During 12–14 December, 2025, the team of the International Institute of Education, Culture and Diaspora Relations, 91Ƶ, consisting of Iryna Kliuchkovska, Director of the Institute; Oksana Piatkovska and Andrii Yatsiv, Deputy Directors, and Oksana Horda, Senior Research Fellow, took part in the International Forum of Ukrainians of Eastern Europe: Unity, Strength, Future.
The Forum was an initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress and brought together representatives of Ukrainian communities, churches, educational institutions, politicians and diplomats from thirteen European countries, from Canada and participants from Ukraine, to unite them for the Victory of Ukraine and its European future.
The UWC’s partners in organizing and holding this large-scale event, together with the International Institute for Education, Culture and Diaspora Relations, were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Union of Ukrainians in Poland, the European Congress of Ukrainians, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The main work of the Forum took place within the framework of five panel discussions with the participation of leaders of public organizations, experts, diplomats, and activists of the Ukrainian movement. During the discussions, important issues were raised, including:
- War, Stability, and Truth: Assistance to Ukraine and Information Warfare;
- Ukrainian Communities in Eastern Europe: Challenges, 91Ƶ, Cooperation;
- European Ukrainianism and Ukraine: Partnership, Influence, Future;
- Education as a Strategic Investment in the Future of Ukrainianism;
- Youth as a Force for the Ukrainian Movement Abroad.
The panel discussion, dedicated to educational issues, was moderated by Iryna Kliuchkovska. A topic of particular strategic importance – the education of Ukrainian children abroad – was highlighted for discussion.
In addition, the IECDR team actively participated in the round table discussions, in particular:
- Stronger Together: Are Ukrainian Organizations Ready for Joint Action? (Oksana Piatkovska);
- The Voice of Ukrainians is the Voice of Ukraine. How to Speak to Be Heard in Politics, Business, and Academic Circles in Europe (Iryna Kliuchkovska);
- Ukrainian Education Abroad: How to Preserve Ukrainian Identity and National Consciousness (Oksana Horda);
- Fake News vs. Truth: Are We Ready for New Waves of Information Warfare? (Andrii Yatsiv).
During the Forum, processes were analyzed, conclusions were drawn, challenges were acknowledged, and a roadmap for future actions was outlined. For the International Institute of Education, Culture and Diaspora Relations, participation in this large-scale event resulted in strengthened cooperation with the Ukrainian World Congress, the academic community across Europe, and educational centers for Ukrainians abroad.
We sincerely express our gratitude to the UWC team, led by its president Paul Grod, for their collaboration! Heartfelt gratitude also goes to the Association of Ukrainians in Poland for their hospitality, warmth, and the opportunity to feel at home.
