Forum of Ukrainians of Eastern Europe opens in Przemyśl

PRZEMYŚL – The Forum of Ukrainians of Eastern Europe convened on Dec. 12 in the Polish city of Przemyśl, a strategic Polish town that is situated just a few miles from Ukraine’s state border that drew together prominent diaspora leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations for a three-day assembly that was focused on Ukraine’s war-time challenges and regional advocacy. 

The Ukrainian Narodnyi Dim (National Home) that is based in the same border town hosted the event will run through Dec. 14. 

The forum began with a moment of silence to honor the memory of Ukraine’s fallen defenders and all victims of Russian aggression.

Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), delivered a keynote address, joined by Professor Andrzej Szeptycki, Poland’s Deputy Minister of Science and Education, during the opening ceremony.

“It is critically important that, generation after generation, we raise conscious Ukrainians who will be influential in their countries of residence, who will take part in rebuilding Ukraine, and who will actively strengthen support for Ukraine around the world. We face major challenges, but I am convinced that we are one of the strongest diasporas in the world, and that we, as Ukrainians — united and working together — will prevail,” Grod said.

Participants also heard speeches from Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariana Betsa (online); Ukraine’s Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar; and Mykola-Myroslav Petretskyi, Vice President of the UWC for Eastern Europe, head of the Union of Ukrainians of Romania (UUR), and member of the Romanian Parliament.

Ambassador Bodnar read out an address from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the participants of the forum.

“We must unite the world against Russian evil, and no one will do it for us. Ukraine needs more support on the front lines, stronger backing from governments in the rear, and greater resolve from our partners. It is your voice that must be heard in the government offices of the countries where you live, work, and represent the Ukrainian community,” President Zelenskyy said in the address, thanking Ukrainians worldwide for their efforts toward our shared victory.

Other speakers included Miroslaw Skorka, head of the Association of Ukrainians in Poland; Bohdan Rajčinec, President of the European Congress of Ukrainians; Iryna Kluchkovska, Director of the International Institute of Education, Culture and Diaspora Relations (IIEC/MIOK); and Jaroszlava Hartyányi, President of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations (WFUWO).

The opening was also welcomed by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and Metropolitan Epiphanius, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

A greeting was also sent by Wanda Nowicka, a member of the Polish Sejm.

The first day concluded with an awards ceremony. Upcoming sessions will include plenary meetings, roundtables, group discussions, and presentations of practical solutions focused on key areas: international advocacy, countering disinformation, youth development and education, promotion of spiritual values, and strengthening Ukraine’s presence in the region.

Throughout the forum, participants will discuss shared challenges, exchange experiences, and launch new initiatives to amplify Ukraine’s voice internationally.

For more details on the forum’s program, including topics and speakers of roundtable sessions, visit the official event page.