AUGUST EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED!
August is Officially Proclaimed as Ukraine Month
The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois have officially proclaimed August as Ukraine Month, recognizing the contributions of Ukrainian Americans and reaffirming support for Ukraine and its people. As Ukraine approaches the 35th Anniversary of its Renewed Independence, and as Russia continues its brutal attacks against Ukraine and its civilians, this recognition carries special significance. Now more than ever, it is important to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and to raise awareness of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and democracy. We encourage communities throughout Illinois to help make this designation meaningful by requesting local proclamations from city, village, township, and county officials; organizing Ukrainian flag-raising ceremonies; and displaying Ukrainian flags throughout the month of August. Ukraine Month is also an opportunity to share Ukrainian culture, history, and contemporary achievements with the broader community through exhibitions, film screenings, art displays, lectures, concerts, and other educational and cultural events. Together, let us make August a visible and vibrant celebration of Ukrainian heritage, resilience, and the enduring friendship between Illinois and Ukraine.
Example of letter to city, village, township, and county officials
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
AUGUST DATES OF EVENTS YOU DON”T WANT TO MISS!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
Ukrainian Flag Raising Ceremony at Daley Plaza
Join us on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago for the annual Ukrainian Flag Raising Ceremony. As we commemorate the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s renewed independence, community leaders, elected officials, and supporters will gather to celebrate Ukrainian heritage, honor Ukraine’s resilience, and reaffirm our solidarity with the Ukrainian people. All are welcome to participate in this meaningful and visible expression of support for Ukraine. A bus will leave the Ukrainian Cultural Center at 11:00 am.
Join Ukraine and the World – Forum Global Insights
Join Ukraine and the World – Forum for Global Insights, to be held on August 22, 2026, in Chicago’s historic Ukrainian Village, on the eve of Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day. The Forum is hosted by UCCA Illinois Division.
This timely gathering will convene global leaders, scholars, and change-makers to reflect on some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today—viewed through the lens of Ukraine's extraordinary courage, resilience, and moral clarity in the face of ongoing aggression.
The Forum will feature panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and a networking reception.
This year's Forum will explore the following themes:
- The Future of Global Security — The New Balance of Power
- War Without Frontlines — Weapons, Narratives, and Hybrid Warfare
- The Environmental Impact of War — No One Is Safe
- The Economics of War and Sanctions — Follow the Money
We invite community leaders, policymakers, scholars, students, and engaged citizens to join this important conversation and help lay the groundwork for a peaceful and just world.
Ukrainian Village, a State of Illinois Designated Cultural District, showcases a rich history, distinctive architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious Ukrainian cuisine.
PANELS AND SPEAKERS AT THE GLOBAL INSIGHT FORUM
A series of panels addressing the future of global security and the new balance of power, war without frontlines through weapons, narratives, and hybrid warfare, the environmental impact of war, and the economics of war and sanctions. Additional sessions will explore the role of emerging technologies — from artificial intelligence to cyber capabilities — in reshaping modern conflict, the humanitarian toll of protracted crises and displacement, the fractures and realignments within international institutions tasked with maintaining peace, and the strategic use of information and disinformation as instruments of state power. The series will also examine the shifting alliances among major and middle powers, the security implications of resource scarcity and climate-driven instability, and the paths — however narrow — toward diplomacy and post-conflict reconstruction in an increasingly multipolar world.
PARTNER WITH US: SPONSOR THE GLOBAL INSIGHTS FORUM
Help make this Forum possible.
The UCCA Illinois Division relies on the generosity of sponsors, donors, and community partners to bring this Forum to life. Your support helps us secure distinguished speakers, host meaningful discussions on the issues shaping global security today, and make this event accessible to students, professionals, and community members alike.
We welcome individuals, businesses, and organizations who share our commitment to fostering informed dialogue and strengthening ties within our community. See our Sponsorship Opportunities to learn how you can get involved and help ensure this important conversation continues.
Check link on Sponsorship Opportunities for more information.
Independence Day Unity March & Commemorative Program
One of the largest public demonstrations of support for Ukraine,
bringing together thousands of participants to honor freedom,
democracy, and Ukrainian Independence
Staging- Chicago Ave/Ashland -1566 W. Chicago Ave, 60622
Staging period: 12:00 PM
March start: 1:00 PM sharp, end at 3:00 PM at Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Parish Parking Lot -739 N. Oakley Blvd. / 2245 W. Superior St.
Commemorative Program: 3:00 PM at Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Parish Parking Lot
Entry form to paticipate must be submitted to UCCA no later than 10 August 2021 (see application below)
Organizations and businesses that submit their application early will be given placement at the beginning of the March of Unity.
Application for non profits- https://drive.google.com/.../18IWMFoHoujbwpZo2FhX.../view...
Application for business- https://drive.google.com/.../1Q0cOCU9Jv2BN1yN-H2.../view...