Dear colleagues,
On the occasion of the 51st Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, the Permanent Representation of Ukraine is pleased to invite you to a series of events taking place in Strasbourg from 26 to 28 October 2026.
Through music, personal testimony, research, photography and the experience of Ukrainian communities living through Russia’s full-scale war, these events offer different perspectives on the same story: Ukraine’s resilience, the strength of its people and communities, and its determination to preserve its identity and democratic future.
We would be delighted to welcome you to any — or all — of the following events:
- MONDAY, 26 OCTOBER | 18:00–18:45 | HEMICYCLE
Concert – Heorhiy Maiboroda National Bandurist Chorus of Ukraine
The opening of the 51st Session will be marked by a special performance of one of Ukraine’s most distinguished musical ensembles,
bringing together the unique sound of the bandura and the extraordinary power of Ukrainian choral singing. At a time when Russia’s aggression also targets Ukraine’s
cultural heritage and identity, this performance is more than a concert: it is a powerful expression of a culture that continues to live, create and speak with its own voice.
- TUESDAY, 27 OCTOBER | 13:15–14:00 | ROOM 6
Women’s Political Participation and Democratic Resilience in Ukraine amid Russia’s Full-Scale War
Jointly organised by the Permanent Representations of Ukraine and Iceland, this side event will bring Ukrainian women’s voices and experiences directly into the discussion on democratic resilience.
Daryna Zavhorodnia will present her research into how the war is affecting women’s participation in local politics, while Iryna Tyshko,
founder of the NGO Political Action of Women, will share a practitioner’s perspective on the challenges facing Ukrainian women in formal politics
and the importance of safeguarding their representation in Ukraine’s recovery and democratic future.
- WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER | 12:30 | LOBBY OF HEMICYCLE
Inauguration of the photo exhibition “The Price of Life”
A visual journey through the resilience of the Kherson region — its people, its communities and the places transformed by war.
The exhibition brings the human reality behind the headlines into the Council of Europe and bears witness to the extraordinary endurance of a region that continues to resist, rebuild and live despite the consequences of Russia’s aggression.
- WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER | 12:45–13:30 | ROOM 10
“Unbreakable Kherson: From War Experience to European Resilience” – Book Presentation
Immediately following the exhibition inauguration, the presentation of “Unbreakable Kherson: Ukrainian Wartime Resilience – Lessons for Europe”
will offer an opportunity to look beyond the images and hear what Kherson’s wartime experience can tell us about resilience, leadership and the capacity of communities to endure under extraordinary pressure.
The events on Kherson will take place with the participation of Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration.
Each of these events tells a different part of Ukraine’s story. Together, they speak about identity that cannot be erased, democracy sustained under the most difficult circumstances, and communities whose resilience has become part of Europe’s shared experience.
We very much hope that you will be able to join us and would be delighted to welcome you during the 51st Congress Session.