The Ukrainian community joined the International Bazaar at the United Nations in New York. As part of the annual international charity fair, Ukrainians presented their national culture, traditional cuisine, and crafts.
This was reported by participants of the event.
The International Charity Bazaar took place on June 2 at the Visitors Plaza near the United Nations headquarters in New York. Every year, the event brings together diplomatic missions, representatives of different countries, and the international community to present national cultures and raise funds for UN humanitarian projects. In particular, this year, the funds raised will go to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure the provision of aid to communities affected by humanitarian crises.
Ukraine was represented by a separate national stand, where visitors could get acquainted with traditional Ukrainian cuisine, folk crafts, and crafts by Ukrainian craftsmen. The guests were particularly impressed by the festive loaf made by Ukrainian confectioner Oksana Khan. According to the participants, many visitors mistook the work of culinary art for a festive cake because of its exquisite appearance.
The Ukrainian table also featured dumplings, compote, traditional Ukrainian ceramics from Bratko Art, candles made of natural beeswax from Couper Candles, as well as handmade ceramic products created by children with disabilities from the Sumy Regional Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation.
The highlight of the cultural program was the engage of Honored Artist of Ukraine, Honorary Ambassador of Kharkiv to the USA Victoria Vennikova. The performer presented Ukrainian songs, introducing the international audience to Ukrainian musical heritage and modern culture. Her performance became part of Ukraine's cultural diplomacy at the international UN venue.
“It was a great honor to represent our country in the official cultural program of the event and to join the important mission of Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy through art. Today, it is extremely important that the world sees Ukraine not only through the prism of the trials our country is experiencing, but also through its culture, talented people, centuries-old traditions, and indomitable spirit. It is culture that can unite people, strengthen international dialogue, and open hearts for a better understanding of Ukraine,” noted Viktoriya Vennikova.
The participants of the event emphasized that the Ukrainian stand became not only a presentation of traditions, but also an important tool of cultural diplomacy, which allowed us to tell the world about the centuries-old history, art, and indomitability of the Ukrainian people.
“It was a profound illustration of how much we all benefit when we share, trade, and learn from each other. However, it was impossible to ignore the harsh reality: while we celebrated global unity and culture, the Russians simultaneously continued their attacks, killing innocent people and destroying Kyiv and other beautiful cities in Ukraine,” emphasized Oksana Sorochan, a participant from the Ukrainian team.
The organization of the Ukrainian participation was provided by the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations.
During the fair, representatives of different states had the opportunity to exchange cultural traditions, get acquainted with the art and cuisine of other peoples. At the same time, Ukrainian participants emphasized that such events are especially important today, when Ukraine continues to fight for its freedom and independence.
Background
The International Bazaar at the United Nations is an annual charity event of the UN system, which combines cultural diplomacy and a humanitarian mission. All funds raised during the event go to support humanitarian programs for people affected by wars, conflicts, and other crises around the world. Ukraine's participation in the bazaar is another example of how culture helps strengthen international support and shape a positive image of the state on the world stage.
Photo: Oksana Sorochan
Author: Inna Mikhno