On 16–17 November Salerno hosted an important event for the Ukrainian community in Italy: the Assembly of the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy. It opened with a prayer and a blessing from Fr Vasyl Boryn, underlining the spiritual unity of the participants.
Key decisions
- Election of the Congress’s leadership: Lara Levchun was elected President of CNAUI and Oksana Rohova Vice-President. The decision strengthens the Congress’s organisational structure and will allow it to represent the interests of Ukrainians in Italy more effectively.
- Signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with the European Diaspora of Ukrainians: the document underlines the value of cooperation between Ukrainian communities abroad. Nadiia Senieva, the organisation’s co-founder and chair, stressed the importance of this step for strengthening the unity of Ukrainians in Europe.
International cooperation as the Congress’s core mission: the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy is an international cooperation organisation that aims to build lasting links between the Ukrainian diaspora, the regions of Ukraine and international partners.
During the Assembly, agreements were reached and memoranda of cooperation were signed with regions of Ukraine. The initiative aims at active preparation for the international conference on the recovery of Ukraine, to be held in Italy in June 2025. The Ukrainian community will play a key role there, providing vital communication between Ukrainian regions and international partners and contributing to the country’s reconstruction and development.
The cultural programme: the Department of Culture, headed by Tania Snurnytska, organised a series of vibrant events:
- The festival of Ukrainian and Italian song “Without Borders”, organised by Olha Tarasiuk, which brought Ukrainian and Italian songs together and showed the richness of cultural exchange.
- The “Chicheri” ethnic clothing show by designer Anastasiia Vasylyk, the highlight of the event, which brought out the uniqueness of Ukraine’s heritage.
- The band “Sarò” moved the audience with their heartfelt interpretation of Ukrainian songs.
- Guests from Bulgaria, including Nika Rudakova and Mariia Naboka, gave the event an international dimension.
The spiritual dimension: Fr Vasyl Verbytskyi, director of the Pastoral Office of the Apostolic Exarchate, blessed everyone present for good works in support of the Ukrainian community and of our homeland.
The importance of international cooperation and the role of the Ukrainian community: the Assembly stressed that international cooperation is one of the National Congress’s main missions. Thanks to its initiatives and its established ties with Ukraine, the Ukrainian community in Italy will be of strategic importance in the recovery of our country. The Congress is ready to take a leading role in bringing together efforts to support Ukraine’s regions and to ensure they are actively represented at international level.
The National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy continues its commitment to uniting Ukrainians, preserving their cultural heritage and protecting the interests of our community abroad, remaining an important bridge between Ukraine and the world.
