Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Engages with Ukrainian Community in Chicago During IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings Visit
During his visit to the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal made significant strides in engaging with the Ukrainian diaspora, particularly in Chicago. His series of meetings and discussions underscored the importance of leveraging community support and international partnerships amid ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine.
On April 16, at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Chicago, Prime Minister Shmyhal, alongside Ambassador of Ukraine to the USA Oksana Markarova, convened with community representatives for a comprehensive dialogue. The discussions ranged from updates on the situation on Ukraine's front lines to the complexities of migration during wartime, Ukraine's demographic concerns, and the crucial assistance from international partners. Dr. Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak, M.D., President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Illinois Division, expertly moderated the conversation.
Dr. Dmytriv-Kapeniak highlighted the pressing issue of mass migration, a focal point of discussions at the recent Ukrainian World Congress Summit in Bucharest. She sought insights from the Prime Minister on strategies for harnessing the potential of the Ukrainian diaspora in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts and plans for repatriating Ukrainians.
In response, Prime Minister Shmyhal articulated the gravity of Ukraine's challenges, particularly on the demographic front. He emphasized the need for collective action, stating, "We have to win this war. That’s only half of the battle. We are facing enormous challenges – demographic, primarily." Shmyhal stressed the imperative of unity in addressing these challenges, underscoring that the battle for demographics would follow the battle for victory.
Expressing gratitude for the support of the Ukrainian community, Prime Minister Shmyhal called for continued unity towards achieving victory. This sentiment was echoed by Marta Farion, UWC Vice President for North America and Vice President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), who reported on Shmyhal's engagement at the University of Chicago. There, he spoke to Ukrainian and American students and scholars about Ukraine's resilience and reconstruction efforts.
In addition to community engagements, Prime Minister Shmyhal met with Penny Pritzker, the US Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery, to discuss avenues for attracting American investments. He also held discussions with representatives of American businesses, exploring prospective projects in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Shmyhal reiterated the importance of international awareness and action in addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "The world should not forget that there is a war in Ukraine," he emphasized, urging continued dialogue and cooperation to halt further escalation and ensure peace and stability in the region.
Through his engagements in Chicago, Prime Minister Shmyhal not only strengthened ties with the Ukrainian diaspora but also underscored Ukraine's resilience and determination in the face of adversity, while advocating for continued international support and solidarity.