A forum of Ukrainian and Italian public organizations took place in Rimini, dedicated to the first anniversary of Network Associazioni per l’Ucraina (NAU). The event became a major platform for dialogue, cooperation, and forming new international partnerships.
A key role in organizing the forum was played by co-organizer Alina Skomorokhova, President of the NGO “International Organization of Ukrainian Women” (MOZU), Advisor to the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights on international cooperation. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of unity among Ukrainian women abroad and the need to create strong support communities.
“Ukrainian women need support; we must unite and strengthen each other because Ukrainian women can do anything — and even more,” she stressed.
During the forum, Alina Skomorokhova also presented the activities of Business Woman Club, the international magazine Business Woman, and the book “100 Records of Ukraine and the World” as tools for uniting, developing women’s entrepreneurship, and popularizing Ukrainian achievements globally.
The event was supported by Business Woman Club and Business Woman magazine, gathering representatives of Ukrainian communities, business, and the public sector from various European countries.
Among the participants were directors of the magazine’s international offices: Nadia Berezuk (Italy) and Oksana Shoorlommer (Germany), who joined discussions, presented their areas of work, and established new partnership contacts.
Forum participants discussed key issues of cooperation between public organizations, business initiative development, advocacy of Ukrainian interests in Europe, and support for Ukrainian women. Live communication, experience exchange, and forming a shared vision for future projects were important components.
Special attention was given to cultural diplomacy. On the second day of the forum, presentations of Ukrainian cultural initiatives took place, along with a show of traditional clothing. Oksana Shoorlommer, founder of the Mamyna Sorochka brand, and Lyudmila Shanska, owner of the Zarmilkas brand, showcased their collections.
Oksana Shoorlommer emphasized the importance of the cultural component:
“Popularizing Ukrainian designers and our culture is crucial for preserving Ukrainian identity worldwide.”
Discussions also highlighted the need for more active interaction between Ukrainian organizations abroad. It was stressed that familiarization and cooperation between initiatives enables more effective support for Ukraine, business connections development, and joint project implementation.
The NAU forum became not only a platform for discussing current challenges but also a space of trust where new ideas, partnerships, and international initiatives are born.
This is further proof that Ukrainian women today are a powerful force shaping global change, uniting communities, and representing Ukraine internationally.
Photo: Nadia Berezuk