As part of the U.S. Congress’s “Open World” program, the third Ukrainian delegation arrived in California. The week-long visit was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Ukraine Citizen Diplomacy Sister County Commission of Santa Clara County in collaboration with the Congressional Office of International Leadership (COIL), the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and Branch 107 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA).
This was reported by Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco.
As part of the visit, the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco held a meeting between the delegation and the Ukrainian community of the state to discuss the investigation of war crimes. The discussion covered documentation of war crimes, technical and legal support for investigations and judicial proceedings, as well as opportunities for international cooperation.
Participants included Member of Parliament Oleksandr Merezhko, Khrystyna Podyriako (National Police of Ukraine), Judge Maryna Bondarenko, Prosecutor Olha Chekurda (Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine), Bohdan Kosokhatko (Truth Hounds), and Sviatoslav Kustovinov (U.S. Embassy in Kyiv).
In addition, a solemn ceremony was held in Santa Clara County at James P. McEntee Plaza, where the Ukrainian flag was raised to the Ukrainian national anthem in honor of the delegation. The event was attended by local officials, including County Board President Otto Lee, government institutions, the Ukrainian community, and cultural groups.
“This moment united the Ukrainian community, local residents, and officials in a shared demonstration of support, solidarity, and hope,” shared event participant Roman Bobesiuk.
Background “Open World” is an exchange program established by the U.S. Congress in 1999 to promote professional dialogue between young leaders from Europe and American communities. It is administered by the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) at the U.S. Library of Congress. The goal is to support democratic values, the rule of law, and effective governance through intercultural exchange. Participants include young professionals (mainly under 35) from Ukraine and other countries who demonstrate leadership potential in public administration, law, healthcare, civil society, and other fields. The ten-day U.S. stay includes a visit to Washington, D.C., and a program in one U.S. city. Participants meet with government officials, NGOs, and local businesses.
Author: Danylo Pievchev