive and compassionate.
Viacheslav Ivanov described the question as a critical one: the equilibrium between government-led and citizen-driven initiatives in the establishment of non-governmental organizations is a topic that the Centre is currently exploring in collaboration with its African counterparts.
From Addis Ababa to a Memorandum: The Story of One Raised Hand
Viacheslav Ivanov pointed out Shaibu Mohammed’s trajectory as the best example of how public diplomacy translates into concrete action — and the timeline is indeed impressive. Two months earlier, at the World Public Summit.Africa in Addis Ababa, Shaibu had heard for the first time about the “Russian House” operating in the Ethiopian capital. Back home, he contacted Aggrey — his “boss” — and asked whether such a house existed in Ghana; he found out where it was and what it did; and, he said, his foundation now has a five-year memorandum covering online events and Russian-language training for Ghanaian youth, “so that they have the chance to come and study in Russia.” Two days before the round table, he had attended the Second World Public Assembly, where, as Ivanov noted, he secured that concrete result in the form of a memorandum. Shaibu Mohammed had also taken part in the International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg that September, which brought together more than 10,000 young people from over 193 countries. “It is remarkable to see how much effort the Russian side puts into involving young people in initiatives like this,” he said.
The Better Dream Foundation Ghana operates in three key areas: promoting education on climate change and human rights, fostering public diplomacy, and engaging with communities. On the diplomatic front, the foundation reaches out to embassies and builds platforms for youth exchange: preparations are already under way for two-week reciprocal trips with the Ethiopian side, with Ghanaian students traveling to Ethiopia and Ethiopian students to Ghana. Ivanov noted that organizations such as Aggrey’s Centre and Mohammed’s foundation serve as valuable partners for Russian Houses and Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs abroad, both of which need reliable local partners in places like Accra and Addis Ababa. He emphasized that this collaboration exemplifies civil society engagement and cooperation with the Russian government.
Mohammed’s second line of work is research, which has particularly engaged the attention of the moderator. Ion the aftermath of the Addis Ababa summit, an international working group on African NGOs was established, and Shaibu has already contributed to its output: he analyzed the state of the nonprofit sector in Ghana and the relationship between civil-society institutions and the state, using a methodology provided by the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and the Nonprofit Sector — covering registration, regulation and reporting, funding, and relations with local communities, among other areas. A comparable study was carried out in Ethiopia last year by Tariku Negash together with Margarita Mersiyanova, a student in HSE’s “Sociology” program and a research intern at the Centre. The results were presented at an international conference in November 2025. That work convinced the Centre’s staff that the approach could be scaled across the continent, and the working group was formed this past summer. “The Russian experience is a starting point, but the methodology has to be adapted to African realities,” he stressed. Registration and reporting rules vary from country to country, and traditional and communal structures, as well as youth groups, play a significant role. Plans include Ghanaian case studies, local surveys, a regional network, and a joint mapping of civil-society organizations across Africa. The core concept of Ivanov's presentation revolved around the notion that the partnership between Russia and Africa should be founded on the principles of mutual respect and authenticity. He described this as a “vivid, living example” and highlighted the swiftness of the process: it took only two months from the inception of the idea for a working group to Shaibu's involvement in surveys based on the methodology developed by the Centre. His request for participation was simply granted, granting him the opportunity to contribute to this extensive body of research.
The students' questions followed swiftly. Alexander Bakaev, joining the online discussion, inquired about which practices of Russian civil society might be applicable in Ghana. Shaibu highlighted education and empowerment of young people, emphasizing that the most successful partnerships are those that are mutually beneficial, whether between organizations or between organizations and the government. Someone in the room enquired about the main conclusions Shaibu had drawn from the festival and whether they could prove useful in his work. “The work has already commenced,” he responded. “I do not believe in 'the future. The future is happening now. People often say that young people are future leaders, but in reality, we, the youth, already own the future and must lead today.”
