November 16, 2023
Washington, DC – Meridian International Center, in collaboration with SCM and the Museum of Civilian Voices, celebrated the unveiling of the art/textile exhibition and salon conversation, Partners on the Frontline: Ukraine-U.S. Fight for Peace, Justice, Global Security, and Cultural Resilience, on November 15, 2023.
The Partners on the Frontline discussion and multi-media cultural exhibition underscored the unwavering commitment led by the people of Ukraine, the United States, and the global community as they stand united against the spread of oppression and the destruction of Ukraine’s solidarity.
"This is a referendum on where we are going in the world. The art is a way of seeing this conflict in a way that brings home the sharp edge of the sacrifices of the people in Ukraine. It's important to take this forward and not think of it as one night," shared Ambassador Holliday, CEO of Meridian International Center, as he opened the program’s discussion portion of the evening.
Dr. Kateryna Smagliy, First Secretary, Public and Cultural Diplomacy at the Embassy of Ukraine stated, "I am truly humbled by the opportunity to represent the embassy. To be here with them and tell you about their stories, of true heroes who were not afraid to be in the spotlight… who at a critical moment in our country decided not to hide in the shadows. They encourage me and motivate me every day…I once again refreshed the numbers of what has been destroyed and damaged. As of today, 1,709 sites of historical and 92 museums have been destroyed. Losses of cultural heritage have already reached 7 million US dollars."
Other speakers included Ambassador James K. Glassman, Chairman and CEO, Glassman Enterprises, LLC; Yuliia "Taira" Paievska, Ukrainian Military Servicewoman, Paramedic, Volunteer & Goodwill Ambassador; Natalia Yemchenko, Director of Public Relations and Communications, SCM; Vladislav Troitsky, Founder, GOGOLFEST and Yevheniy Maloletka, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist.
On her experiences witnessing the invasion of Russia and her subsequent experience seeing the violence first hand, Yuliia "Taira" Paievska stated, “They first captured teachers, writers, and people of culture. They confiscated all the Ukrainian books from the library. They took anything that bore any resemblance to Ukrainian culture…the Ukrainian language was a marker for people to be imprisoned. What civilians endure is beyond good and evil.”
Additionally, Natalya Yemchenko added, “The best way and the only way to understand who we are and where we are from is through our culture...Ukraine is a state with its own culture and history."
In his remarks about his work documenting the frontlines of the war in Ukraine, Yevheniy Maloletka shared, “This story is about how information is important and matters. We are journalists; we don’t produce steel, but we produce facts.”
The event provided a platform to recognize the critical importance of the U.S.-Ukraine alliance in opposing anti-democratic principles. Attendees had the opportunity to learn how America, its people, U.S.-Ukraine business partners, and the cultural community can continue to support Ukraine's ongoing struggle for independence and shed light on Russia's deliberate efforts to undermine Ukrainian culture and the traditional core values shared by communities worldwide
Meridian International Center remains committed to fostering understanding and collaboration between the U.S. and the world for a more secure, prosperous future.
For further information, please contact Meridian International Center’s Director of Communications and Marketing, Danielle Najjar, at dnajjar@meridian.org.
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