The MFA of Ukraine held an event of gratitude to the partners of public diplomacy "Honorary Ambassador 2023. A cause for victory"
On the Day of the Diplomatic Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine held an event to thank Ukrainian and foreign citizens who have made a significant contribution to the promotion of Ukraine in the international arena "Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine 2023. A Case for Victory".
"We have organized this event to say "Thank you". First of all, to our soldiers, men and women in the Ukrainian Defense Forces. And also to those who were seriously wounded but did not break down and continue to defend Ukraine outside the army. To say "Thank you" to the people who have never held a weapon in their hands, but use their art, talent, and knowledge of foreign languages to make their own contribution to the victory. Victory consists of two things: unconditional faith in it and hard, daily work," said Dmytro Kuleba.
The Minister emphasized the powerful contribution to public diplomacy of First Lady Olena Zelenska and expressed his gratitude for the active international activities of the President's wife and her team, including the implementation of important joint projects with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
The event was held for the first time in the history of Ukrainian diplomacy. The honorary ambassadors were people who, using their experience, authority and professional knowledge, helped to strengthen support and a positive image of Ukraine in the world.
The "Honorary Ambassadors of Ukraine" were awarded in the main areas of public diplomacy: cultural, economic, expert, culinary, scientific, educational, sports and digital diplomacy, as well as in the nominations "Ukrainian Brand" and " The Cause of Life". The nominees are:
- Taras Topolia, Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of cultural diplomacy;
- Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways), Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of economic diplomacy;
- the Crimea Platform Expert Network, Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of expert diplomacy;
- Yevhen Klopotenko, Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of culinary diplomacy;
- STEM is Fem, Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of scientific-educational diplomacy;
- Team Ukraine Invictus Games, Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of sports diplomacy;
- OSAVUL, Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of digital diplomacy;
- Ruslan Baginskiy, Honorary Ambassador in Ukrainian Brand;
- James Mace (posthumously), Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine – The Cause of Life.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba presented a special recognition to First Lady Olena Zelenska.
"Over the years, the team headed by First Lady Olena Zelenska has become not just a part of project activities, but a systemic element of Ukraine's public diplomacy. From the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen to special projects that the MFA implements together with Mrs. Zelenska and her team," he emphasized.
In total, the appreciation event was attended by representatives of the public sector, military personnel, veterans, activists, athletes, including representatives of the of Ukraine's national team at the Invictus Games, creative professionals, and media.
For reference:
Nominees for “Honorary Ambassadors” were submitted by non-governmental organizations (Ukrainian and foreign) whose activities are related to public diplomacy, as well as organizations of Ukrainians abroad that are officially registered abroad. The candidates were reviewed and the winners were selected by the MFA's Expert Commission.
"Honorary Ambassadors" can be citizens of Ukraine, foreigners, as well as legal entities registered in Ukraine or in foreign countries, whose activities or contributions:
- had a tangible political, economic, cultural effect on the promotion of Ukraine's positive image abroad;
- caused widespread positive publicity about Ukraine abroad;
- caused significant changes in attitudes towards Ukraine, influenced decision-making in favor of Ukraine;
- contributed to the protection of the rights and interests of Ukrainian individuals and legal entities abroad;
- contributed to the protection of Ukraine's national interests, in particular its sovereignty and territorial integrity, its progress towards EU and NATO membership, building partnerships with other countries, developing sustainable economic relations, and attracting significant international investment;
- significantly helped build the state's capacity in public diplomacy.