“The First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in the event “Honorary Ambassador 2024. The Will to Victory”, which is being held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the second time to celebrate the contribution of Ukrainians and foreigners to strengthening the position of our country on the world stage.”, — write: www.president.gov.ua
The First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in the event “Honorary Ambassador 2024. The Will to Victory”, which is being held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the second time to celebrate the contribution of Ukrainians and foreigners to strengthening the position of our country on the world stage.
“Not only professional diplomats, but also each and every one of us are ambassadors of Ukraine in the world. Our every word, every deed can support the country, if we are not silent and not afraid,” said the President’s wife.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiga thanked Olena Zelenska and her team for their significant contribution to the development of Ukraine’s public diplomacy. Separately, he noted the joint implementation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of unique international initiatives that strengthen the recognition of Ukraine abroad. These are the projects “Ukrainian Bookshelf”, “Ukrainian Audio Guides”, Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies and Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.
“Ambassadors of Ukraine form a connection between Ukraine and others at the level of emotions and values. It is extremely important for us to be present not only in the decisions of politicians, but also in the hearts of millions of people,” said Andriy Sybiga.
This year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs also launched a new, special award – “Will to Victory”. Awards were received by:
- Andrii Rizol, honorary ambassador of Ukraine in the field of cultural diplomacy;
- “Nova poshta”, honorary ambassador of Ukraine in the field of economic diplomacy;
- Marianna Dushar, honorary ambassador of Ukraine in the field of culinary diplomacy;
- Iryna Matyash, honorary ambassador of Ukraine in the field of scientific and educational diplomacy;
- Paralympic team of Ukraine, honorary ambassador of Ukraine in the field of sports diplomacy;
- STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, honorary ambassador of Ukraine in the field of digital diplomacy;
- Bohdan Havrylyshyn, Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine – a matter of life;
- Maksym Butkevich, Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine – Will to Victory;
- Nariman Dzhelal, honorary ambassador of Ukraine in the field of expert diplomacy.
Olena Zelenska presented the award to Nariman Dzhelal, who returned home from Russian captivity this summer.
“He is actually the only one of the leadership of the Mejlis who remained in Crimea despite the constant threats of the Russian special services. And even from Russian captivity, he continued to testify about the oppression of the Crimean Tatar people. There are few awards to honor such resilience. Therefore, it is our duty that, in addition to Ukrainian studios, Crimean Tatar studios appear in the world,” said the first lady.
Nominees for the award were nominated by non-governmental organizations (Ukrainian and foreign), whose activities are related to public diplomacy, as well as officially registered organizations of Ukrainians abroad. The examination of candidates and determination of winners was carried out by the expert commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
