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For those who missed it, or want to know what was discussed at the Carpathian Sea of Freedom 2026 forum
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Carpathian Sea Democracy Week will take place in the Lviv region from April 22nd to April 26th, 2024. This event is equivalent to the Norwegian Arendalsuka. The official launch of this open discussion platform took place on February 15, 2024, at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center, and in Norway on February 23rd, in connection to a solidarity for Ukraina event at Kilden teater og konserthus in Kristiansand, on February 24th (Norwegian media NRK TV on 04:00 min, Fædrelandsvennen: Starter Arendalsuka i Ukraina, Agderposten: Ble inspirert til a lage “Arendalsuke” i Ukraina).
Board members of the Carpathian Sea Democracy Week Dr. Liliia Honcharevych, Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine in Norway (2022-2023), Dmytro Nikulin, Ambassador at Large to Ukraine, the Head of the Diplomatic Mission in Ukraine International Human Rights Commission (IHRC); Volodymyr Hordiienko, coordinator of the community solidarity and cooperation project between the communities of Lviv and Sumy regions and the communities of the European Union “For the Strengthening and Recovery of Ukrainian Communities”; Alla Dubrovik-Rokhova, Partner at PGR Consulting Group LLC as well as the founder of the Norwegian Arendalsweek Oystein Djupedal, former Minister of Education of Norway (2005-2009) invited the audience to join the initiative. Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2022, Executive Director of the Center for Civil Liberties Oleksandra Romantsova and Olha Volynska, Director of Development of the Human Rights Group SICH expressed their willingness to organize their panels at the event even before its official opening.
The forum aims to bring together public opinion leaders, officials, politicians, volunteers, researchers, civil organizations, journalists, businessmen, and international partners to deepen cooperation between Ukraine, Northern European countries, the Baltic states, and other partner countries and consolidate efforts to bring Ukraine closer to victory. “I remember that during Arendalsweek I dreamed of initiating this platform in Ukraine. Just half a year ago, it seemed impossible. But as we know, Ukrainians can turn the impossible ideas into reality,” noted the head of the NGO” Carpathian Sea Democratic Week”, Dr. Liliia Honcharevych.
“The unique Ukrainian idea aims to unite all layers of Ukrainian society: leaders of public opinion and international partners in the pursuit of ways to bring Ukraine closer to victory. Another feature of the Carpathian Sea Democracy Week is the opportunity for any organization (government bodies, civic institutions, experts, businesses, etc.) in any field to join the event, independently organize their panel, invite the speakers, and determine its topics at their discretion. The question of consolidating efforts to bring Ukraine closer to victory unites everyone. Paraphrasing the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, it is not necessary to be Ukrainian in order to contribute to the victory of Ukraine; it is enough to be human. Therefore, together, we will seek ways, including informal ones, and raise issues that will illustrate the concept of a world in which Ukraine has won”, emphasized the initiative’s Chair.
Arendalsuka founder and former Minister of Education of Norway (2005-2009) Oystein Djupedal noted that Arendalsuka has become the most important democratic platform in Norway over time. “The Swedes inspired us. They have their little Almedalsveckan. And I am very proud that you in Ukraine are doing something similar,” he said.
During the official launch of Carpathian Sea Democracy Week the organizers have already received many applications for further discussion panels. It is known that panels dedicated to European integration, defense, energy efficiency and human rights will be organized jointly with state bodies, key experts and influential civic organizations, including from other countries.
The Head of the Diplomatic Mission in Ukraine International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Dmytro Nikulin emphasized the importance of transitioning to alternative energy sources. The coordinator of the community solidarity and cooperation project between the communities of Lviv and Sumy regions and the communities of the European Union “For the Strengthening and Recovery of Ukrainian Communities” Volodymyr Hordiienko shared the hopes of local communities for the new open democratic platform.
Olha Volynska, Director of Development of the Human Rights Group SICH, mentioned that the purpose of their panel is not only to spread the truth about international war crimes against the civilian population, but also to contribute to the improvement of the international mechanism for the protection of victims of war and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2022, Executive Director of the Center for Civil Liberties Oleksandra Romantsova emphasized: “Our attention will be focused on ensuring that the Nobel Peace Prize works on the basis of new standards of world security, justice in relation to all international crimes that occurred on the territory of Ukraine. “.
The forum will also host events for youth, business, artists, and scientific institutions. Also on the official launch of Carpathian Sea Democracy Week noticed important addition to the main program of the event will be public diplomacy, in particular culinary and sports.
More information about the project’s program, speakers, and discussion topics on the official program page of Carpathian Sea Democracy Week you will found here: Program.
Therefore, if you would like to organize your panel, participate as a sponsor, provide informational, logistical, or other kind of support; become a participant, or join us as a volunteer at the Carpathian Sea Democracy Week forum, fill your application on the website.
We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to this important official launch of Carpathian Sea Democracy Week. Our sincere and boundless gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, thanks to which we have the opportunity to continue working for our future, making changes, and incredible efforts for victory of Ukraine.
