OpenUkraine News

The Art Club Faces with Maksym KIDRUK: how was written techno-thriller Bot or finding new niches in modern Ukrainian literature

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300

24th May at 19.00 in the creative space Chasopys Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation starts another meeting of the Art Club Faces. This time, the guest will be traveler and writer Maksym KIDRUK. The author of the first in Ukraine techno-thriller Bot will tell why commercialization of the book is important, why there are still no “millionaires” like King or Brian Patterson in Ukraine and why it is important to find new niches in modern Ukrainian literature.

Maksym KIDRUK – a young Ukrainian writer, traveler, electrical engineer by profession. Wrote 11 books (seven are fiction, four — on technical subjects) and visited about 30 countries, including Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, China, Brazil, New Zealand, Chile, Angola, Namibia, Easter Island and other.

On his world travels KIDRUK wrote The Mexican Chronicles. Story of a Dream (won the second award in the competition The Coronation of the Word in 2009), Journey to the Navel of the World, Screwballs in Peru, Screwballs in Mexico and Love and Piranhas. The newest book of the author is Bot.

Bot is the first Ukrainian techno-thriller, action novel, which combines modern technology, human psychology and pure Hollywood “action.” The events in the book are fictional, but the rest — places, natural objects, equipment, weapons, physiological characteristics of living organisms, etc., is real. Masterful description of the technical details makes the novel incredibly realistic.
While working on the novel the author was consulted by the chemistry PhD, doctor, physiologist and psychiatrist. All the technologies described in the novel really exist. To understand them, the writer worked out over a hundred scientific articles dealing with nanotechnology, microbiology and human brain.

The Art Club Faces, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine in partnership with the creative place Chasopys – regular open meetings with Ukrainian and foreign writers, musicians, artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers and other cultural representatives. Literary readings, professional meetings, workshops, film screenings, musical evenings and exhibitions are held monthly.

Registration for the event is mandatory! Seats are limited. To register, follow the link.

Venue: 3 Lev Tolstoy St (creative place Chasopys). Participation is free.

For more information, please contact manager of the program “Cultural Horizons” Iryna Deshchytsya by email id@openukraine.org or by phone: +380 44 220-18-40, +380 67 214-34-62.

Musical evening was held as part of the Art Club Faces

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300

On the eve of the Easter holidays Art Club Faces gathered guests for musicale of the young singer Maryna Zubko. The talented singer sang Ukrainian, German romances and folk songs as presented by Ukrainian composers. Maryna sang some songs in a duet with Tetyana Chayka, a student of Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music. Musical accompaniment provided Natalia Shevchenko (piano) and the duet Insight of Ihor Hopchuk (accordion) and Natalia Chahla (Bandura).

Maryna Zubko - 4th student year of vocal faculty of the Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music in the class of Honored Artist of Ukraine Iryna Semenenko. Maryna is the winner of the international contest Solospiv 2012 Kyiv, all-Ukrainian contest Classical Meridian 2010, New Names of Ukraine-2009, Oksana Petrusenko Song Contest 2011 in Kherson. Repertoire includes party Violetta from the opera La Traviata by Verdi, Suzanne Barbaryny from the opera The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart, Brighita from Iolanta by Tchaikovsky, Giovanni from Rigoletto by Verdi.
Shevchenko Nataliya - winner of national and international competitions.

The duet Insight of Hopchuk Ihor and Chahla Natalia, who are 5th year student Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music, was created in 2010 in Kyiv. In October 2010, the duo received the second award at the international competition in Lanciano.

The Art Club Faces, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in partnership with the creative place Chasopys – regular open meetings with Ukrainian and foreign writers, musicians, artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers and other cultural representatives. Literary readings, professional meetings, workshops, film screenings, musical evenings and exhibitions are held monthly.

“The Future of Ukraine is only in the European Union,” Arseniy Yatsenyuk at the opening of the 6th Kyiv Security Forum

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300

“I am convinced that the future of Ukraine is only in the European Union,” said the head of Batkivshchyna, founder of the Foundation Open Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk on Thursday, April 18, at the opening of 6th Kyiv Security Forum organized by the Foundation Open Ukraine.

He stressed that the Verkhovna Rada adopted several laws that bring Ukrainian legislation to European standards, “We are committed to our goals.”

According to Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Kyiv Security Forum is to become a tool in shaping the future: “We will form the future of the world and the future of Ukraine: our mind, our soul and whether we are ready to implement real changes in our lives and the future of the world.”

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
The annual international event Kyiv Security Forum launched by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007 is a platform for debate on the most pressing security issues in Europe and the Black Sea Region. The aim of the Forum is to strengthen security cooperation between the European Union and the Black Sea Region, raising awareness about security development among key players, strengthening the role of independent and non-governmental actors in solving security problems in Europe.
The event is supported by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation of the Marshall Fund (USA), NATO Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine and the Royal Institute of International Affairs (UK).
More information about the project can be found at: http://ksf.openukraine.org/

THE FOUNDATION Open Ukraine - international charitable foundation, established on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk to strengthen public diplomacy and the development of Ukraine's profile in the world. The Foundation achieves its objectives through implementation of key programs: International Dialogue, Cultural Horizons, Young Leaders. The Foundation is an organization of a wide range of donors and unites people around it who care about Ukraine’s profile and its future.
More information about the Foundation can be found at: http://openukraine.org.

With the support of the Open Ukraine Foundation Nataliya Fomenko took part in the international harpsichordist competition

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300

With the support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation Nataliya Fomenko, harpsichord teacher and concert performer took part in the international harpsichordist competition “Wanda Landowska Harpsichord Competition”, which took place in late March in Italy. Nataliya represented historically-oriented performance, which is a very important trend in European countries.

At this contest Ukrainian participant won two awards: the first prize talented musician received in category “Concert for Harpsichord and Orchestra”, and the second one in the nomination Soloists “Wanda Landowska.”

“For Ukraine, this victory is a very important event because for Ukraine it is the first in the field of historically-oriented performance of Baroque music,” stressed the Head of the department of ancient music of Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music, Professor of Academy of Arts of Ukraine, Doctor of Arts, Professor N.A. Herasymova-Persydska. Next year organizers expect to see Nataliya as a jury member. “For me this is important and it opens new horizons,” said Nataliya Fomenko.

It should be noted that support for artists is scheduled activity of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine.” As part of the program “Cultural Horizons,” the Foundation provides travel grants to Ukrainian artists to participate in foreign festivals, exhibitions, competitions and thus represent the cultural achievements of modern Ukraine.

The Open Ukraine Foundation announces the list of international speakers of the 6th Kyiv Security Forum

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation announces the list of international speakers at the 6th Kyiv Security Forum, entitled “Security in Insecure World” to be held on April 18-19, 2013.

