Image - scenes from Ukraine
Past Event

Ukraine Firsthand: Resistance, Resolve, Recovery

Don’t miss this rare chance—right here in the Bay Area—to hear directly from Ukrainian heroes at the forefront of rebuilding their nation while under attack. Go beyond the headlines to truly understand how life in Ukraine changed after the brutal and unrelenting Russian invasion that began almost two years ago. Discover how the whole-of-nation response has unfolded: driving back Russian forces while steeling national resolve and overcoming the war’s destruction.

Join us for personal insight as we host a distinguished Ukrainian delegation of parliament members, governing officials, civic leaders and cultural heritage experts. Hear the mayor of Irpin’s experience of devastating attacks as retaliation for halting Russia’s advance on Kyiv. Learn about Kharkiv, a city just 20 miles from the Russian border, where its citizens are rebuilding while on the frontlines of entrenched war in eastern Ukraine. Discover the inspiring story of Dobrobat, a volunteer builders’ brigade, leading the civil response to rapid response repair. Our resilient and inspiring guests will share their experiences and strategies for mending and rebuilding physical infrastructure, entire communities and cultural heritage vital to national identity.

Stick around after the program to mingle with the community and enjoy delicious local cuisine from Leleka, a San Francisco-based family-run restaurant serving Ukrainian food with a modern twist.

Notes

Co-presented by the Center for Innovation.

January 24, 2024

Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California
110 The Embarcadero
Toni Rembe Rock Auditorium
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States

Speakers

Konstiantyn Demenkov

Department for Cooperation with International Agencies and Financial Institutions, Kharkiv City Council

Volodymyr Kreidenko

Member of Parliament, Ukraine 

Oleksandr Markushyn

Mayor of Irpin, Ukraine

Daryna Nedzelska

Culture Consultant, UNESCO Kyiv Desk

Ashley Archie

Partnerships  Officer, U.S State Department Office of Global Partnerships