Ukrainian World Congress Summit Galvanizes Global Community in Bucharest
Bucharest, Romania, served as the vibrant backdrop for the Ukrainian World Congress Summit, a momentous gathering held from April 12 to 15, 2024. Drawing together an impressive array of over 200 leaders and representatives from Ukrainian communities spanning 55 countries across five continents, the event emerged as a pivotal platform for dialogue, strategizing, and solidarity. UCCA IL members who attended werre Dr. Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak, Vice-presidents Pavlo Bandriwsky and Ihor Diaczun and Board member, Roman Yatzkovsky.
Ihor Diaczun was honored with the prestigious UWC award in recognition of his extensive years of dedicated service to both the Ukrainian community and Ukraine itself.
Also noted that the Chicago community, spearheaded by UCCA IL, consistently stood out and was mentioned as one of the most dynamic and supportive communities worldwide.
The Summit, hosted by the Ukrainian World Congress, galvanized attendees with a shared mission: to fortify support for Ukraine and navigate the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation. With a strategic focus on three overarching priorities—assisting Ukraine in achieving victory, facilitating post-conflict reconstruction efforts, and fostering a resilient global Ukrainian community—the Summit laid the groundwork for collective action and advocacy.
A diverse array of panels and discussions characterized the Summit's agenda, each tackling critical issues facing Ukraine and its diaspora. The panel themed "Unity and Strength of Ukrainian Communities – The Key to Strong Success" sparked dialogue on integrating Ukrainian migrants into host communities, countering Russian influence, and nurturing a vibrant youth movement within the diaspora. Participants exchanged insights, strategies, and best practices aimed at bolstering the cohesion and resilience of Ukrainian communities worldwide.
Another panel delved into strategies for supporting war refugees, emphasizing their integration into local Ukrainian communities and advocating for policies conducive to their eventual return to Ukraine. Concurrently, discussions unfolded around the indispensable role of Ukrainian studies schools outside of Ukraine in preserving national identity and overcoming educational challenges in diasporic settings.
"Advocacy in Support of Ukraine" emerged as a focal point, with participants exploring practical tools and successful advocacy cases from diverse global regions. Notably, deliberations surrounding Ukraine's integration into NATO underscored experts' consensus for extending an invitation to the country during the Alliance's upcoming summit in Washington, slated for July 2024. Such a move, while not guaranteeing immediate membership, would signal unwavering Western support for Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
The Summit's culminating discussions centered on fortifying unity and cooperation within the global network of Ukrainian communities. Participants deliberated on strategies to unify disparate diaspora groups under the umbrella of the UWC and its member organizations, emphasizing collaborative engagement with external partners and institutions.
The Chicago community led by UCCA IL was continually mentioned as the most active and wupportive communities in the world
As attendees departed Bucharest, the reverberations of the Summit resonated across continents, signaling a renewed commitment to Ukraine's future and the strength of its global diaspora. With a strategic vision in hand and a united front, the global Ukrainian community stands poised to navigate the challenges ahead, fortified by solidarity, resilience, and unwavering support.