More than 40 international experts from over 20 countries will speak at the Forum, including:

o Ekuru AUKOT, Chairman of the expert committee on the development of the Constitution of Kenya
o Giorgi BARAMIDZE, Deputy Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia (2004-2012)
o Raul BENITEZ-MANAUT, President of the Center of the collective analysis of security and democracy, Mexico
o John BOND, Coordinator of the Forum on Human Security, the city of Co, Switzerland
o Leonidas CHRYSANTHOPOULOS, Secretary General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (2006-2012)
o Ariel COHEN, Senior Fellow, Heritage Foundation, a member of the Council on Foreign Policy, USA (Advisor at US Congress)
o Susan CORKE, Eurasia Director, Freedom House (USA)
o Michael EMERSON, Expert, the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), Brussels
o Anna Elzbieta FOTYGA, Member of the Polish Parliament (Sejm), Foreign Minister of Poland (2006-2007)
o Mircea-Dan GEOANA, MEP, President of the Senate of Romania (2008 - 2011), Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania (2000-2004)
o Vinayak GODSE, Director of Personal Data Protection, Data Security Council of India
o Dr Owen GREENE, President of the Center for International Cooperation and Security University of Bradford, UK
o Anabel HERNANDEZ, journalist, winner of prize “Golden feather of freedom”
o Rasa JUKNEVICIENE, Member of Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, the Minister of Defense of Lithuania (2008-2012)
o John KAMPFNER, Censorship and ethics Advisor at Google, international affairs journalist, UK
o Bogdan KLICH, Minister of Defense of Poland (2007-2011)
o Paul Robert KOWAL, Member of the European Parliament
o Markku MANTILA, Chief editor of the Kaleva newspaper (Finland)
o Petr MARES, Special Envoy for the Eastern Partnership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
o Claus NEUKIRCH, Deputy Director of Operational Conflict Prevention Centre, OSCE
o Vivien PERTUSOT, Head of the Brussels office, the French Institute of International Relations
o Steven PIFER, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (1998-2000)
o Grzegorz PYTEL, Expert on Oil and Gas Policy, Sobieski Institute (Poland)
o Jim REAVIS, Founder and Executive Director, Cloud Security Alliance
o Jacek SARYUSZ-WOLSKI, MEP, Vice-President of the European People's Party
o Adrian SEVERIN, Member of the European Parliament
o James SHERR, Head of Russian and Eurasian Program, Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House (UK)
o Graham TILEY, Country Director, Shell Ukraine
o Dr. Frank UMBACH, Deputy Director of the European Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS), Department of War Studies, King's College (London)
o Piotr WOZNIAK, Deputy Minister of Environment of Poland
o Yasar YAKIS, Turkish Foreign Minister (2002-2003).

For more information about the experts’ topics, expertise and their biographies, please visit: ksf.openukraine.org.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The annual international event - Kyiv Security Forum, established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in 2007, is a platform for debate and exchange of experience on the most pressing security issues in Europe and the Black Sea region.
The 6th Kyiv Security Forum will take place on April 18 – 19, 2013 in Kyiv at Fairmont Grand Hotel, Naberezhno-Khreshchatytska str. 1 (Ballroom, Ground Floor).

For the first time Ukraine is represented by a separate stand at Paris Book Fair

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Official opening of the Paris Book Fair, during which Ukraine is represented by a separate stand for the first time, was held 21st March in France. The Foundation “Open Ukraine” provided support for the presentation of Ukrainian literature. On the opening day of the fair, one of the first visitors to Ukrainian stand became French President François Hollande

Immediately after the grand opening of the Book Fair, Ukrainian writers Irene ROZBUDKO, Maryna HRYMYCH and bard Ihor ZHUK talked with readers at the Ukrainian Literary Club, which runs as part of the Book Fair.

Also, during a meeting with enthusiasts of Ukrainian literature Supervisory Board Chairman of the Foundation “Open Ukraine” Teresiya YATSENYUK talked about the grant program for translations of modern Ukrainian literature. “We were the first ones who started this program, and to date remain the only ones in the field of providing funding for translations. Such projects, I believe, are of great importance for the image of Ukraine, for its promotion in the world. Especially since modern Ukrainian literature is developing very rapidly, and we have something to present to the world community,” stressed Ms. Teresiya during the presentation.

Promotions of the Ukrainian delegation will last from 22 to 25 March. During these days Ukrainian writers Lyubko DERESH, Anton KUSHNIR, Yevheniya KONONENKO, Maryna HRYMYCH, Irene ROZBUDKO, Ivan RYABCHIY and Dmitry CHYSTYAK will hold autograph sessions and presentations for visitors of the Book Fair.

In addition, a grant program presentation of translations of modern Ukrainian literature by the Foundation “Open Ukraine” with Supervisory Board Chairman Teresiya YATSENYUK for French publishers is scheduled for 22nd March at the Ukrainian stand of “Open Ukraine”. It should be added that especially for the Paris Book Fair, Ukrainian publishers in cooperation with the French Institute in Ukraine prepared Almanac of modern Ukrainian literature.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Support for modern Ukrainian literature is a scheduled activity of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine.” Special focus — participation in prestigious international book fairs by presenting Ukrainian authors and their works to promote Ukrainian literature in the world. The Foundation is also the only body in Ukraine, which provides grants for translation of modern Ukrainian literature into foreign languages. During 2009-2012 works of national authors have been translated into Czech, Russian, Bulgarian, Polish, French and other languages.

More information about the Foundation can be found at: http://openukraine.org.

It is necessary to encourage women’s broader representation in politics - Kristina WILFORE during youth discussion club “Open the World”

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0200

It is necessary to overcome the gender gap and encourage women’s broader representation in politics and business. This opinion was expressed by Kristina WILFORE, director of the regional office of the National Democratic Institute (USA) in Ukraine during the meeting with youth as part of the discussion club “Open the World”, which was held 18th March in Kyiv.

Speaking to young people during the discussion club “Open World,” Kristina WILFORE talked about the difficulties women face in building a career in diplomacy, politics and public relations. She stressed the importance of creating women's organizations in Ukraine. “The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is the platform where policy can be promoted. However, here women need even more support. They need the support of civic society, for this it is necessary to create women's organizations. Women need solidarity,” she said.

Kristina WILFORE gave the example of the professional life of Madeleine Albright, who as U.S. Representative to the United Nations took the initiative to ensure that all women at that position represented their countries in the United Nations together. “Ms. Albright organized dinners for her colleagues. This was also a union of common ideas and interests. They called themselves the “G7” (“Girls 7”) and acted with a common vision during the war in the Balkans, focusing on human rights issues,” said Ms. WILFORE.

