10th Ukrainian World Congress Begins in Lviv

Lviv has became the center of the Ukrainian diaspora as it hosts the 10th Ukrainian World Congress (UWC). The three-day congress brings together representatives of the global Ukrainian community to discuss major issues. So far, 240 representatives of the Ukrainian community from 30 countries have arrived in Lviv. The official opening of the congress will be held at 6 p.m. in the Solomiya Krushelnytska Opera and Ballet Theater, a correspondent from IA ZIK has informed.

 “The congress, which takes place in Lviv, is special as it is the tenth one,” UWC President Eugene Czolij said during a press conference on Aug. 20. “In view of the events that are happening now in Ukraine and of the difficulties that we are experiencing, the congress is held under the slogan of the words by Lesya Ukrayinka ‘Contra spem spero.’ With these words we wish to convey that the Ukrainian diaspora, despite all the problems, believes in the power of the Ukrainian people, and will contribute to the process of European integration, and the democratization and Ukrainianization of Ukraine.”

Eugene Czolij said that this year Ukraine will mark the 80th anniversary of the Holodomor-Genocide of 1932-19333. Therefore, he said, the diaspora will start the commemoration of this anniversary during the congress. However, the culmination will be in November, together with the Ukrainian people.

The UWC president informed of activities that take place within the three days of the congress.

“In addition to the administrative questions that we need to address, there will be three main sessions. The first, tomorrow, is called ‘Eurointegration: The Key to Ukraine’s Independence and Promoting Democratization’ (10:30-1:00), the second, also tomorrow, is called ‘Ukrainians of the World in Promoting Common Interests’ (6:00-9:00). The third session will be held on Thursday and is called ‘The Famine of 1932-33: Truth Conquers’ (9:30-11:30). Next will be the final reports of congressional committees, the selection of a new UWC leadership, and the final part of the congress,” said Czolij.

He noted that the UWC is the highest body for Ukrainian organizations in the diaspora, which represents the interests of the 20 million Ukrainians in the diaspora. Branches of the organizations are in 33 countries. In addition, the congress maintains ties with Ukrainians who are forming or already have organizations that are in the process of joining the UWC. This includes another 14 countries.