Lviv became the first stop of the international delegation within the framework of the “Crimea.Global” conference

On 14 November, a delegation of experts from Africa, Asia, and Latin America arrived in Ukraine to take part in the Third International Conference “Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South“. Lviv became the first stop on the visitors’ journey as they began to explore the history and contemporary realities of Ukraine.

Photo: Meeting at the Lviv City Council

The delegation included researchers, journalists, and scholars from Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, India, Malaysia and Myanmar — Ana Vásquez Colmenares, Anny T. Modi, Ignacio Montes de Oca, Leila Seiitbek, Luv Puri, Munira Mustaffa, Pietro Cercone, Pramod Jaiswal, Su Mon Thant, Uriã Fancelli, and Wellingtone Nyongesa.

The visit to Ukraine began with a meeting with Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi and his First Deputy Andriy Moskalenko at the Lviv City Hall. They discussed the losses the city has suffered as a result of Russia’s aggression and the courage shown by its residents, the development of inclusive urban infrastructure, and practices for integrating veterans into active social life. The discussion also highlighted Lviv’s successful adaptation to electricity shortages and underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian occupation.

“Ukraine’s victory consists of two components — the de-occupation of our territories and the rebuilding of the country. To achieve this, we need strong ideas and smart people who can help us address the challenges ahead. We are open to cooperation. After visiting Lviv, you will better understand the situation in our country. Thank you for your visit and for helping Ukraine,” said Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi.

Photo: Meeting at the Lviv City Council; Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi

The next item on the programme was paying tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine at the Field of Honor at Lychakiv Cemetery. The delegation lit candles to express solidarity and respect for the heroism of the Ukrainian people.

Conference participants learned that many Ukrainians left their ordinary professions and joined the defence of the country — poets, journalists, activists, musicians, and farmers became soldiers, and many of their graves can now be seen at the Mars Field. They were also told the story of Ukrainian paramedic and journalist Iryna Tsybukh, who was tragically killed in May 2024.

“Here rest over 1,000 fallen Heroes. In the evening, their relatives — mothers, wives, children — come here to visit their loved ones… Yet this place is not only about sorrow, but also about the strength and resilience of Ukrainians and citizens of other countries who stood up to defend democracy,” said Andriy Zholob, Deputy Mayor for Veteran Affairs.

Photo: Visit to the Field of Honor at Lychakiv Cemetery

Afterwards, the conference experts visited the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center and the Prosthetics and Orthotics Center to learn about the work of institutions that provide daily assistance to wounded service members and civilians. UNBROKEN is a rehabilitation centre employing nearly 4,000 staff. Since its establishment, it has provided assistance to more than 24,000 patients, including 2,000 children. The visitors learned about methods of physical and psychological rehabilitation and observed the use of art therapy.

At the Prosthetics and Orthotics Center, which produced around 1,000 prosthetic devices last year alone, participants were told about the experiences of patients with amputations and briefed on the prosthetics manufacturing process.

Photo: Vsit to the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center

To conclude the day, the experts were given a tour of Lviv’s historic city center, where they explored the city’s architectural heritage and learned more about the region’s cultural legacy.

“I was deeply moved by the price Ukrainians have paid — thousands of young people have given their lives defending their land. Being in a place created in their honor touched me profoundly and made me realize that this is not just a story we hear in the news — thousands of young men and women are dying. It is time for the world to finally make an effort to stop the killings and end the occupation,” shared Anny Modi, an activist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Photo: Visit to the Prosthetics and Orthotics Center

The delegation was accompanied by the Crimea Global team, including Senior Advisers to the Crimea Platform Department Kateryna Anhelova and Tetiana Nepomiashcha, International Advocacy Manager at the Human Rights Centre ZMINA Tetiana Zhukova, and Program Director at the Human Rights Centre ZMINA Anastasiia Lykholat.

The trip to Lviv, organized with the support of the Lviv City Council, formed an accompanying part of the programme of the “Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South” conference, which will take place on 17–18 November.