The director of the regional office of the National Democratic Institute said that the challenge for Ukraine - to improve education for women and increase their participation in business and politics. Also Kristina WILFORE stressed the need to involve more women who go to the polls because then representation of women in parliament will increase. “This requires not only time but also joint action,” concluded she.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Discussion Club “Open the World” – a new educational Project of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” for socially active youth. Its purpose – to foster a new generation of responsible leaders. Each month the Foundation arrenges lectures with renowned experts, political and community leaders to discuss ways of effective solutions to social problems in Ukraine and worldwide.

National Democratic Institute Regional Director to Ukraine Kristina Wilfore to speak on role of women in international relations within youth discussion club “Open World”

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” will arrange an informal meeting for the students, graduate students and community activists with Kristina WILFORE, Regional Director of National Democratic Institute in Ukraine. The meeting will take place on March 18, 2013 in Kyiv at 18:30.

The topic of the meeting “Role of Women in International Relations”.

Among the issues that will be discussed: differences in making carrier for men and women in diplomatic sphere; how gender issues are present in international relations and why they are important, what is NDI doing worldwide in gender sphere: some foreign experience and can be interesting for Ukrainian youth and will increasing women presence at policy-making processes increase international security.

Kristina Wilfore joined National Democratic Institute with more than 17 years of political experience and virtually all aspects of political organizing. Ms. Wilfore is now the regional director in Ukraine, relying on her experience in elections, policy development and civic advocacy in order to support a more vibrant and accountable democracy for Ukrainians.

Prior to joining NDI, Ms. Wilfore served as executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC), turning a little known research shop into a powerhouse for direct democracy. Beginning with a budget of only $15,000, Wilfore planned, managed and implemented the center’s growth, turning it into a multi-million dollar politically influential NGO, which was awarded the most valuable think tank in Washington, D.C., of 2009 by The Nation. Ms. Wilfore provided consulting to an average of 40 campaigns a year for over eight years, providing technical support such as: polling, focus groups and other research methodologies to identify concerns; crafting messages, policies and platforms; targeting and communication with diverse audiences; inspiring and mobilizing voters; building and managing coalitions; and fundraising.

Venue - Hotel Riviera, 7th Floor, 15 Sagaydachnogo St. Registration starts at 18.00.

The language of the meeting – English.

To participate it is mandatory to fill the registration form and send it in before March 17, 2013. Pre-registration is required. Seats are limited.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Discussion Club “Open World” – is a new educational Project of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation for socially active youth. Its purpose – to foster a new generation of responsible leaders. Each month the Foundation arranges lectures with renowned experts, political and community leaders to discuss ways of effective solutions to social problems in Ukraine and worldwide.

Writer’s main ambition is that your books encourage more books – Oksana ZABUZHKO during Art Club “Faces”

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Writer’s main ambition is to ensure that your books encourage more books because culture should be an avalanche. This view was expressed by the world famous Ukrainian writer Oksana ZABUZHKO during a meeting of the Art Club “Faces.”

Talking about the new book Conversation with Oksana ZABUZHKO, which is getting ready for publication in collaboration with the Polish journalist Isabella Chru?li?ska, Oksana noted that the project unlikely would come to be, if not for the success of The Museum of Abandoned Secrets in Poland. “This is the best example of how the book creates a book,” she emphasized.

“I treated this project with enthusiasm because it is a portrait book and I do not have to write memoirs,” joked renowned writer. Oksana expressed her hope that this book will stimulate Ukrainian journalists and publishers since such genre is not very developed in Ukraine, despite the fact that in Poland it is becoming more popular. “This is a separate category, where there is a very fine line between journalism and literature,” she stressed.

“For the whole week we lived in an old castle, and from dawn to dusk we were talking with Isabella Chru?li?ska, who, in preparation for this work, read all my books in the original. According to her plan, she recorded our conversations on tape, and went home with more than forty old-fashioned heavy cassettes. Then for a long time Ms. Iza deciphered, making text out of the conversation, and then I edited, wrote additions and refined. And that took two and a half months, “back-breaking” work on the computer,” said the writer about joint work on the book.

“The book will be released somewhere around 250 pages and I will not present it because it is in Polish and it's not my text. They are my thoughts and my words, but the presentation is still of the Polish journalist. Good news for the Ukrainian audience - the publisher has plans to translate the book into Ukrainian and publish it before the end of this year,” said Oksana.

Zabuzhko has noted that she is pleasantly surprised at the results of such cooperation and praised the talent of the co-author to ask the right questions. “I hope the reader will be interested,” writer added, noting that besides Poles, German publishers also expressed their interest in the book.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: The Art Club “Faces,” established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” in partnership with the creative place “Chasopys” is a platform for communication and exchange of experience of Ukrainian and foreign writers, musicians, artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers and other cultural representatives.

The Art Club “Faces” with Oksana ZABUZHKO: talk about the actuality of The Museum of Abandoned Secretes

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0200

11th March at 19.00 at the creative space “Chasopys” will take place the next meeting of Art Club “Faces”. During the meeting, a popular Ukrainian writer Oksana ZABUZHKO will read excerpts from the latest book of essayistic work From the Map of Books and People, dedicated to the actuality of The Museum after publication, and will talk about the new book, which is being prepared for publication in collaboration with the Polish journalist Izabela Chruslinska.

In Ukraine Oksana Zabuzhko remains one of the most popular authors. In August 2012, the magazine Korrespondent has traditionally included the writer in the Top 100 “most influential people in Ukraine”. According to the poll of the agency Elit-profi in 2006 her novel Fieldwork in Ukrainian Sex was recognized as “the book that had the most influenced on the Ukrainian society in 15 years of independence”. The latest novel of the writer - The Museum of Abandoned Secrets - was recognized as the Book of the Year 2010 and “The Best Ukrainian Book”-2010 readers’ choice of Korrespondent.

Zabuzhko’s works also won wide international recognition. Her books translated into more than 20 world languages, distinguished by many national and international prizes, among them Poetry Prize, Global Commitment Foundation 1997 (World Fund Obligations, USA) MacArthur Foundation Award (2002), Omelyan and Tatiana Antonovych Prize (2008), and others. The Museum of Abandoned Secrets, which leads in many book ratings in Europe and the USA (Amazon, DIE ZEIT ONLINE, Swiss Radio DRS, and others), is recognized by European critics as “one of the most important books in Eastern Europe after 1989” (Polityka).

The Art Club “Faces”, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” in partnership with the creative place “Chasopys” – regular open meetings with Ukrainian and foreign writers, musicians, artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers and other cultural representatives. Literary readings, professional meetings, workshops, film screenings, musical evenings and exhibitions are held monthly.

Registration for the event is mandatory! Seats are limited.

To register, follow the link.

Venue: 3 Lev Tolstoy St (creative place “Chasopys”). Participation is free.

