Yuri Vyazemsky

Writer, philosopher, TV presenter and Sochi 2014 Ambassador

“According to some reputable researchers, the Holy Mount Olympus, if at all it could be associated with any terrestrial mountain, belongs somewhere to the Caucasus Mountains.”

Yuri P. Simonov (Vyazemsky) (5 June 1951, Leningrad) – Russian writer, philosopher, TV presenter, Social leader and Publicist. Candidate of Historical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of World Literature and Culture at MGIMO School of International Journalism, RF Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Creator and TV presenter of the popular All-Russia Intellectual Television Broadcasts The Clever and Talented, which celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2011. The TV program has become one of the most successful projects on the Russian television and has been awarded by National TEFI Award in 1996 for the nomination “Best Children's Program”, in 2001 for the nomination “Education Program”, in 2006 for the nomination “Children’s program”. In 2003 the program was awarded by New York Television Festival (NYTVF) Award.

In token of esteem and respect for distinguished contributions to education and raising intellectual awareness of several generations of youth was appointed Sochi 2014 Ambassador by Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee.

• Graduated from MGIMO School of International Journalism, can speak five foreign languages. The honored worker of culture of Russian Federation (2006). Member of Writers Guild of Russia, Member of the Russian Television Academy. In the past author of the International Affairs Journal. Author of a number of fiction books and popular science and scientific papers.
• Laureate of the Culture Elite National Award 2003 for the nomination “Intellect of the Nation”.
• Awarded with The Order of Saint Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow, 3rd degree (2011).
• Since 26 July 2010 Member of Patriarchal Council on Culture.