Forum for Unity: National Communities of Ukraine
Odessa served as a venue for a significant discussion on unity in diversity. The Southern Forum of National Communities and Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine took place here, gathering representatives from government, diplomatic corps, civil society, and cultural organizations from across the country.
The main theme was how to preserve and develop the ethnic, linguistic, religious, and cultural identities of national communities while strengthening the unity of Ukrainian society.
“For the sustainable development of the state, both in wartime and peacetime, it is necessary to engage all peoples, ethnicities, and nationalities in seeking mutual understanding and shared values, which will contribute to the strengthening of the Ukrainian political nation and the development of civic identity. We have all chosen the path of defending shared values, regardless of our origins. Together, we protect our borders for the right to live in a free, independent Ukraine,” emphasized Natalia Hontarenko, head of the Department of Affirmation of Ukrainian National and Civic Identity.
Participants discussed:
- Engaging youth in local councils and national politics
- Overcoming language and cultural barriers in communities
- Expanding access to programs from the Ministry of Youth and Sports for representatives of national communities
“We are open to cooperation. We invite young people to join youth councils and coordination platforms regarding the affirmation of Ukrainian national and civic identity. This is a real opportunity to influence decisions and shape a common future,” noted Natalia Hontarenko.
The event was initiated by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience.
