Odessa has become a pivotal location for discussing the importance of unity in diversity. The Southern Forum of National Communities and Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine brought together government officials, diplomats, and cultural organizations from across the nation.

The main focus: how to maintain and develop the ethnic, linguistic, religious, and cultural identities of national communities and indigenous peoples while strengthening the unity of Ukrainian society.

«For sustainable state development, both in times of war and peace, it is essential to engage all peoples, ethnic groups, and nationalities in seeking understanding and shared values, which will contribute to strengthening the Ukrainian political nation and developing civic identity. We all, regardless of our backgrounds, have chosen the path of upholding shared values. Representatives of national communities and indigenous peoples, together with ethnic Ukrainians, defend our borders for the right to live in a free, independent Ukraine. Because this is our shared home,» emphasized Natalia Gontarenko, the head of the Department of Affirmation of Ukrainian National and Civic Identity.

Participants discussed:

• Engaging youth in local councils and national politics
• Overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers in communities
• Expanding access to youth and sports programs for representatives of national communities

«We are open to collaboration. We encourage youth to join youth councils and coordination platforms focused on affirming Ukrainian national and civic identity. This is a real opportunity to influence decisions and shape a common future,» noted Natalia Gontarenko.

The event was initiated by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience.