Unity, Coordination and Strategic Vision: The Second Forum of Ukrainian Organisations in Ireland Took Place in Dublin

On 24 January 2026, the Second Forum of Ukrainian Organisations and Communities in Ireland took place in Dublin.

The event was organised by the Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland in partnership with Ukrainian Action in Ireland, with the support of Community Foundation Ireland.

The Forum served as a platform for meetings and professional dialogue among leaders of civic initiatives, educators, cultural figures and volunteers, aimed at strengthening coordination, developing a shared strategic vision for future actions, and enhancing the capacity of the Ukrainian community in Ireland in the areas of advocacy for Ukraine and countering disinformation.

Within four thematic panels, participants discussed:

• the current state and future development of Ukrainian organisations in Ireland;

• education, culture and the preservation of Ukrainian identity;

• advocacy, integration and cooperation with Irish institutions;

• support for Ukraine and forcibly displaced persons, fundraising and the financial sustainability of organisations.

Opening the Forum, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland, Larysa Herasko, emphasised the key role of unity, coordinated efforts, the preservation of Ukrainian identity, and the need for a long-term vision for the development of the Ukrainian community in Ireland.

Ms Olena Vashchenko, Director of the Department for Global Ukrainian Affairs and Humanitarian Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, joined the Forum online. She highlighted the importance of systematic cooperation among Ukrainian communities abroad, their active participation in the development of educational initiatives, the preservation of identity, and the promotion of cultural and public diplomacy tools.

As part of the Forum, a dedicated webpage showcasing Ukrainian organisations and initiatives in Ireland was also presented.

The presentation marked a practical step towards systematising information, increasing the visibility of the Ukrainian community, and strengthening coordination among organisations.

Special attention was given to youth engagement and the development of educational hubs, including integration into the Irish education system, improving the quality of educational programmes, supporting Ukrainian schools and courses, and creating an environment for nurturing a new generation of active and socially responsible citizens.

Following the Forum, a number of priority areas for further work were outlined, including strengthening the media presence of the Ukrainian community, developing strategic communications, protecting the rights of Ukrainian citizens, coordinating humanitarian assistance, expanding donor programmes and fundraising, and establishing systematic cooperation with Irish authorities and institutions.