Day two: UWC advances global support for Ukraine’s recovery at Rome conference

ROME – The high-level delegation of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) led by President Paul Grod focused on strengthening cooperation with Ukrainian government officials, international partners, and civil society representatives on the second day of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. 

Their discussions centered on meaningful ways for the global Ukrainian community to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction. 

During thematic panels and informal meetings, UWC representatives emphasized the potential that Ukrainian communities abroad have to be a driving force for drawing investment, supporting reforms, and advancing long-term initiatives in education, healthcare, energy, security, and beyond.

Grod and UWC Executive Director Roman Zyla met with Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne who reaffirmed the importance of sustained international support. 

The conference’s central themes focused on how governments, financial institutions, businesses, and civil society need to unite in their support of a just and lasting recovery for Ukraine.

The UWC delegation stressed the importance of Ukraine’s recovery as a top priority in international discussions during their exchange with Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. They also pressed for the need to integrate temporarily displaced Ukrainians, the protection of their rights, and support for Ukrainian communities in Italy.

In a separate meeting with Ukraine’s Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, Mykola Tochytskyi, the UWC delegation highlighted the critical role of informational security and culture in preserving national identity and strengthening strategic communications — particularly abroad.

The dialogue focused on key issues for the global Ukrainian community, including the protection of historical memory, identity, and Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Reinforcing Ukraine’s cultural presence worldwide remains essential to achieving lasting recovery and stability.

The discussion focused on the reintegration of veterans during a meeting with Ihor Shymanskyi, the Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine. In particular, the delegation explored opportunities for the global Ukrainian community to support veterans through educational, social, and mental health programs.

The conversation with Taras Dobko, Rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University, and Vice-Rector Liubomyr Tarnovskyi focused on the role of higher education in Ukraine’s recovery, the development of a new generation of leaders, and the need for international support for Ukrainian educational institutions.

During a meeting with Vitalii Zaichenko, Chairman of the Management Board of Ukrenergo, the UWC delegation discussed key issues of Ukraine’s energy security and explored ways for international partners to support the restoration of critical infrastructure.

The UWC delegation’s visit will continue with a “People’s March” in Rome, followed by the Forum of Ukrainians in Italy on July 12, which will convene Ukrainian organizations from dozens of Italian cities for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.