During the 224th session of the UNESCO Executive Board, currently taking place in Paris, the Member States of the Organization approved the Emergency Assistance Programme for Ukraine. This decision consolidates and expands UNESCO’s urgent measures aimed at addressing the catastrophic consequences of Russia’s full-scale aggression against our country. The Chair of the National Council, Olha Herasymiuk, is participating in the session as part of the Ukrainian delegation.
By adopting this decision, the international community demonstrated unity in supporting Ukraine, despite attempts by the Russian Federation to manipulate facts and accuse UNESCO of “politicization.” Partner States reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and called on the Director-General of UNESCO to continue systematic monitoring of the situation in Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, in line with the Organization’s mandate.
Addressing the participants of the session, Permanent Delegate of Ukraine to UNESCO, Vadym Omelchenko, emphasized the critical need to consolidate international efforts to protect Ukrainian identity and ensure the safety of citizens in the areas within UNESCO’s competence. Ukraine provided detailed information on the large-scale destructive consequences of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation across all spheres of the Organization’s mandate – education, science, culture, media, and freedom of expression. Thousands of educational and scientific institutions have been damaged or destroyed, while a significant number of scholars have been forced to work outside the country. In addition, as a result of Russian attacks, the media sector is suffering systemic destruction, and journalists are being killed. Russia is deliberately destroying cultural heritage sites in Ukraine, which constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and the relevant UNESCO conventions.
Ukraine’s partners, including the Member States of the Executive Board and the Delegation of the European Union, during the discussion:
- strongly condemned the actions of the aggressor;
- confirmed that Russia’s systematic attacks constitute a gross violation of the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and UNESCO conventions;
- reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity;
- emphasized the need for continued assistance to Ukraine from the Organization, as the Russian Federation persists in destructive attacks on cultural and educational sites, destroys civilian infrastructure, and commits other war crimes.
All partners unanimously recognized that UNESCO’s assistance is of critical importance for the recovery and resilience of our country.
The Ukrainian delegation expressed its gratitude to UNESCO and the Secretariat of the Organization for implementing the Emergency Assistance Programme and for mobilizing international support.
As a reminder, the 224th session of the UNESCO Executive Board is taking place at the Organization’s headquarters in Paris from 8 to 23 April 2026. During the meetings and consultations with UNESCO leadership, the Ukrainian delegation is drawing attention to the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine. At the session, Olha Herasymiuk, Chair of the National Council, is participating in the meetings of the Programme and External Relations Commission as well as the Finance and Administrative Commission.
