The event was organized for the first time by the Institute for Central European Strategy (ICES), an independent think tank. The forum served as a continuation of the “Re:Open Zakarpattia” format, which had previously been held in Uzhhorod.
Participants discussed the role Bukovina could play in Ukraine’s interaction with the European Union, as well as how the region could serve as a platform for internal transformations.
The forum was opened by Lilia Shutyak, ICES regional coordinator in Chernivtsi, and Pavlo Klimkin, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2019. The event was supported by the International Renaissance Foundation.
Discussions focused on interethnic dialogue, regional resilience, and the role of diversity in Bukovina’s development.
Mykhailo Pavliuk, Deputy Chairman of the Chernivtsi Regional Council, who participated in the first panel, emphasized:
“The Chernivtsi region has a unique history of interethnic cooperation. Throughout Bukovina’s history, regardless of changes in government, there have been no large-scale conflicts based on language or religion. This example of harmonious coexistence is particularly important today in the context of Ukraine’s European integration processes. It is based on three key principles—mutual respect, mutual support, and cooperation. It is precisely these values that remain defining for the people of Bukovina and Ukrainian society as a whole. Respect for one another’s rights and freedoms is the foundation that demonstrates Ukraine’s readiness to be part of the European community.”
Among the forum’s speakers are a representative of the Romanian Consulate in Chernivtsi, public intellectual and strategic consultant Yevhen Hlibovych, President of the Association of Experts on Security and Global Issues (ESGA), journalist and analyst at the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation Marianna Prysyazhnyuk, Rector of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University Ruslan Biloskursky, Doctor of Economics, as well as physics and astronomy teacher at Chernivtsi City Lyceum No. 1, winner of the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine (2017), and honorary member of the Institute of Physics in London, Paul Pshenichka.
The participants paid particular attention to how the region’s diversity influences its development and resilience in the face of contemporary challenges. The discussion was attended by Serhiy Hakman, Ph.D. in History, Associate Professor, Deputy Director of the Chernivtsi Regional Center for Professional Development, and Vice President of the “Public Resources and Initiatives” Charitable Foundation; Yulia Hrytsku, a member of the Chernivtsi Regional Council and advisor on European and Euro-Atlantic integration; and Serhiy Bostan, Director of the Department of Socio-Economic Development and Strategic Planning at the Chernivtsi City Council.
The forum concluded with a speech by Oleksandr Boichenko, translator, publicist, and winner of the Yuri Shevelov Award.
Source: Chernivtsi Regional Council
