Unity Forum: New Horizons for National Communities in Ukraine
Odessa has become a platform for an important discussion about unity in diversity. The Southern Forum of National Communities of Ukraine took place here, bringing together representatives from government, diplomatic missions, civil society, and cultural organizations from all over the country.
The main focus: how to preserve and develop the ethnic, linguistic, religious, and cultural identity of national communities while strengthening the connections within Ukrainian society.
«For the sustainable development of our state, both during wartime and in peaceful times, it is essential to involve all peoples and nationalities in seeking understanding and shared values. This is crucial for strengthening the political nation and building civic identity. We all, regardless of our origins, have chosen the path of defending common values. Representatives of national communities together with ethnic Ukrainians protect our borders for the right to live in a free and independent Ukraine. This is our shared home», – emphasized the head of the Department of Affirmation of Ukrainian National and Civic Identity, Natalia Gontarenko.
Participants discussed:
- Involving youth in local councils and national policy
- Overcoming language and cultural barriers in communities
- Expanding access to Ministry of Youth and Sports programs for representatives of national communities
«We are open to collaboration. We invite young people to join youth councils and coordination platforms on issues of Ukrainian national and civic identity. This is a real opportunity to influence decisions and shape a common future», – noted Natalia Gontarenko.
The event was initiated by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience.
