Vladimir Yakunin outlines a fresh way of dealing with matters relating to global security. He tackles the threat that terrorism presents today and what can be done to protect and guarantee the safety of would-be victims. He calls upon G20 to play an active part in this. Communication and cooperation are key. Through differences and disagreements, a greater solution can be achieved. He draws upon the legacy of cooperation between ideologically opposed sides during the Second World War to achieve greater aims and argues the same kind of cooperation can be achieved today.

The Dialogue of Civilizations (DOC) Research Institute is a think tank that seeks to develop robust solutions for dealing with the greatest challenges facing humanity today. Chaired by Vladimir Yakunin since its inception, it develops proposals to overcome the challenges that are most pressing at the moment and aims to foster mutual understanding in order to allow for an inclusive development for humankind. We live in times of great change and uncertainty, so it is fundamental to have an open dialogue between all sides so that we can come to equitable solutions. This is at the very core of everything that the organisation does.

Vladimir Yakunin proposes the DOC’s vision for overcoming the threat of terror

Vladimir Yakunin is a Russian public figure and businessman heavily involved in philanthropy. Yakunin completed his education in 1972 with a degree in mechanical engineering from the Leningrad Institute of Mechanics. During the years of 1985 to 1991 Vladimir Yakunin was Second and then First Secretary of the USSR’s Permanent Representative Office at the United Nations. In 2003, Yakunin was appointed First Vice President and subsequently President of Russian Railways JSC, a position he occupied until 2015.

Vladimir Yakunin is the founding member and president of World Public Forum Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute, which remains his main preoccupation at the present moment. The aim of this research institute is to bring together academic research, public leaders, business and civil society to discuss and find solutions to global problems. Over the 15 year period the institute has organised a whole host of conferences and talks the aim of which was to address multiple challenges we are facing today as a global community. One of the main goals of these discussions is to act as a support for global policy makers as well as international corporations in offering advice and solutions regarding multiple topics, some of which include human rights, global development, research of innovative economic models and other social issues. Apart from providing a platform for discussion between global thinkers, Dialogue of Civilizations has published multiple books on the topics of social history and potential global developments.

Yakunin is also an enthusiastic participant in numerous charitable organisations. He is heavily involved in a children’s charity fund based in Russia. The chief aims of this charity include providing social support and protection to children in difficult social situations, protection of maternal and paternal rights, promotion of activities in children’s sport and education.

Vladimir is married and has 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. Members of his family are also involved in many philanthropic projects.