On February 24, 2024, the Ukrainian Center hosted the international forum "Two Years of Resilience: Strengthening the Leadership of Ukrainian Communities" in Vilnius.  

It is symbolic that the forum was held on February 24 to demonstrate the unity of Lithuania and Ukraine, as well as the desire to promote Ukraine's resilience by investing in its most important asset - Ukrainian citizens, who are at the heart of Ukraine's post-war revival.  

The forum was dedicated to strengthening and empowering Ukrainian communities in Lithuania. The event provided a unique opportunity for communities, organizations and leaders to come together, share experiences and establish cooperation that will contribute to the sustainability and development of Ukrainian communities in the regions.  

The International Forum was opened with a speech by the First Lady of the Republic of Lithuania, Mrs. Diana Nausėdienė, a video message from the First Lady of Ukraine, Mrs. Olena Zelenska, and a speech by the Rector of Vytautas Magnus University, Professor Juozas Augutis. 

In her speech, the First Lady of the Republic of Lithuania noted: "Ukrainian communities that were forced to leave their country due to the brutal war and are scattered around the world have the potential to become an active and integral part of Ukraine. We must help Ukraine to strengthen the ties between the state and its communities, to help preserve national identity and to enable the Ukrainian community to rebuild their country after the war." 

Addressing the participants, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska emphasized: "We have already become a leader in defense - not only of ourselves, but also of global security. But most of all, we want to become a leader in restoring and building a country for people and their opportunities. For you and with you. Without forgetting anyone, anywhere - neither the dead nor the alive. Thank you Lithuania, thank you friends - Lithuanian and Ukrainian." 

Summarizing the results of the forum, Ambassador of Ukraine to Lithuania Petro Beshta said: "The fact that we are gathered in this hall today is another evidence of Lithuania's faith in our people and its strong willingness to help us in all areas.  It is symbolic that by marking this terrible milestone - two years of war - we are talking about the future, about leadership, and looking for ways to strengthen the voice of Ukrainians in Lithuania and beyond. We are witnessing how the mission of the Ukrainian Center is transforming and expanding. Timely and consistently. It increasingly covers the expert track of assistance to Ukraine and the implementation of long-term projects." 

The forum program consisted of two sessions, including panel discussions with speakers from governmental and non-governmental circles in Lithuania, Ukraine, and other countries with experience in civil society development. At the end of the event, the participants of the Community Development Accelerator project received certificates. 

Also during the event, the exhibition project "Unissued Diplomas" was opened. This exhibition aims to remind the world of the ongoing war and the price that Ukrainians pay every day in the fight for freedom. This initiative honors the memory of Ukrainian students who will never graduate because their lives were taken by the russian invasion. The "Unissued Diplomas" exhibition was launched in 2023 and has been held in 110 exhibitions in 24 countries.  

The recording of the international forum is available here.