As part of the Global Ukrainian Summit 2026, held in Switzerland under the auspices of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), the organization’s highest honours were formally presented, including the St. Volodymyr the Great Medal, the Certificate of Outstanding Merit, the UWC President’s Certificate of Honour, and awards for the winners of the “30 Under 30” youth award.
St. Volodymyr the Great Medal
Through this highest distinction, the UWC honours individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the development of Ukrainian community life abroad and the advancement of Ukraine. By decision of the UWC Board of Directors, the medal was awarded to 22 individuals from around the world:
Bohdan Wojewidka (Australia), Dzvinka Kachur (South Africa), Oksana Kuzyshyn (Canada), Vasile Pasenciuc (Romania), Peter Joseph Potichnyj (Canada), Maria Szabo Condrei (Romania), Kvitka Semanyshyn (USA), Myron Sycz (Poland, posthumously), Jurij Semkiw (Australia), Jarema Polatajko (Australia), Anna Karpynec (Great Britain), Wolodymyr Karpynec (Great Britain), Hania Szlachetko (Great Britain), Joseph Kupranec (Great Britain), Larysa Ponomarenko (Spain), Alexandra Chyczij (Canada), Piotr Tyma (Poland), Stefania Łajkosz (Poland), Pavlo Sadokha (Portugal), Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler (Australia), Odarka Brecko (Australia), and Wasyl Liscyncsky (USA).
Certificate of Outstanding Merit
This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to strengthening Ukrainian communities around the world. By the same decision of the Board of Directors, 17 recipients were honoured:
Askold and Nadia Haywas (USA), Mihaela Delia Martineac (Romania), Lyudmyla Plys-Kawaguchi (Japan), Ioan Reboșapcă (Romania), Vira Skop (USA), Luba Slavatynska of the International Organization of Ukrainian Communities “Fourth Wave” (Canada), Oleksandr Tomashchuk (Netherlands), Rodica Fălișteanu (Romania), Anna Dezyk (Great Britain), Orysia Chymera (Great Britain), Natalia Katmazowska (Greece), the Social ΕΚΑΒ organization (Greece), Lesya Karpenko (South Africa), Sergiy Shevchenko (Finland), Nadiia Fedorova (Finland), Mirko Fedak (Croatia), and Zoia Nezhankivska (Switzerland).
UWC President’s Certificate of Honour
In recognition of their courage, resilience, and selfless service in defending the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the UWC President’s Certificates of Honour were awarded to Oleksandr Koba, Ivan Kovalchuk, and Yuliia Paievska. Honours were also awarded to Viacheslav Balbek and Ivan Ukraintsev.
“30 Under 30” Initiative
The “30 Under 30” award recognizes young diaspora leaders under the age of 30 — those who are changing perceptions of Ukraine abroad, advancing cultural diplomacy, volunteering, and countering Russian disinformation. The UWC is presenting this award for the second time in its history, following its first edition in 2021. This year, 31 nominees from different countries were recognized. The full list is available at the link.
