The topic of Ukraine was brought up at almost every plenary discussion and debate. Our delegation had several opportunities to take word and also remind about the bloodiest war on the territory of Europe.
Bohdan Kelichaviy, the Mayor of Kopychyntsi and 2023 USPS participant was one of the speakers at this year’s Forum. At the discussion “Building Peace and Democracy across Borders”, using the example of Ukraine, Bohdan explained that the expansion of partnerships between municipalities is an important aspect for the development of interstate cooperation in general. Here, too, was mentioned russian aggression and how it endangers the processes of democratisation and cooperation.
The biggest impression at the Forum was made by Andrii Pysarenko, a serviceman and 2023 USPS participant. During the plenary session on the topic “International Community for a Democratic Security”, he reminded those present that the security of Europe is ensured by Ukrainians who hold the front. Andrii also asked to provide Ukrainians with weapons because hope and faith cannot protect people, but modern weapons can.
In addition to discussions in the Hemicycle of the European Parliament, many Labs and Forum Talks took place during the Forum — workshops where participants discuss solutions to the problems of democracy, which are in focus this year. Our delegates attended “Lab 5: Women Building Peace” as well as “Forum Talk 3: Women, Democracy and Peace” and talked about how russian aggression changed the lives of Ukrainian women.
Iryna Svavolya, Programme Coordinator at the British Embassy in Ukraine and a 2023 USPS participant, spoke about the issues faced by women fleeing the war. She called for joining efforts to work on mechanisms and programmes that ensure fair justice to victims of war crimes and sexual violence, as well as punishment for those who commit such crimes. Liza Kuzmenko, head of the NGO “Women in the Media” and a 2023 USPS participant, spoke about the journalistic investigation and how russian propaganda engages in targeted disinformation about female journalists.
Our work is important, primarily because not everyone considers russians to be man-eaters that are not worth wasting time on. At one of these discussions, a russian, who was a representative of the youth delegation at the Forum, was present in the speakers. Yulia Malashych, Head of the Department at the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and a USPS delegation representative, asked the speaker:
Unfortunately, we have not heard a coherent answer. Instead, the russian once again shifted responsibility from himself because he “is taking part in this event as a person, not as a representative of russia”. This once again confirms that russians have no place at international events. The democratic efforts of the russians end where Ukraine and responsibility for the genocide begins. It is important to remember and emphasise this.
Iryna Shyba, Deputy Head of the European Union Anti-Corruption Initiative and a 2023 USPS participant, took word at the final discussion, where the participants summarised the results of the Forum’s discussions. She thanked those present for their constant focus on the Ukrainian issue because Ukraine was heard on every panel, and emphasised that Ukrainian women and men do not want to be victims of history. Iryna also reminded that Ukraine is fighting for a common European future.
This is how the World Forum for Democracy 2023 was for the Ukrainian School of Political Studies. We continue to work in the diplomatic field and support the discourse on Ukraine because the struggle continues. We thank our Armed Forces for this opportunity.