For more information, please contact manager of the program “Cultural Horizons” Iryna Deshchytsya email id@openukraine.org or by phone: +380 44 220-18-40, +380 67 214-34-62.

Mexico is the bridge between civilizations - Berenice Rendon TALAVERA during youth discussion club "Open World"

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Mexico is the bridge between civilizations - between North and Latin America - such opinion was expressed by Berenice Rendon TALAVERA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to Ukraine, during a meeting with youth as part of the discussion club "Open World."

Talking with young people during the discussion club "Open World" Berenice Rendon TALAVERA described the key objectives of the new government of Mexico, about recognized by the world potential of the country, the internal problems and their solutions, and also about the relations between Ukraine and Mexico.

"The most influential newspapers in the world identify Mexico as a strong economy in the future. Mass media writes that "it is the age of Mexico." Indeed, today Mexico is at the beginning of a new cycle of development during which the country will become more and more powerful state in the world," said Mrs. Berenice Rendon TALAVERA.

"That is why the main focus of the new president of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto is strengthening presence of Mexico in the world, promoting Mexican values, international cooperation and establishing good relations with all countries, as well as protecting the interests of Mexico abroad," she added.

Head of the Mexican Embassy noted that for the Mexican government Ukraine is an important partner in Eastern Europe. "The Embassy is trying hard to establish cooperation between the countries, works on creating new opportunities for business between Ukraine and Mexico, focuses on the development of tourism, as well as creating conditions for student exchanges."
Mrs. Talavera told that the main internal problem of Mexico is corruption. "The most corrupt in Mexico is police" said the Ambassador and expressed hope that the government will be able to find their specific "Mexican way" to solve this problem. Mrs. Talavera reminded that one of the main objectives of the Mexican government is to reduce youth involvement in organized crime. "This trend, unfortunately, is there and it is a real threat to national security. Today, many young people are tempted – want to work a little and live well here-and-now. This causes the involvement of youth in drug trafficking and other illegal activities," added Mexican diplomat.

When Mrs. Talavera responded to questions about measures that Mexico implements to reduce the "brain drain" from the country, she noted that young people naturally seek better opportunities for their fulfillment. "The vast majority of Mexicans migrate to the United States, because there are better conditions for development, education and business than at home. That is why the Mexican government is working to provide the same opportunities in the country," noted the Mexican diplomat.

In conclusion, Mrs. Talavera wished Ukrainian young people to cherish their identity and to defend it, because it is much better and more confident to live a life if you know who you are where you are coming from. Among other things, she cited the example of those Mexicans who leave for the U.S. and not only keep the memories of their homeland, but also actively promote their culture, transforming the new environment under their national and religious needs, and do not dissolve in it.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Discussion Club “Open World” – is a new educational Project of Arseniy YATSENYUK “Open Ukraine” Foundation for socially active youth. Its purpose – to foster a new generation of responsible leaders. Each month the Foundation arranges lectures with renowned experts, political and community leaders to discuss ways of effective solutions to social problems in Ukraine and worldwide.

Essay contest for youth

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0200

On the eve of the 6th Kyiv Security Forum the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation launches essay contest for youth. Winners will be invited to participate in this year's Forum, which will be held on April 18-19, 2013 in Kyiv and will be devoted to the topic “Security in the Insecure World”.

Annual international event “Kyiv Security Forum” established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in 2007 is the platform for discussing security issues in Europe and the Black Sea Region. The purpose of the Forum is to enhance security cooperation between the European Union and the Black Sea Region, raising awareness about development of security among key players, strengthening of independent and non-governmental actors in solving security problems in Europe.

To participate in the contest, please, write a short essay on the topic “Security in the Insecure World”. There is necessary to explore in your essay a problem of security, which in your opinion is the most important in the world today, and to offer an option for its solution.

Senior undergraduate students, graduate students, junior researchers, and representatives of international, youth and non-governmental organizations under the age of 35, who are interested in the issues of international relations and foreign policy, international security and related humanitarian subjects are invited to participate in the contest.

Requirements: symbol count – up to 6000 characters (including spaces). Criteria – clarity, logic of the presentation, originality of the approach. One participant can choose only one topic and be the author of only one essay.

Winners of the contest will have the opportunity to participate in the 6th Kyiv Security Forum, which will take place in April 2013 in Kyiv. The essays of the winners will also be included to the final Forum materials and will be distributed among the expert community.

Organizers will partially cover travel costs and accommodation for contest winners for their participation at the Forum. More details about participation and the results of the contest will be announced to the participants additionally.

Essays must be sent to the email address info@openukraine.org (subject “Essay Contest”). It is also obligatorily for every contest participant to fill out the registration form.

The deadline for essays submission is March 17th, 2013. The results of the essay contest will be announced after April 1st, 2013.

For more information, please, contact the organizers by e-mail info@openukraine.org or by phone: +380 44 220-18-40, +380 67 214-34-62.

Ambassador of Mexico to Ukraine to meet with young people as part of the youth discussion club “Open the World”

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” will arrange an informal meeting for the students, graduate students and community activists with Berenice Rendon TALAVERA, a well-known Mexican diplomat and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to Ukraine. The meeting will take place on 27th February 2013 in Kyiv at 19:00.

The topic of the meeting “Mexico: Uniqueness of the Country and Features of the Foreign Policy” will provide an opportunity to discover Mexico as an important country in North America, its policies and place on the international stage.

How does Mexico see the development of the world and international relations? What features and experience of Mexican foreign policy can? How is Mexico building cooperation with the United States? How develop bilateral relations of Mexico and Ukraine? You can get answers to these and other questions during the meeting with Ambassador Berenice Rendon TALAVERA.

Berenice Rendon TALAVERA works in the diplomatic field for over 35 years. In 2009 she was appointed the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to Ukraine. Previously, Ms. TALAVERA was Ambassador to El Salvador, Consul of Mexico in Brownsville, Texas (USA), Las Vegas, Nevada (USA), Boston, Massachusetts, also in Havana (Cuba). At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico main areas of work for Ms. TALAVERA were –European issues, international cooperation, Mexican Diaspora and Consular Affairs.

Venue - Hotel Riviera, 7th Floor, 15 Sahaidachnoho St. Registration starts at 18.30.

The language of the meeting – English.

To participate it is mandatory to fill the registration form and send it in before 26th February 2013. Pre-registration is required. Seats are limited.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Discussion Club “Open the World” – is a new educational Project of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation for socially active youth. Its purpose – to foster a new generation of responsible leaders. Each month the Foundation arrenges lectures with renowned experts, political and community leaders to discuss ways of effective solutions to social problems in Ukraine and worldwide.

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The holiday concert of vocal ensemble ConCord was held as part of the Art Club “Faces”

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0200

On the 24th of January as part of Art Club “Faces” was held celebratory musical evening of vocal ensemble ConCord. Talented singers presented the audience Christmas songs of different nations, pop hits, jazz songs and original a cappella works.

