On June 5, the World Ukrainian Summit 2026 officially opened in Bern, bringing together representatives of Ukrainian communities, civil society organizations, diplomats, politicians, volunteers, and friends of Ukraine from around the world.
The opening ceremony was led by Petro Revko, Head of the Summit Organizing Committee and member of the Executive Committee of the Ukrainian World Congress, together with Andrey Lushnytsky, Head of the Ukrainian Society in Switzerland.
Participants performed the national anthems of Switzerland and Ukraine, honored with a minute of silence all those who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Ukraine, and joined in a common prayer for Ukraine.
In his speech, President of the Ukrainian World Congress Pavlo Grod emphasized the exceptional role of the global Ukrainian community in supporting Ukraine during the full-scale war and stressed that Ukrainians worldwide remain a powerful force of international advocacy, solidarity, and assistance to the Ukrainian people.
Jacques Gerber, Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for Ukraine, reaffirmed Switzerland’s unwavering support for Ukraine and highlighted the important contribution of the Ukrainian community to strengthening partnership between the two countries.
Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine Oleh Didenko drew attention to the importance of maintaining ties between millions of Ukrainians abroad and their homeland, as well as their participation in Ukraine’s future democratic development.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa underlined that the global Ukrainian community has become one of Ukraine’s strongest pillars worldwide. She stressed that the key shared priorities today remain Ukraine’s victory, reconstruction, and preservation of Ukrainian identity for future generations.
“The future of Ukraine is being shaped not only within its borders — it is being shaped wherever a Ukrainian heart beats,” Mariana Betsa stated.
Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Ilona Havronska focused on the need to support Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes because of Russian aggression and emphasized the importance of preserving the unity of the Ukrainian nation regardless of where Ukrainians currently live.
Representing the business community, Iryna Kysil, co-founder of the Meest group of companies, addressed the Summit participants and highlighted the importance of engaging the global Ukrainian community in the reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine.
The opening ceremony also featured a keynote lecture by Ukrainian writer and public intellectual Mykola Riabchuk titled “Unity as Strategy: The Strength of Global Ukrainian Communities in Decisive Times for Ukraine,” a concert of Ukrainian piano music, and an award ceremony presenting St. Volodymyr Medals, honorary diplomas of the Ukrainian World Congress, and “30 under 30” distinctions.
The World Ukrainian Summit will continue in Bern until June 7 and will serve as a platform for discussions on international support for Ukraine, post-war reconstruction, the development of Ukrainian communities abroad, and strengthening global Ukrainian unity.
Foto: Halyna Khramova