On 11 November 2025 the town of Silvi hosted a meeting of national and international significance, becoming for one day a symbol of dialogue, cooperation and solidarity between Italy and Ukraine. The Heritage Hotel was the venue for the Abruzzo–Ukraine International Forum, organised by ETS APS “GIOIA” and the Department of International Cooperation of the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy (CNAUI), with the support of the Municipality of Silvi and partners.
The event brought together representatives of the main Ukrainian associations active in Italy, local and regional administrators, Italian government officials and a delegation of Ukrainian local leaders, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between communities and institutions and opening a practical dialogue on Ukraine’s reconstruction, emergency management and support for those affected by the war.
Proceedings opened with words of welcome from the Mayor of Silvi, Andrea Scordella, and from representatives of the Abruzzo Region, who stressed the value of the initiative as an example of hospitality, dialogue and shared responsibility.
In recent months Silvi has stood out for its commitment to strengthening ties with Ukraine, culminating in the signing of a partnership protocol with the Ukrainian towns of Mena and Trostianets to promote cultural, educational and artistic exchanges.
The forum featured round tables and thematic talks on the integration of Ukrainian communities in Italy, the promotion of Ukrainian language and culture, and the prospects for the country’s reconstruction. Particular attention was given to the experience the associations have built up in different regions of Italy, with first-hand accounts from people who work every day to support Ukrainian families, children and new arrivals.
“Our associations are not only points of reference for Ukrainians in Italy, but true bridges of friendship and solidarity between our two countries,” said Lara Levchun, President of CNAUI.
Particularly significant was the participation of 22 Ukrainian mayors, who came to Silvi to talk about their communities and begin a practical dialogue on the prospects for cooperation and reconstruction.
The Abruzzo–Ukraine International Forum was devoted to exchanges between Italian and Ukrainian administrators. Those present included Dr Stefano Maria Cianciotta, Chief of Staff to the President of the Abruzzo Region; Dr Daniele D’Amario, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Regional Government with responsibility for Tourism; Dr Filippo Lucci, Managing Director of Consorzio Punto Europa; and representatives of several municipalities in Abruzzo.
The Ukrainian administrators described daily life shaped by the war: devastated cities, essential services cut off, schools run in underground shelters, and communities forced to hold out despite power cuts and the constant threat of attack.
A telling moment was the address by the Mayor of Zaporizhzhia, Rehina Kharchenko, who described the reality of a city of several hundred thousand residents and more than 150,000 internally displaced people: “We often live without electricity, but we keep holding on. Do not forget us.”
In his remarks, Dr Cianciotta reaffirmed the Abruzzo Region’s commitment to sharing with Ukraine the experience in emergency management and reconstruction it gained after the L’Aquila earthquake.
The event, organised by ETS APS “GIOIA”, confirmed the central role of the voluntary and community sector in promoting international dialogue and turning solidarity into concrete action.
The Forum and the Congress closed with a shared and unanimous message: rebuilding Ukraine is not only about physical infrastructure, but also about strengthening institutions, communities and the human bonds between peoples.
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