One participant, Georgy, managed to surprise even the guests. He had recently watched a video about Agbogbloshie, a district of Accra known for pollution, where people extract metal from waste, and he asked whether any organizations help both people and the environment there. Shaibu answered that both NGOs and government bodies work on environmental issues, but that the core problem is money. The Ghanaian guests smiled at this. “Georgy, your question is delicate, but more relevant than ever,” Aggrey said. “Everything you’ve said is true. That’s exactly why we Ghanaians laughed — only someone who reads about and studies Ghana’s problems could notice something like that.” He added a thought worth remembering: no matter how much waste is cleared away, without proper waste management the same problem will return within a year. Aggrey further emphasized that it is not merely about the level of pollution in a particular location but rather the mindset of individuals who treat nature in such a manner.
The final question was among the sharpest of the day. “When we were researching African countries, it turned out that much of the funding comes from international organizations,” one participant said. “Aren’t you worried about foreign influence?” Shaibu answered calmly: his foundation’s projects run on its own funds, even though it has more than ten international partners. He isn’t afraid of grants — every donor attaches conditions, but the foundation has risk management, compliance, and regulatory oversight in place. The main filter is its mission: “If a grant doesn’t align with our mission and vision, we won’t pursue it.” While this reflects the specific position of one foundation, it does not necessarily imply that the entire sector is entirely risk-free. Nevertheless, this question set the stage for the subsequent presentation on the sources of funding for NGOs.
A Book Born From a Lost Year
In the midst of the meeting, an event-within-an-event unfolded: the unveiling of “Generation Diplomacy”, one of the four books that John Aggrey intends to publish. Each participant was presented with a copy of this new publication, accompanied by a commemorative Ghanaian-style bracelet. The moderator, Viacheslav Ivanov, himself a contributor to the book with his foreword, was bestowed with a special token of esteem in the form of a traditional Ghanaian attire. In return, the distinguished guests received branded merchandise from the Higher School of Economics.
The room could not resist inquiring about what had inspired Aggrey to compose the book. It turned out that the story was less about triumph than about loss. Aspiring to become a lawyer, the aspiring author faced fierce competition for admission, finding no one to guide him on how to prepare, and he lost a year. Later, at university, his academic mentor told him, “John, you could have approached this differently.” That year could not be regained, but he vowed to ensure that others would not have to follow his path. “Whatever I learn, I share with someone who does not yet know it,” he said.
John has visited Russia more than twenty-five times. “What do I offer to the people who receive me?” he asked himself, and he began writing so that his readers would one day have something to gain from him — and perhaps even surpass him. Thus, the mentorship that permeated the entire encounter took on a tangible form in the pages of his book.
“What Color Is Monday?”: Tariku Negash on Money and Responsibility
Before posing his question to Tariku Negash, Viacheslav Ivanov cited UN and International Labour Organization statistics: Africa, he noted, has the highest share of volunteering in the world, including informal volunteering, where people help directly rather than through organizations. How does this self-organization affect the sector? Negash began with a compliment: “Congratulations on what you’ve done. I can see how you’ve shaped this young generation’s understanding of civil-society organizations.” As Ivanov posed his question, Negash confessed that he found himself wishing to be a member of the audience rather than sitting at the panel, simply to listen to the responses of the students.
By this point the session had run well over an hour, so before opening a new discussion, Negash led a brief warm-up. “Today is Monday, right? Are you sure? I’m not.” Then: if you had to name a color for Monday, what would it be, and why? Blue, because it’s sad to get up early. White, because it’s the first day of the week — “a blank page, ready to be written on.” Yellow, because it’s sunny. Gray, because the routine of the working week is starting up again. The simple exercise did its job: the accumulated fatigue lifted, the room came alive, and the conversation naturally returned to weightier matters. It was a small reminder that shifting perspective from time to time helps people come back to serious problems with renewed energy.
The central idea of his talk was that the traditional NGO model is running out of road. The familiar pattern is well known: spot a problem, describe it, apply to a foreign donor, receive a grant, implement the project. In his words, this amounts to organizations remaining permanently dependent on outside funding. But that dependence is a risky arrangement: a donor can shift its priorities, cut funding, or withdraw it altogether, leaving the organization without resources and its programs without continuation. As evidence, he pointed to the winding-down of USAID programs after the change of administration in the United States (he noted that only a few areas survived, such as HIV/AIDS response and maternal and child assistance) and to cuts in British development aid. He sees the consequences among friends who run organizations in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana: they are short of funds. He added a caveat: in this context, he was using “civil society” to mean NGOs and charitable organizations specifically, while the concept in its broader sense also includes think tanks, religious groups, and professional associations.
