Ukraine, as a European democratic state, continues to defend its independence and democratic values. In this context, the creation of a space for discussing societal issues becomes especially relevant, including security, the protection of human rights and freedoms, the vulnerability of the population in times of war, corruption, as well as the limited participation of local self-government in dialogue with civil society.

To address these challenges, it is important to unite the efforts of society as a whole in order to find optimal and effective solutions to improve the current societal situation. For this purpose, Carpathian Sea Democracy Week has been launched in Ukraine — a platform that brings together various institutions from Ukraine and Europe. It serves as a prototype of an innovative annual democratic festival held in the Nordic and Baltic countries.

The objectives of the NGO “Carpathian Sea Democracy Week” are to:

• promote global democratic ideas and experiences in Ukraine;

• inform communities and raise public awareness;

• ensure systematic cooperation with partners (state and non-state institutions, volunteer organizations in Ukraine) as well as relevant partners in Europe;

• strengthen democratic and discussion culture to overcome the consequences of the war, bring victory closer, and enhance advocacy support for Ukraine;

• educate and engage communities in the context of European integration through education and training programs.

The Carpathian Sea Democracy Week event is aimed at deepening cooperation between Ukraine, the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, and other countries; consolidating efforts to bring Ukraine’s victory closer; discussing possible ways to strengthen support for Ukraine; and creating a Ukraine–Nordic countries dialogue platform, among other goals.

The format of CSDW is a prototype of democratic festivals in Northern Europe and the Baltic states, the oldest of which has been held for more than 50 years:

• Almedalen Week, Gotland (Sweden) — almedalsveckan.info

• Arendalsuka (Norway) — arendalsuka.no

• Festival of Opinion Culture – Arvamus Festival (Estonia) — 2014.arvamusfestival.ee/en

• Būtent! Discussion Festival (Lithuania) — diskusijufestivalis.lt

• Folkemødet (Denmark) — folkemoedet.dk/en

• LAMPA Conversation Festival (Latvia) — festivalslampa.lv

• SuomiAreena (Finland) — suomiareena.fi

• The Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics (Northern Ireland, United Kingdom) — imaginebelfast.com

Within the framework of the forum, events will also be held for youth, business representatives, artists, scientific institutions, and others. Public diplomacy, including culinary and sports diplomacy, will serve as an important complement to the main program of the event.

More information about the project program, speakers, and discussion topics of the Carpathian Sea Democracy Week forum can be found via the link. Therefore, if you would like to host your own panel, join as a sponsor, provide informational, technical, material, or other support, become a participant, or join the forum as a volunteer, please submit your application.

We sincerely thank everyone who has joined this extremely important event. Our unwavering gratitude goes to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, thanks to whom we have the opportunity to continue working for our future, creating change, and contributing to victory.