History of the Congress
The National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy is a coordinating structure that brings together Ukrainian associations and communities, as well as individuals and legal entities working to protect the rights of Ukrainians and to advance freedom of association — one of the key freedoms of a democratic society.
From the Memorandum to the Congress
24 August 2023
Cooperation memorandum. On Ukraine’s Independence Day, 26 associations and communities signed the Memorandum, founding the Coordination Centre of Ukrainian Associations in Italy. Ms Lara Levchun was unanimously elected to lead it.
25 August 2024
The National Congress. The spirit of unity led to the creation of the Congress — an instrument for representing shared interests, for advocacy on behalf of the Ukrainian community and for lasting ties between Ukraine and Italy.
End of 2024
A growing network. New associations and communities from every corner of Italy join the shared goal.
Today
Almost every region of Italy. The CNAUI platform — the Coordination Centre — remains a voluntary association, open to all Ukrainian associations and communities.
26
signatories
36
members at the founding
43
leaders together
44
members of the platform
Time, that noble philosopher, has made its corrections — and strengthened our faith in the power of unity. Some associations left the organisation, others were not admitted because they did not meet the requirements, and others still were suspended for conduct that did not match the Code of Honour. A genuine union involves not only growth but also cleansing.
Two structures, one goal
Congresso Nazionale delle associazioni ucraine in Italia
The community’s legal entity. A legal organisation registered under applicable Italian law. It represents the community and carries out advocacy at national and European level.
Coordinamento Unitario delle Associazioni Ucraine in Italia
The Congress’s founding platform. The underlying structure — a voluntary association, open to all Ukrainian associations and communities in Italy.
What we stand on
Unity and representation
We represent the Ukrainian community collectively through dialogue and joint action — a platform for cooperation and mutual support.
Volunteering and donations
Our work rests on the voluntary labour and donations of our members; the initiatives create a space of support for families.
Identity and culture
We preserve national identity and cultural values while integrating into the Italian and international network of civic organisations.
Mission
The mission of the National Congress is to foster unity among the organisations of the Ukrainian diaspora, to preserve and promote Ukrainian education, culture and traditions, to support the integration of Ukrainians into Italian society and to defend their rights at national and European level.
The Congress works with the Ukrainian World Congress and the Ukrainian European Congress, and with associations in Italy, Europe and Ukraine.
Together we grow stronger