Ensemble ConCord exists since 2008 and works in the style of contemporary a cappella. This is the group where sing six talented graduates of Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine. ConCord is a winner and laureate of international competitions (A CAPELLA Contest Leipzig – 2010, D. Bortniansky International Competition for Vocal Ensembles, Kyiv - 2011).

Art Club “Faces”, established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” in partnership with creative place “Chasopys” – regular open meetings with Ukrainian and foreign writers, musicians, artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers and other cultural representatives. Literary readings, professional meetings, workshops, film screenings, musical evenings and exhibitions are held monthly.

With support of the Foundation “Open Ukraine” duet “Violoncellissimo” took part in the International Festival “100 Years of Russian Futurism” in Moscow

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0200

With the support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” Odessa’s cellists duet “Violoncellissimo” performed a concert at the National Ukraine Cultural Centre in Moscow and took part in the International Theater Festival, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Russian Futurism.

During the Theatrical Festival premiered opera “The One who Bound Time with Space” performed by the duet “Violoncellissimo” with music and libretto by Vadym Larchikov, and poetic and prose works by Velimir Khlebnikov. And at the Ukrainian National Cultural Center in Moscow – music and poetry program of the duet “Music and Lyrics of the new Ukraine.”

Both performances went with great success and were warmly received by the audience. The premiere of the over opera was called by the Artistic director of the festival H. Chervinskyi “a real discovery for the Moscow audience” and even “the climax of the festival.”

It is important that this project was the only one which within this year's festival represented work by Velimir Khlebnikov. Most of the participants turned to work of Vladimir Mayakovsky. Also, it was the only musical theatrical project, the rest was in the genre of drama theater. Participation of duet “Violoncellissimo” gave a new dimension to the festival and allowed to expand its boundaries.

Also the program of the Theatrical Festival featured works by Serhiy Zazhytko “Epitaph to Marquis de Sade,” Lyudmyla Samodayeva “Forgotten Dancing,” Alla Zahaykevych “Gravitation,” Victoria Poleva “Voice,” Lyudmyla Yurina “Distance” and Vadym Larchikov “Inter Lacrimas et Luctum.” In addition, the music of the concert was seamlessly complemented by modern Ukrainian poetry – works of Yuriy Andrukhovych, Serhiy Zhadan, Mykola Vorobyov, Lina Kostenko, Yuriy Izdryk and Oleh Lysheha.

It should be noted that the support for artists is within the activities program of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine.” As part of the program “Cultural Horizons,” the Foundation provides travel grants to Ukrainian artists to participate in foreign festivals, exhibitions, competitions and thus represent the cultural achievements of modern Ukraine.

FOR REFERENCE:
Duet “Violoncellissimo” has existed since 1995 and during that time became a laureate of international competitions for chamber bands in Italy, received creative grants in the United States, Finland, France and Sweden. Duet has been actively performing in Ukraine and abroad (Azerbaijan, Belgium, Armenia, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Germany, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, USA, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Sweden), participates in numerous international music festivals, and its records have been released on seven CDs by Ukrainian and Swedish record label companies.

Childhood should be a celebration - Tereziya Yatsenyuk at the St. Nicholas Day Charity Ball

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Childhood should be a celebration – this stressed Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Foundation “Open Ukraine” Tereziya Yatsenyuk at the charity ball for 300 children with physical disabilities. Holiday was conducted through the annual program “Give warmth to children” for St. Nicholas Day 20December 2012 in Dnipropetrovsk.

“Second year in a row I attend this ball that has already become a tradition for kids. Childhood should be a celebration and we are extremely pleased to give children the very same fairy tale for which they are waiting for the entire year. And besides, we know how important such events are for their spiritual, social and physical development. Moreover, there is no greater pleasure than to see their fun games and talented performances,” said Tereziya Yatsenyuk.

During the visit to Dnipropetrovsk Tereziya Yatsenyuk also attended boarding school for children with hearing disabilities, students of which prepared a wonderful concert for guests and presented handmade paintings.

“Children sang, danced beautifully, honor and praise to their teachers. They convey the desire and ability to love life and be good at heart,” said Tereziya Yatsenyuk.

Tereziya Yatsenyuk also greeted with New Year holidays children of secondary school #28, administration of which pays special attention to sports development in children. Students are involved in dance, gymnastics, football and kickboxing. For guests pupils prepared and conducted a real Olympic lesson that convinced everyone of the importance of physical education for modern Ukrainian youth.

Tereziya Yatsenyuk thanked the young athletes and noted that she has always considered sport an integral part of a healthy lifestyle and that is how she is raising her children. “Do not change this direction you have chosen. Always be with sports,” Chairman of the Foundation wished children.

Children from Pereshchepynskyi orphanage also had an opportunity to demonstrate their athletic skills and celebrate St. Nicholas Day. Arranged for them was a visit to Dnipropetrovsk, and a real bowling tournament.

We remind that Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Foundation “Open Ukraine” Tereziya Yatsenyuk annually visits orphanages throughout Ukraine on St. Nicholas Day to chat with children, deprived of parental care and administration of these children's institutions. In Dnipropetrovsk, under the program “Give Warmth to Children” launched by city regional organization “Front for Changes,” in December 2010 Tereziya Yatsenyuk visited orphans and disabled children from the orphanage #1 and orphanage “Family”, and April 2011, children in orphanages #2 and #3.

If Ukrainians will not start reading, then Ukrainian literature will not become literary phenomenon – Andriy KURKOV during Art Club “Faces”

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0200

If Ukrainians will not start reading, modern Ukrainian literature will never become true literary phenomenon. Famous Ukrainian writer and a talented screenwriter Andriy KURKOV expressed this opinion during the meeting of the Art Club “Faces”.

“The writer is not the one who writes, but the one who is read. If Ukrainians will not start reading, we will never have publishing market, books will continue come in circulation of 500 copies. And this means that these writers will never become professional writers, and modern Ukrainian literature will never become true literary phenomenon,” - said A. Kurkov, speaking to the youth which gathered at the creative place “Chasopys” 13 December.

In addition, during the meeting the writer presented his new novel – “Lviv Tour of Jimi Hendrix”.

“This is an unusual presentation. I will be showing photos of Lviv, talking how I gathered materials and searched for heroes. So I have not yet presented the novel, and I wrote a novel this way for the first time” - confessed writer.

Speaking with guests of Art Club “Faces”, Andriy Kurkov formed several opinions about the potential of Ukrainian literature, success of prose, politics in literature.

