The Forum of National Minorities and Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine was held in Kyiv at the M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine on the occasion of the Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity. The event brought together more than 600 representatives of national communities from all regions of Ukraine, as well as international partners, experts, and representatives of state institutions and civil society.
Participants included Crimean Tatars, Bulgarians, Greeks, Romanians, Poles, Hungarians, Germans, Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Gagauz, Karaites, Koreans, Roma, Georgians, Czechs, and other national communities and Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine. The Forum served as a platform for dialogue on the role of cultural diversity in strengthening social cohesion and the democratic development of the country.
This year’s event was held under the motto: “Different seeds in our hands, but one spring in our hearts.” The programme included thematic discussions and cultural performances. A special focus was placed on the stories of servicemen and women of different national backgrounds who are currently defending Ukraine together, as well as contributions from youth, representatives of international organisations, the diplomatic corps, and state institutions.
A symbolic element of the Forum was the joint tree-planting ceremony in the “National Harmony” Garden, representing unity, shared responsibility, and a common future.
Representatives of the joint European Union and Council of Europe project “Support for implementing European standards relating to anti-discrimination and rights of national minorities in Ukraine” took part in a symbolic initiative and planted a Sakura tree as a sign of peace, renewal, and resilience. The tree stands as a symbol of partnership and a shared commitment to the values of unity and respect for diversity.
The Forum reaffirmed the importance of supporting cultural diversity as an integral component of a democratic society and Ukraine’s European values.
