Bern, June 6, 2026 – From June 5 to 7, 2026, Bern became a global hub of the Ukrainian diaspora. More than 300 representatives from 50 countries gathered at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum, next to the Embassy of Ukraine in Switzerland, for the Global Ukrainian Summit. On Sunday, the first event of this scale in Switzerland dedicated to the global Ukrainian community concludes.
The opening of the summit featured Jacques Gerber, Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for Ukraine. His presence underscored Switzerland’s important role as a reliable partner of Ukraine in humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and international cooperation.
The summit brought together key representatives of the Ukrainian government and state institutions.
Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariana Betsa emphasized the decisive role of the global Ukrainian community. According to her, Ukraine’s future is shaped not only within its borders but wherever Ukrainians live.
Ilona Havronska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, stressed that security remains a key precondition for the return of millions of displaced Ukrainians, and that the state is already working on long-term solutions.
Oleh Didenko, Head of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine, highlighted the importance of involving Ukrainians abroad in future democratic processes.
Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, called for continued development of mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable groups and for placing human dignity at the center of all decisions.
These positions were complemented by Iryna Venediktova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Swiss Confederation and to the Principality of Liechtenstein, who emphasized the need for coordinated international action – from sanctions pressure and the use of frozen Russian assets to international justice.
A particularly strong impression on participants was made by Ukrainian military paramedic Yuliia Paievska (Taira), who shared her frontline experience. Her speech added a deeply personal and emotional dimension to the Summit, reminding attendees that real human lives stand behind every strategic discussion.
The Ukrainian Society of Switzerland, co-organizer of the summit, has been actively building ties between Switzerland and Ukraine since 1945 and is an important part of the network of the Ukrainian World Congress.
Today, this role is more important than ever. Ukrainian communities around the world are learning from one another, sharing experience, and developing common approaches. Their goal is to effectively support Ukraine today while laying the foundation for its reconstruction and long-term international partnerships.
Concrete topics and a clear vision for the future
The summit combines strategic discussions with practical solutions. Key focus areas include:
- international political and economic support for Ukraine
- the role of the diaspora as a strategic partner of Ukraine
- democratic participation of Ukrainians abroad
- support and prospects for displaced persons
- countering disinformation
- practical approaches to Ukraine’s reconstruction
Participants consistently stressed that Ukraine needs not only ambitious visions but above all concrete, coordinated, and long-term solutions.
60 years of global unity and responsibility
For nearly 60 years, the Ukrainian World Congress has united Ukrainian communities worldwide, promoting the values of unity, freedom, and democratic responsibility.
These values form the foundation of the summit in Bern. Unity and the pursuit of freedom connect Ukrainians across all continents.
Holding the first Global Ukrainian Summit in Switzerland, at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum, is symbolic. Switzerland is increasingly establishing itself as an important platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the development of long-term partnerships with Ukraine.
After the summit concludes on Sunday, more than just an exchange of views will remain. It will result in a global network of leaders and organizations ready to act together to support Ukraine today and its future development.
Bern is becoming a symbol of shared responsibility and the strength of the global Ukrainian community, united by solidarity and the pursuit of freedom.
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