On the potential of Ukrainian literature and how it is interesting to the foreign reader: “Fortunately, more and more Ukrainian authors are translated into foreign languages. If five years ago Ukrainian literature was treated quite skeptically, now the interest towards us is growing. Europe is tired of their own literature. Germans are tired of their serious literature. British are tired of their own literature about troubled teens. Therefore Ukraine is very appropriate with a completely different literature, with very different stories taking place against the background of strange and slightly exotic to them life. The potential of Ukrainian literature great, but it means that we have done very little”.

About signs of the future success of the novel: “First, we must tell a story that is easy to understand. No need to encrypt a lot. Second, it is important that the author loved all his characters, even negative ones. After all, the reader subconsciously rejects the hero, who is not loved by the author. This way the author imposes his dislike. This should be avoided. Reader is a clever person, because he is the reader. He wants to decide for himself who he likes and who he does not. He wants to make his own conclusions. Therefore, in my opinion, there are two main features of a successful novel: you have to tell a story that will stay in memory and to create characters with whom you want then to sit down and have coffee”.

On the difference of Kyiv and Lviv: “For a long time I have noticed for myself that in cities where there is actively developing small family business, the percentage of active caring people is much higher. And in cities where there are concentrated large plants and factories, very few people who will go and do something themselves Yes, Lviv is the capital of small business. This is the city where there are many individualists, people who are able do something independently. And this is why it is the city where people feel as patriots of this city and where there is the feeling of city community. Kyiv - is the capital, where people come to build something for themselves, but not on their territory, without feeling the city. They come to work and not become Kyiv residents. There is no sense of united city and united community. And here it is much more difficult to do something together, important to bring people together for a good cause”.

On politics in his writings: “In my two latest novels, there is no politics. In my opinion, the politicization of the Ukrainian society is already some sort of a disease. I am afraid that people will start to expect works only on political subjects. They will forget that there are stories of love, that there are detectives, thrillers, that there are historical novels. I consider it necessary for our people from time to time to step back from political events”.

The importance of the Internet for a writer in gathering information and the importance of feeling the atmosphere of the city, about which he writes: “On the Internet you can find anything, but it will be superficial information. It quickly comes and quickly leaves. Google does not convey the mood, does not give feeling of the atmosphere. For me it is always important to feel what I write about. In the process of writing my latest novel I really enjoyed getting acquainted with the city, working with real heroes, invite these people into the novel. I think that I will try something like this again”.

On the “dark” optimism: “I invented for myself theory of “dark” optimism” – this is when you know that everything will eventually be fine, but you do not know whether or not you will survive up to this point. I survived. The main principle of my optimism is that I love life and I hope that it will repay me the same. I wish for everyone to love life and help it to love you!”
During the event, music played was performed by the young pianist Alevtyna Dobina.

REFERENCE: Art Club “Faces”, established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” in partnership with creative place “Chasopys” is the platform for communication and exchange of experience of Ukrainian and foreign writers, musicians, artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers and other cultural representatives.

The next event is planned for January 2012. It will be a performance of Ukrainian band “ConCord”, finalist of the show “Ukraine has talent”. For announcements of events of the Art Club “Faces” follow on the Foundation website www.openukraine.org.

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With support of the Foundation “Open Ukraine” famous Ukrainian writers took part in the 24th Festival of European Literature

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” provided travel grants to Andriy Kurkov and Lyubko Deresh for participation in the 24th Festival of European Literature, held in November 2012 in Cognac (France). This year Ukraine, despite the fact that it’s not a member of the European Union, was present as the festival’s guest of honor.

On the eve of the festival organizers conducted an extensive informational campaign on Ukraine among residents the south-western region of France Poitou-Charentes (nearly 2 million people).

Exhibition devoted to Ukraine and Ukrainian literature were opened in 60 libraries.

There was a series of meetings with our creative writers in Paris and Strasbourg: Meeting of Andriy Kurkov and Maria Matios with students and teachers of INALCO (Institute of Foreign Languages and Oriental Civilizations), Ukrainian Literary Club with Lyubko Deresh, Anton Kushnir and Andriy Kurkov, at the Council of Europe (Strasbourg) was held the meeting with Ukrainian writers on “Contemporary Ukrainian Literature on the European Way.”

Traditionally, this year was determined the winner of readers' sympathies award. An expert panel of 600 readers was established who selected the best work among six works of Yuriy Andrukhovych, Lyubko Deresh, Andriy Kurkov, Maria and Serhiy Dyachenkiv, British writers of Ukrainian descent M. Levytska and A. Shevchenko translated into French. Palm of victory was given to Andriy Kurkov and his work “Gardener of Ochakov.”

The President of Ukrainian Association of Publishers and Booksellers Oleksandr Afonin expressed hope that government agencies will finally pay attention to what NGOs do in promoting Ukrainian literature in international expanses and will get involved in this.

“No budget, state funds (for the preparation of Ukraine's participation in the festival) has been involved. This event could not have happened if it had not been for the assistance by non-governmental foundations,” said O. Afonin.

It should be noted that Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” - the only foundation in Ukraine, which provides grants for translation of modern Ukrainian literature into foreign languages. As part of the program “Cultural Horizons,” the Foundation provides travel grants to Ukrainian artists to participate in foreign festivals, exhibitions, competitions and thus represent the cultural achievements of modern Ukraine.

Art Club “Faces” with Andriy KURKOV: history of creation of the novel “Lviv Tour of Jimi Hendrix”

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0200

13 December at 19.00 at the creative place “Chasopys” during the next meeting of the Art Club “Faces” Andriy KURKOV will tell the story of creation of the novel “Lviv Tour of Jimi Hendrix”. The author will show a slide show, which will immerse us into the atmosphere of work on the novel about Lviv and we will wander through mysterious ancient streets of this mystical city

“In life, the most interesting thing is life” - said once the famous writeraddressing his readers. His novel “Lviv Tour of Jimi Hendrix” where reality and fiction intertwine, where there is no boundary between reality and surrealism, is clear testament to that.

Andriy KURKOV – writer, screenwriter, author of over 20 books. With his scenarios were shot some twenty feature films and documentaries. Andriy KURKOV – the only post-Soviet writer whose books were in the top ten European bestseller, and his works translated into 34 languages worldwide.

Art Club “Faces”, established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in partnership with creative place “Chasopys” – regular open meetings with Ukrainian and foreign writers, musicians, artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers and other cultural representatives. Literary readings, professional meetings, workshops, film screenings, musical evenings and exhibitions are held monthly.

Registration for the event is mandatory! Seats are limited. Invitations to the event will be mailed to participants before the end of the business day 12 November.

To register, follow the link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDRZNUxPdm5rT0dzX1ExQ3lxZEZZUEE6MQ#gid=0

Venue: 3 Lev Tolstoy St (creating place “Chasopys”). Participation is free.

For more information, please contact manager of the program “Cultural Horizons” Iryna Deshchytsya email id@openukraine.org or by phone: +380 44 220-18-40, +380 67 214-34-62.

