UWC holds Annual General Meeting, declares 2027 the year of Ukrainian leadership

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) held its Annual General Meeting in a hybrid format on Oct. 24. The meeting brought together 224 delegates and guests from 44 countries around the world, including representatives of organizations within the UWC network.

Participants reviewed the organization’s activities in 2025–2026 and the UWC’s annual financial report, and outlined next steps for coordinating Ukrainian communities worldwide. Key topics included supporting Ukraine, countering Russian disinformation, and strengthening the UWC’s global network.

UWC President Paul Grod called on all Ukrainian organizations to join the global network and support the UWC’s three priorities: Ukraine’s victory, Ukraine’s recovery, and a strong global Ukrainian community.

At the meeting, the UWC declared 2027 the Year of Ukrainian Leadership. The initiative honors the legacy of economist and philanthropist Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, whose 100th birthday was commemorated on October 19. The year’s motto is “Take Responsibility. Unite Efforts. Create Change.”

“Sixty years ago, the founders of the Ukrainian World Congress had a great mission: to restore Ukraine’s independence. Today, our historic duty is to help Ukraine win. That is why 2027 is the Year of Ukrainian Leadership. The world needs Ukrainian leadership. And Ukraine needs every one of us to step up and lead,” said Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress.

At the conclusion of the meeting, delegates also adopted an Action plan and a series of statements. In the first, the UWC reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Ukrainian people’s struggle for freedom, independence, full sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of Ukraine and other states. It also called on partners to provide timely, long-term assistance and emphasized that peace agreements must not legitimize occupation or reward aggression.

The second statement focuses on Russia’s accountability. The UWC demands the return of deported Ukrainian children and the release of prisoners of war and other detainees, calls for stronger sanctions, and supports using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s benefit.

In the third statement, the UWC urges Ukrainian communities to counter disinformation, cyberattacks, foreign interference, and attempts to sow division. It also calls for active participation in the Diaspora Alliance for Recovery of Ukraine.

The fourth statement addresses the future of Ukrainians worldwide. The Congress supports the principle of “integration without assimilation” and emphasizes the importance of Ukrainian-language education and youth engagement among Ukrainian communities abroad.

Iryna Kliuchkovska, Director of the International Institute of Education, Culture, and Diaspora Relations (IECDR), sent a greeting letter to the Annual General Meeting participants. She emphasized that the UWC’s work is “a testament to the enduring unity of Ukrainians, their deep connection to their homeland, and their profound responsibility for its future.”