“Do you think the decisions by the US and Europe to cut aid to Africa were justified?” he asked the room. “In my opinion, it wasn’t very wise: the future lies in Africa, there are plenty of resources there, and staying close to African countries is a good idea,” one participant said. “But I think the real reason is a shortage of spare funds in the US and Europe themselves — domestic problems are piling up there right now. If they think more progressively, they’ll find a way to keep their ties with Africa.” This, naturally, is one participant’s opinion rather than an established fact — but Negash used it as a springboard to talk about solutions. A crisis, he said, is also an opportunity for African civil society: to use the resources of African states themselves more effectively, to develop corporate social responsibility, and to draw on the diaspora. “Africa has five geographic regions — east, west, south, north, and center. But some people speak of a sixth: the diaspora scattered across Europe and America. That is our potential.”
He then tested the students’ grasp of the underlying concepts: “What is a social enterprise?” The first answer described corporate social responsibility instead: “a business that is accountable not just for profit but for its positive impact on society and the environment.” The second hit the mark: “It’s when profit is used to sustain the organization’s work rather than going into private pockets.” “That’s exactly how we understand it,” Negash confirmed, adding that Ethiopia’s government had approved a new law allowing civil-society organizations to engage in certain business activities, provided the profits are not distributed but spent on the organization’s own goals.
The second part of his talk took the form of a question addressed not to organizations but to individuals. “As HSE students and responsible Russian citizens, you surely follow what’s happening around the world — in the Middle East, in Europe, in America, in Africa,” Negash said. “How responsible do you personally feel for what kind of world this will be?” He deliberately avoided going into specific events: you already know, you already feel it. His point was about something else — the routine of school, home, work, and forums that causes people to lose sight of the bigger picture. And about the fact that without an honest answer to this question, talk of public diplomacy remains just talk.
The students answered more seriously than one might expect at the end of a long day. “That’s how we were raised,” one explained. “That’s probably why we’re studying at HSE, and why most students here start their own projects, take part in NGOs, and take part in the World Youth Festival too.” Another pointed out that any global problem — pollution, warming — is made up of small actions, so it has to be solved through small steps: sorting waste, consuming less. A third spoke about generational change: the heads of governments and civil-society organizations will eventually step aside, “and we need to be ready to take their place — which means gaining as much knowledge and as many skills as we can.” One unexpected answer stood out: everyone should do good — “teachers broaden our horizons, doctors keep us healthy, but there are also plenty of jobs that don’t leave the world any better.” “Our mission today is to help the world survive,” that participant concluded. Another voice added that the question is generational: if people aren’t engaged now, their children won’t be either. Someone else spoke with pride about the university itself: HSE has many student organizations, and “HSE students have a strong sense of project thinking that lets them help others.”
Negash listened, visibly pleased. “I can tell from your questions and answers that you’re well-armed with knowledge and facts about the world,” he said. “Now it’s a matter of willingness, of interest, of compassion.” The information and the skills are already there, he continued, and a diploma will follow the bachelor’s degree. “What remains is openness and compassion. I need results, not just words.” That, he stressed, is where public diplomacy truly begins. And if nothing is done, the problem will eventually come knocking. He closed with an invitation to visit Ethiopia — “we need you to get to know our culture.” He named volunteering as one path to integration and noted that such work is held in high regard in Ethiopia.
Right at the end, a latecomer slipped into the room — a graduate student from Ghana studying international relations at RUDN University. In just a few minutes he raised four concerns: slow progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, the damage climate change is doing to African agriculture, illegal mining polluting Ghana’s waterways, and the ethics of artificial intelligence, which is capable of “creating things on its own” and could slip out of human control. The conversation he opened at the very last minute was left unresolved — perhaps the clearest sign of how many topics are still waiting to be picked up again.