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Mikheil SAAKASHVILI at the meeting of the Diplomatic Club: The only way of development is the way to Europe

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

European integration is the only way of development of both Georgia and Ukraine. This was announced by Georgian President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI. during the meeting of the Diplomatic Club “Region at a crossroads: the European perspective for Ukraine and Georgia” organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.

Mikheil SAAKASHVILI noted that “to be part of Europe it is not only a way of thinking, it is also a way of political life”: “Europe is not perfect, but it's better than where we are coming from,” said the President of Georgia.

He stressed that holding free elections is very important to the establishment of democracy. “In Georgia there were wars, coups, was revolution, now were held the first free elections. In order for Georgia to become truly democratic, the government should be elected through elections at least twice more. And now it is very important to keep the possibility of government change through free elections,” emphasized Mikheil SAAKASHVILI.

Responding to a question about the persecution of his colleagues after change of government in Georgia, Mikheil SAAKASHVILI said: “Political issues cannot be solved through arrests. This is the road to nowhere. It is inertia of the Soviet past, when everybody could have been hidden in prison and written off.”

“In our time the opposition can be placed behind bars, but it will not cease to be the opposition because of that. And it will not stop talking,” he added.

Founder of Foundation “Open Ukraine”, Chairman of the Joint Opposition “Batkivshchyna”Arseniy YATSENYUKk, who attended the Diplomatic Club, stressed that political persecution in Ukraine, in particular the imprisonment of Yulia Tymoshenko, “has opened Pandora's box.”

“Then the voter will demand vendetta. They will demand from the new government to do the same, as did the old government against political opponents. And when this process begins, it can lead not only to war of political elites, but huge public opposition,” emphasized Arseniy YATSENYUK.

“Ukraine and Georgia have common past, common present, common future. We have common path - the path of success and development,” noted Mikheil SAAKASHVILI.

REFERENCE:
Diplomatic Club — an informal forum on foreign policy for Ukrainian officials, businessmen, ministers of foreign affairs, independent analysts and international journalists. At the center of open debates — global developments and foreign prospects facing Ukraine and other world countries. Diplomatic Club is a joint initiative of Foundation “Open Ukraine” and Viktor Pinchuk Foundation.

Diplomatic Club with the President of Georgia was held in conjunction with the Graduates Club of the Institute of International Relations.

YOUTH IS READY TO MAKE THE WORLD SECURE FOR THE PEOPLE

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

On November 23-24, 2012 in Kyiv was held the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum, where the modern issues of «human security» were discussed. The Forum gathered young experts from 10 countries of the world. Experienced specialists from Japan, Germany, US, Switzerland, the Netherlands as well as representatives of international organizations in Ukraine have given their speeches to the youth.

The 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum was started with special address from the Founder of the Open Ukraine Foundation Mr. Arseniy YATSENIUK. He mentioned that the young generation is an «I»-generation – Intellectual, Independent, Internet-depended. The young generation is also intended to solve global challenges, to fight for free world and to become the leaders of this world. Mr. Arseniy YATSENIUK has also awarded the participants of essay contest, who were recognized the best during the competitive selection before the Forum. The winners are Anna VACHADZE, representative of the International Republican Institute (Tbilisi, Georgia), Ivan HORODYSKYI, PhD student at Lviv National University named after Ivan Franko (Lviv, Ukraine), Kyrylo MOLODYKO, fellow of the MA Program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (Kyiv, Ukraine), and James YAN, representative of the organization «World Boston» (USA).

The opening session presented the idea of «human security». Ms. Hanna SHELEST, Senior Fellow at the Odessa brunch of the Institute for Strategic Studies, told about correlation between «human» and state security. Ms. Jiji GYA, Deputy Director of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, attracted attention to the importance of security sector reforms due to the ideas of «human security». Deputy Head of EU Delegation to Ukraine, Ms. Maria YURIKOVA, explained, why the EU is engaged in human security dimension globally. It is connected with the nature of modern threats, which have been changed and come, in particular, from the states with an experience of state power crisis. Those states threaten the world security. H. E. Mr. Toichi SAKATA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, told about active role of Japan in spreading of «human security» philosophy worldwide. Even this philosophy and its main priorities – reducing of poverty, sustainable development, global problems resolving, peace-making – became fundamental principle of Japan’s foreign policy.

Second part of the Forum was aimed to the practical tasks solving. The experience of implementation of «human security» ideas were shared by Mr. Stefan de SPIGELEIRE from the Hague Centre of international relation and by Mr. Gaspar BERGMAN, Human Development Advisor at the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine. Mr. Stefan de SPIGELEIRE emphasized that human security becomes more important than territorial security. Mr. Gaspar BERGMAN confirmed that the «human security» idea in the UN becomes really more popular, but it is hard to say uniquely about successful future of this concept. One more dimension of practical implementation of «human security» – its social dimension – was presented by the Member of Bundestag Ms. Bärbel KOFLER. To her mind, it is important to create such a social security, which will be resistant to the crisis and will worn the citizens from the social help deprivation.

It is interesting that within the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum were practiced new working methods, which have helped the participants to look at the problems far and wide. During the work in groups the well experienced experts helped the young participants. In particular, human rights were discussed in the group headed by Ms. Mridula GHOSH, women rights were discussed with Ms. Vitalia DERYABINA from the NDI Office in Ukraine, peacekeeper Mr. Sergiy GRABSKYI helped the participants to understand the activity of humanitarian organizations in the conflict zones, and international journalists Mr. Mykola SIRUK and Ms. Natalia GUMENIUK have shared the ideas concerning freedom of speech in the countries with authoritarian regime and the experience of working in «hot spots». As a result, the participants have elaborated different «action plans» for implementing «human security» ideas.

The 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum created a nice atmosphere of understanding and trust. The participants had the possibility for active work as well as for communication with interesting people. So, the guests of the Forum were Mr. Igor MALCHENIUK, representative of the Microsoft in Ukraine, who told about importance of online-reputation, and Maksym KIDRUK, traveler and writer, who shared his experience of visiting African countries during revolutions there.

The 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum was initiated by Arseniy Yatseniuk Open Ukraine Foundation. The partners of the Forum are Victor Pinchuk Foundation, the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation, Office of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Ukraine, Center of Information and Documentation of NATO, Center of International and European Studies at the University Kadir Has (Turkey) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces.

FOR INFORMATION:
The 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum (KSF-Y) is a new initiative of the Open Ukraine Foundation within the project «Kyiv Security Forum», which annually gathers leading specialists for discussion of actual security issues in Europe, in the Black Sea region as well as in Ukraine. KSF-Y aims to create the possibilities and a platform for youth from different countries for discussion of current problems of international security and foreign policy of Ukraine. The main task of the Forum is strengthening the role of the young experts, improvements their skills in the policy analysis and development process.

