On December 16, a conference titled “Strengthening cooperation with the Global Ukrainian Community” was held in Kyiv, organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

In her opening speech, Deputy Minister Mariana Betsa thanked the IOM Mission in Ukraine and its head, Alessia Schiavon, for supporting the efforts of the Government of Ukraine in overcoming the consequences of the ongoing Russian aggression against our country, as well as for humanitarian response and support for reforms.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of initiating a new direction of cooperation between the IOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – enhancing collaboration with the Global Ukrainian Community.

“The unprecedented challenges caused by the Russian full-scale invasion have led the state to rethink its approaches to interaction with the Global Ukrainian Community. Today, millions of Ukrainians are abroad, having found temporary refuge in various countries, and we understand how important it is to support them. This issue is not only about consular protection. It is extremely important to maintain contact with Ukrainians so that they feel that the state cares about them. We must do everything possible for Ukrainian children to have the opportunity to learn in their native language,” noted Mariana Betsa.

She also highlighted that one of the state’s priorities is to strengthen cooperation with Ukrainians abroad in the context of involving them in public life in Ukraine, as well as its reform and recovery. “Ukrainians abroad are making a significant contribution to bringing Ukraine’s victory closer,” the Deputy Minister stated.

Furthermore, Mariana Betsa pointed out the critical importance of preserving the national identity of Ukrainians abroad, especially in the context of the rapid assimilation of our people forced to leave their homes due to the war.

To coordinate these issues at the state level, the Ministry of National Unity of Ukraine was recently established, which will specifically address the needs of the multi-million Ukrainian community abroad.

The joint conference was an important step in strengthening cooperation between Ukraine, the IOM, and the Global Ukrainian Community, fostering the development of new initiatives and programs based on the joint efforts of the Global Ukrainian Community, civil society, central and local authorities, as well as international partners.