The Ukrainian World Congress held its Annual General Meeting under the slogan “United for Ukraine” and declared 2026 the Year of Global Ukrainian Unity. The virtual Annual General Meeting brought together 185 delegates and guests from 48 countries around the world, including representatives of Ukrainian communities in the United States. The participants adopted a number of decisions aimed at strengthening international support, developing youth initiatives, and involving the diaspora in the restoration of the state.
This was reported by UWC.
“The UWC declares 2026 the Year of Global Ukrainian Unity – a time to strengthen solidarity among Ukrainians around the world, affirm national identity, and mobilize joint efforts for the victory of Ukraine, its reconstruction, and the global strengthening of Ukrainian communities,” said UWC President Pavlo Grod.
The official part of the event began with the Ukrainian anthem and a prayer led by the head of the Pastoral and Migration Department of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), Bishop Stepan Sus. The participants honored the memory of the fallen Ukrainian heroes with a minute of silence.
In his addresses, the head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, thanked the UWC for its devotion to the Ukrainian people and the national idea, Metropolitan Epiphany, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, wished the UWC success in building Ukrainian communities and thanked for its support for Ukraine and Ukrainian defenders, and Iryna Klyuchkovska, Director of the International Institute of Education, Culture and Relations with the Diaspora, emphasized that this meeting is proof of many years of systematic work for the benefit of Ukraine.
During the meeting, the participants adopted a number of resolutions and an action plan for 2026. Among the priorities are increasing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, strengthening international support, actively involving the diaspora in the restoration of the state, developing youth initiatives, and increasing Ukraine’s visibility in the world.
The UWC emphasized its unwavering commitment to the struggle for the freedom, independence, and integrity of Ukraine, condemned the Russian aggression, and called on every Ukrainian – in Ukraine and abroad – to realize personal responsibility for the victory and future of the state.
A delegation representing the Ukrainian community in the United States also joined the gathering.
“Many people ask, ‘Why do we need a global structure like the UWC when there are so many wonderful organizations doing important work?’” The answer is simple: advocacy. While many communities provide humanitarian aid or fund drones, medical and tactical equipment, only a powerful global organization such as the Ukrainian World Congress can effectively interact with governments, NATO, the EU, the UN and the Government of Ukraine, representing the interests of Ukrainians around the world. The UWC has just declared: 2026 will be the Year of Global Ukrainian Unity,” noted in the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America
“It was truly powerful. Over 250 participants on Zoom – all meetings were organized impeccably. Reports, speeches, discussions and remarks – everything was packed into two hours. I haven’t seen such discipline and adherence to protocol for a long time. It’s a very positive feeling to see Ukrainians on all continents and in different countries unite to support Ukraine and their people. Let’s unite, dear brothers and sisters, because in unity is our strength! Let’s not let enemies divide us. All major confessions were represented. Sincere gratitude to the Bishops for supporting the Ukrainian World Congress. Glory to Ukraine! Let’s unite all over the world!”, shared her impressions of the meeting of the President of the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America, Marta Farion.
Author: Inna Mikhno