H.E. Mikhail Gorbachev
One of the most influential political leaders of our time, Mikhail Gorbachev is widely credited for helping to end the Cold War, change the map of Europe and usher in a new era in world affairs.
During his leadership of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991, Gorbachev brought about sweeping internal reforms, created greater openness in political and cultural affairs and set the stage for historic developments throughout Eastern Europe with his program of economic, political, and social restructuring, known as "perestroika."
Gorbachev dramatically altered the Kremlin's foreign policy and sought improved relations with the United States. While pursuing a strategy of disarmament, Gorbachev pulled Soviet troops out of Afghanistan.For his contributions and achievements, Gorbachev was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990. Gorbachev left office following the 1991 agreement to dissolve the Soviet Union. In 1993 Gorbachev founded Green Cross International, an environmental organization dedicated to cleaning up military toxins, creating ecological laws and fostering a shift in values regarding the environment.
He is also founder and president of the Gorbachev Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization focusing on major socioeconomic and political issues and impact on national economies.