The X Ukrainian World Congress was held 20-22 August 2013 inLviv,Ukraine, with the participation of 208 delegates representing 27 countries. The delegates were joined by 350 guests who travelled from around the world, including all regions ofUkraine, to participate in the proceedings and learn about the work of the UWC.
The X Ukrainian World Congress provided an opportunity for participants to share accomplishments, exchange ideas and develop plans for the further consolidation of the 20-million strong Ukrainian diaspora.
Among the guests were also representatives ofUkraine’s governing authorities and leaders of the opposition.
The X Ukrainian World Congress, which was dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Holodomor of 1932-33 on the 80th anniversary of this genocide, began on 20 August with a procession and memorial service at the Taras Shevchenko monument in the city’s main square. The opening ceremony that same evening was held before a packed audience at the Solomiya Krushelnytska Lviv National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet during which Ukrainian World Congress President Eugene Czolij delivered the keynote address.
Three themes relevant to the global Ukrainian community were the focus of round table discussions. They included “Euro-integration – securingUkraine’s independence and furthering its democratization”, “A global Ukrainian community – promoting common interests” and “Holodomor 1932-33: the truth prevails”.
Delegates elected the following members of the Ukrainian World Congress Executive Committee:
Eugene Czolij – President (Canada);
Jaroszlava Hartyanyi – 1st Vice President (Hungary);
Orysia Sushko – 2nd Vice President (Canada)
Peter Sztyk – 3rd Vice President (France)
Stefan Romaniw – Secretary General (Australia)
Bohdan Watral - Financial Officer (USA)
Zenon Potoczny – Treasurer (Canada)
On behalf of the Ukrainian diaspora, the Ukrainian World Congress expresses gratitude to the citizens of Lviv for their hospitality. The Ukrainian World Congress expresses a special thank you to the Chair of the Lviv regional state administration, Viktor Shemchuk, the Rector of the National University Lviv Polytechnic, Yuri Bobalo, and Director of the International Institute for Education, Culture and Diaspora Relations, Lviv Polytechnic, Iryna Kluchkovska.