Takeaways: What the Round Table Taught
What remained after two and a half hours of conversation? First, the perspective shifted: Africa emerged not as a recipient of aid but as a full participant in an exchange — with its own experience, organizations, and resources. Second, public diplomacy turned out not to be the exclusive domain of diplomats: it is practiced by anyone who greets a guest at the airport, launches a joint business, runs a friendship club, or simply asks questions and listens. Third, young people don’t need to wait — after all, “the future is now” — but they do need travel funding, seats in delegations, and mentors. Fourth, there is no single recipe for an NGO’s survival: the guests offered three different answers — start small and build a team (Aggrey), choose funding that fits your mission rather than bending your mission to the funding (Mohammed), and avoid relying on a single source by drawing on business, the diaspora, and social entrepreneurship (Negash).
Practical next steps are already taking shape, and some have moved into an active phase. The Ghana-Russia Friendship Club has been established; its launch format is being finalized, and HSE’s involvement is under discussion. A clothing project inspired by Russian and Ghanaian culture is in development. Two-week exchanges between Ghana and Ethiopia are being prepared. Shaibu Mohammed’s foundation has signed a five-year memorandum on online events and Russian-language training. The international working group on African NGOs is planning surveys, case studies, and a map of organizations. A trip by Russian specialist volunteers to Ghana is being worked out, with its team, budget, and dates still to be determined. Some questions — such as what measures might make NGOs more attractive to young people than radical alternatives, or whether associations of Russian university graduates exist — remain open and could form the basis for future meetings.
After the round table, organizers asked attendees to share their impressions. Many noted the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Maria Kireeva admitted: “All the foreign speakers radiated real positivity. For the first time, I was struck by just how close the cultures of Russia and African countries actually are.” Marfa Ushakova praised the “exceptionally calm and friendly atmosphere combined with genuinely useful information.”
Ratmir Sultanov noted that the meeting’s theme sat at the intersection of civil-society research and international relations, with public diplomacy as one of the tools of soft power. The speakers’ presentations, he said, helped him see Africa in a new light, beyond the usual framing around development challenges. He also praised the speakers’ strong English, their charisma, and their openness to discussion and to views different from their own.
Polina Obukhova praised the format itself, which brought NGO representatives and engaged citizens of Ghana to the same table as the students, allowing them not just to ask questions but to genuinely join the conversation. “This was one of the few events that managed to be useful, interesting, and even a little unusual, all at once,” she concluded.
For their part, all the speakers noted how well-prepared the HSE students were on the topics under discussion — hardly surprising, since all of them are fourth-year undergraduates in the “Public Administration” program and study “Civil Society in Russia and Abroad,” a course taught by Irina Mersiyanova, Director of the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and the Nonprofit Sector and Associate Professor at the Department of Public Policy and Administration in HSE’s Faculty of Social Sciences.
The tone of the meeting comes through best in the guests’ own assessments. John Aggrey placed the students here at the top of every audience he has addressed. Shaibu Mohammed thanked everyone for their “wonderful questions.” Tariku Negash congratulated the moderator on the influence he has had on this younger generation. And Viacheslav Ivanov, closing the meeting, called it a highly productive and important event — for the guests and for the students alike.
For the Public Administration students, the meeting became an extension of coursework brought to life: a student’s own question fed into an active research project, and the answers came from people who work in civil society every day. Summing up, Viacheslav Ivanov admitted that he sees in Africa a genuine “Global South,” and that this, for him, carries a mission — to support Africa. Today, he said, the guests had used the vivid examples of Ghana and Ethiopia to show how Africa’s civic sector functions, how public diplomacy works, and what role young people play within it. “You are the young generation, and your contribution is invaluable. Put your knowledge, skills, and experiences to work for the advancement of civil society globally, including in Russia and partner nations, and harness the power of public diplomacy.”
Key Takeaway
The roundtable discussion did not culminate in a resolution, which perhaps constitutes its true strength. Instead, it concluded with a series of invitations to engage, inquire, participate, contribute, and establish a collective endeavor. Shaibu Mohammed demonstrated how this approach works in practice, as he initiated a project in Addis Ababa during the summer and by the autumn had already formed a functional team and drafted a comprehensive memorandum.
For those who follow, the challenge lies in heeding the moderator's call and heeding John Aggrey's advice: take action, do not delay. The conference concluded with a straightforward yet profound message: public diplomacy does not commence with a title or grant, but rather with the readiness to raise one's hand, to pose a question, offer a solution, take a step forward, and refrain from waiting for recognition.
