Ukraine’s recovery relies on national identity, says UWC Mission to Ukraine head

KYIV – Ukraine’s post-war recovery depends on its human capital and Ukrainian identity, and it is made possible by people with their motivation to help, maintain ties with their homeland, and invest their efforts in the country’s future.

This was emphasized by the head of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) Mission to Ukraine, Andriy Shevchenko, during the presentation of the Diaspora Alliance for Ukraine’s Recovery.

The alliance serves as a strategic platform for long-term cooperation and coordination. The initiative was officially presented on Dec. 15 in Kyiv, with the UWC serving as co-chair of the alliance.

“Recovering Ukraine means preserving Ukrainian identity and maintaining connections between the country and the millions of Ukrainians living abroad. Identity is not just a cultural bonus—it is a long-term resource for rebuilding Ukraine,” Shevchenko said.

The initiative demonstrates an effective combination of energy and resources from government bodies, international organizations, and the global Ukrainian community.

“This reflects a transformative shift in the Ukrainian state toward leveraging the potential that the global Ukrainian community creates abroad,” Shevchenko said.

The Diaspora Alliance for Ukraine’s Recovery is being implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.