The annual International Security Forum took place in the Canadian city of Halifax from November 18 to 20, 2022. A delegation from the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) took part in the security forum along with representatives of governments and parliaments from around the world, leading security and defense experts, political scientists and international relations experts.
The annual International Security Forum took place in the Canadian city of Halifax from November 18 to 20, 2022. A delegation from the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) took part in the security forum along with representatives of governments and parliaments from around the world, leading security and defense experts, political scientists and international relations experts.
One of the highlights of this year’s Halifax forum were the remarks delivered by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has posed a historic challenge to our NATO allies,” Austin said. “The outcome of the war in Ukraine will help determine the course of global security in this young century.” He said that “stability and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic are at stake” and that Ukraine matters to all nations.
At the beginning of the forum, UWC appealed to Ukraine’s allies and NATO member countries to step up their support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the face of a growing russian military threat. On the second day of the Halifax forum, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak reported that Ukraine, together with its closest allies, have started work on a joint declaration on the Ukrainian Air Shield. Read UWC’s statementThe John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service was awarded to the Women of Ukraine. Symbolically, one of the event’s participants was Yuliia “Taira” Paievska, the legendary paramedic, who courageously survived russian captivity and came to personify Ukrainians’ bravery.
“In the Ukrainian language, ‘Ukraine’ is a feminine noun. But death does not distinguish between gender, age or skin color. Under every fifth Ukrainian pixel [camouflage uniform] there beats a womens’ heart. Ukrainian women go to war because our children draw [pictures of] war: tanks, soldiers, flags, and victory. They dream about victory, and await it. Every mother will do everything possible to realize their children’s dreams. to defend their homes and their Ukraine, and will not remain defenseless victims,” Taira said in her address during the “Wonder Weapon: Ukraine’s Women” panel. Read the full text of her address in Ukrainian here.
The Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna joined the discussion on the incredible power of Ukrainian women.
In Halifax, Mrs. Stefanishyna also met with members of the Diaspora during a demonstration in support of Ukraine, where she thanked the Canadian community for exercising their mighty voice.
UWC Vice President and Chair of the UWC Committee on the Economic Development of Ukraine Lenna Koszarny participated in the Halifax security forum as a discussant on food security in the world, and Ukraine’s role in guaranteeing it. In addition, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alexandra Chyczij participated in the “off the record” session concerning the United Nations’ role in the world. UWC President Paul Grod took part in various forum discussions, and presented UWC’s initiative “Unite With Ukraine,” which has raised nearly USD $40 million in support of Ukraine’s defenders since russia’s full-scale escalation of its war against Ukraine.
Everyone can join in supporting the fighters for Ukraine’s freedom. Go to the website https://www.unitewithukraine.com/ and let’s help bring Ukraine’s victory closer together.
