On December 13, 2024, the International Conference “Europe and Ukraine: Common Perspectives and Values” took place at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna (Austria), one of the oldest higher education institutions specializing in diplomacy and international relations.
The co-organizers of the event were:
• Universal Peace Federation,
• Ukrainian Peace Council,
• Austrian Institute for European Security Policy.
The longstanding cooperation between the Ukrainian Peace Council and the Universal Peace Federation has facilitated joint efforts during the war, organizing international conferences, roundtables, and meetings. These initiatives aim to provide the global community with accurate information about the war, expose the crimes of the Russian aggressor, and engage international organizations and institutions to support Ukraine. Such efforts also promote Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union and shared European values.
The conference brought together representatives from Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Ukraine, including public and political figures, diplomats, educators, scholars, religious leaders, and journalists concerned about the war and Ukraine’s fate.
The Ukrainian Peace Council delegation included:
1. Mykhailo Zgurovsky – Chairman of the Ukrainian Peace Council, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Academy of Educational Sciences (NAES) of Ukraine, foreign corresponding member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine (1994–1999), Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor (participated online).
2. Victor Andrushchenko – Corresponding member of the NAS and Academician of the NAES of Ukraine, Rector of the Ukrainian State University of Mykhailo Drahomanov, President of the International Association of Rectors of Pedagogical Universities in Europe, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor.
3. Vasyl Kremen – Academician of the NAS of Ukraine, President of the NAES of Ukraine, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine (2000–2005), Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, and Member of the Ukrainian Parliament (3rd convocation).
4. Volodymyr Novokhatskyi – Deputy Chairman and Director of the Ukrainian Peace Council, Ambassador for Peace, Candidate of Political Sciences.
5. Valeriy Tsybukh – Deputy Chairman for International Affairs of the Ukrainian Peace Council, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Association of Foreign Policy, Deputy Chairman of the International Environmental Safety Council.
In their speeches, members of the Ukrainian delegation emphasized the unjustified aggression of Russia against Ukraine and its devastating consequences for the country and its citizens. They highlighted the insufficient global response to the aggression since 2014.
Speakers also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the European Union and leading countries, particularly Austria, for their significant support of Ukraine. They stressed that peace will follow the war, and Ukraine will focus on post-war recovery, preserving its main resource—its people. Special attention was paid to education and youth development, as the future of Ukraine is oriented toward Europe.
European participants of the conference included:
• Jacques Marion – Chairman of the European Branch of the Universal Peace Federation,
• Werner Fasslabend – Minister of Defense of Austria (1990–2000),
• Lukas Mandl – Member of the European Parliament,
• Angela Mikli – Professor at the University of Potsdam,
• Afsar Rathore – Diplomat, UN Project Manager.
The European participants expressed their support and understanding of the situation in Ukraine and their readiness to cooperate.
At the conclusion of the conference, awards from the Universal Peace Federation were presented. Notably, Victor Andrushchenko received the title of “Peace Ambassador 2024.”
Additional events:
During their visit to Vienna, the Ukrainian delegation met with Austrian MP Pia Maria Wieninger in the Parliament building. The Ukrainian side informed her about the crimes committed by Russian forces and the courageous resistance of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and citizens. They emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Austrian Parliament and Ukraine, particularly with non-governmental organizations.
Ms. Pia Maria Wieninger expressed her support and understanding for the Ukrainian people’s struggle against Russian aggression.
The full report on the International Conference “Europe and Ukraine: Common Perspectives and Values,” along with speeches and photographs, will be available on the official website of the Ukrainian Peace Council.