On the eve of Ukraine's Constitution Day, celebrated annually on 28 June, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of Ukraine—the country's Basic Law, which enshrines the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human dignity.
Symbolically, the event took place at the historic Holligen Castle, a 13th-century landmark and one of Bern's cultural symbols.
The celebration brought together representatives of the Swiss Parliament and Federal Government, the diplomatic corps, academia and business, civil society and humanitarian organisations, the Ukrainian community, as well as numerous friends of Ukraine from Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
This year's event carried special significance, as it was dedicated not only to the Constitution of Ukraine but also to the people and organisations that have demonstrated unwavering solidarity with Ukraine throughout the years of Russia's war against Ukraine.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein, Iryna Venediktova, and the Guest of Honour representing the Swiss Government, Ambassador Jacques Gerber, Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for Ukraine.
In her address, Ambassador Venediktova stressed that the Constitution is not merely a legal document but also a reflection of Ukraine's centuries-old tradition of statehood and struggle for freedom. She also emphasised that today Ukrainians are defending not only their own country, but also the principles of international law, democracy and every nation's right to determine its own future.
A highlight of the evening was the ceremony honouring Friends of Ukraine. On behalf of the President of Ukraine, Viola Amherd, President of the Swiss Confederation in 2024, was awarded the Order of Merit, First Class, in recognition of her outstanding personal contribution to the development of Ukrainian-Swiss relations and her steadfast support for Ukraine.
State and departmental awards, honorary distinctions and certificates of appreciation were also presented to representatives of Swiss and Liechtenstein state institutions, universities, humanitarian organisations, as well as cultural and civic initiatives supporting Ukraine.
The cultural programme featured performances by the Ukrainian choir Misericordia, bandura player Yuliia Shevchenko and accordionist Ruslan Shevchenko, whose performances beautifully showcased the richness of Ukraine's musical heritage. The event was hosted by Ivanna Onofriichuk, whose professionalism and warmth created a welcoming atmosphere throughout the evening.
The programme was complemented by two exhibitions dedicated to Ukrainian statehood and cultural heritage.
Guests explored the exhibition Signs of Identity, which highlights the continuity of Ukrainian identity through symbols, ornaments and cultural artefacts, demonstrating how Ukrainian symbols—from the princely era to the present day—remain enduring markers of the nation's statehood and culture.
Another section focused on the history of Ukrainian constitutionalism and the constitutional traditions of the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921. The exhibition illustrated Ukrainians' longstanding commitment to democratic governance, representative government and the rule of law, while also presenting the evolution of Ukrainian constitutional thought—from Pylyp Orlyk's Constitution of 1710 to the Constitution of independent Ukraine.
We sincerely thank all our friends, partners and members of the Ukrainian community who joined us in commemorating this important occasion and continue to stand with Ukraine.