UKRAINIANS IN AUSTRALIA CELEBRATING THE 26TH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE AND THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UKRAINIAN WORLD CONGRESS

Founded in 1967, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) was recognized in 2003 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council as a non-governmental organisation with special consultative status. The UWC is the international coordinating body for Ukrainian communities in the diaspora and representing the interests of over 22 million Ukrainians in 53 countries. Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) President Eugene Czolij with his wife Anna on August 12 participated in a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the UWC and the 26th anniversary of Ukraines Independence in Melbourne. The commemorative program also included a screening of the short documentary film 50 Years of the Ukrainian World Congress. The banquet was organized by the Australian Federation of Ukrainians Organisations and the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria. Mr. Czolij delivered the keynote address during the commemoration held at Ukrainian community centre in Essendon. Mr Czolij focused on the many achievements of the organization throughout its 50-year history, He also called upon Ukrainians in Australia to continue working with the UWC and the Ukrainian diaspora in supporting Ukraine in the defence of its territorial integrity. President of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations Stefan Romaniw, OAM, speaks at the anniversary banquet. The Ukrainian World Congress congratulates the AFUO President S. Romaniw and the Ukrainian community in Australia on raising awareness of the UWC and its activities during the past 50 years and calls for the further strengthening of its cooperation with the UWC in attaining common goals, stated Mr. Czolij.

The 50th anniversary of the Ukrainian World Congress and the 26th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence in Melbourne. Source: SBS Ukrainian