Bundestag member emphasized the importance of “resistant to crises” social security

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

One of the main conditions for effective functioning of the social security system should be its resistance to the crises, primarily of financial in nature that will protect citizens from risks associated with loss of expected social assistance. This was stressed by the German Bundestag member Bärbel Kofler during the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum “Human security in international relations: foreign policy for human.”

“It's very important to have such a system of social security, which is relatively resistant to crises. This will allow people to get the guaranteed minimum, regardless of what is happening in society,” stated B. Kofler.

According to her, resistant to a crisis (especially financial) are “dependent on the circumstances,” social welfare systems. “This means that every time in society arises a certain form of state, which provides direct insurance payments,” she explained. At the same time, in the opinion of the member German parliament, financed investment tools are not “resilient anti-crisis social welfare”.

Bundestag member emphasized that each country has different interpretations on issues of social security and safety. “In my opinion, we are talking about providing health care, pensions, environmental protection, policies concerning elderly people, particularly in circumstances where society is aging. Additionally, 1.5 million people in our society have problems with mental health. It is on these issues, which are the domain of social security, we focus in Germany,” she said. At the same time, added Bärbel Kofler, it is important to address issues of social security, in collaboration with various organizations, including the International Labour Organization.

B. Kofler indicated that Germany, with its 130-year history of development of social security (the so-called “solidarity system”) is also trying to address this issue in a broader sense. “In the Bundestag, we also discuss suggestions for how we can support people in other countries, to help them build their own system of social security,” she said. At the same time, as emphasized B. Kofler, she does not believe that the entire German experience in this field should be adopted, as “even in Germany not everything is perfectly arranged in this regard “.

However, as emphasized German member of parliament, social security – is only a part of social justice. Important also is The issue of fair wages, fair participation in the company's operation, profit-sharing, etc., pointed out Bärbel Kofler.

Youth Kyiv Security Forum – a new initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”, which aims to create a platform for discussion by young experts from different countries urgent issues of international relations and foreign policy of Ukraine.

1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum will be held November 23-24 and will bring young experts from over 10 countries to discuss the importance of human security in the development of international relations. Guest speakers for young people will include specialists from Japan, Germany, USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as representatives of international organizations in Ukraine, including the UN, NATO, EU.

The Youth Forum is made possible through a partnership with Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Regional Representation of Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine, and with the support of The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (a project of German Marshall Fund, USA), Center of NATO Information and Documentation in Ukraine, Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Switzerland) and the Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University (Turkey).

Microsoft advises to watch out for own “online reputation”

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Publication on the Internet, especially on social networks, of personal information may harm the reputation of those users at work or school, as well as provoke criminals to take actions against them. This was stressed by the representative of Microsoft in Ukraine Ihor Malchenyuk during the session “Cybersecurity – a challenge to today's world” at the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum “Human security in international relations: foreign policy for people”.

“In college, university, at work all have to remember about their “online reputation,” he said.

Ihor Malchenyuk pointed out the fact that in the modern era of the Internet most people are actively using social networks, but at the same time not all pay attention to their vulnerability. “One has to be careful with posting personal information, personal photos and video on social networks. This can damage both your reputation at work or school, as well as attract criminals,” he said.

According to him, statistics indicates that 72% of employers had experienced refusal of employment to candidates in connection with some of their personal materials published on social networks. “It is important to remember that you lose control immediately after the publication of your post and it will always be on the Internet,” - said the representative of Microsoft. In addition, research conducted in Ukraine, shows that 78% of high school students publish their real address on social networks - a fact which greatly increases the “attractiveness” of these people in the eyes of crooks and criminals. The expert also advised not to add too many unknown people to your friend list on social networks, it's not about “your popularity, but your safety.” “By adding someone as a friend, you give them access to your address, your contacts,” he pointed out.

Ihor Malchenyuk is convinced that there is no need share absolutely all of your moods online. “Do not post what you can only tell close friend including feelings – otherwise you risk becoming the object of “trolling”, or fraud,” he said. The expert also stressed that when following the rules of tolerance, remember this rule - “do not type on the Internet what you would not write on your t-shirt.”

Particular attention should be given to passwords on the internet, which should be very personal and not known to outsiders. At the same time, passwords to email, social networks must be different and strong. “One way to create a strong password is to use the first letters of words from a sentence, which has meaning just for you personally, while using mixed upper and lower case letters as well as numbers and symbols to replace individual letters,” shared experiences I. Malchenyuk.

He also reminded “the simple truth” of “surfing” the Internet – only download from sites with good reputation, carefully follow links, pay attention to the message sender and think well before opening attachments. When using a Wi-Fi network, only the most secure connection should be chosen - “even if you have to pay for it.” “Never turn off your firewall that creates a barrier between your computer and the Internet, disabling it even for a minute increases risks. In addition, always defend against malicious software, by installing only legitimate antivirus and antispyware software from trusted sources.” recommend Microsoft representative.

“It's like with a car. You don’t have to know every detail of cyber security, but at least the basics – you must,” summed I. Malchenyuk.

1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum will be held November 23-24 and will bring young experts from over 10 countries to discuss the importance of human security in the development of international relations. Guest speakers for young people will include specialists from Japan, Germany, USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as representatives of international organizations in Ukraine, including the UN, NATO, EU.

The Youth Forum is made possible through a partnership with Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Regional Representation of Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine, and with the support of The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (a project of German Marshall Fund, USA), Center of NATO Information and Documentation in Ukraine, Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Switzerland) and the Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University (Turkey).

The new generation will be able to make the world truly free - Arseniy Yatsenyuk at the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

On Friday, 23 November, founder of Open Ukraine Foundation Arseniy Yatsenyuk participated in the opening of the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum “Human security in international relations.” Arseniy Yatsenyuk noted that the young generation is the generation “I” - Intellectual, Independent, Internet depended.

“Everyone who sits here has his own independent view of what is happening in Ukraine and in the world. I would like you to be strong and decisive, to act boldly and wisely. We need a new generation of leaders. And I believe that you also are the new generation. I am sure that you will become the leaders of this free world,” he addressed Forum participants.

However, stressed Arseniy Yatsenyuk the free world needs to be fought for. “There were hopes that after World War I world would be free. That did not happen. Such hope was and after World War II. People believed it will be the end of conflict, humiliation and endless war. But humanity again failed. We are facing new challenges, disasters, which we to face, analyze and solve them.”

“These are new global challenges that threaten your personal safety, your personal freedom. Terrorism, unemployment, people trafficking are gaining pandemic proportions. Even poor water quality and the catastrophic state of the environment. That is what security is for everyone in this world,” stressed Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

He recalled the words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from his speech on the four freedoms. “The first freedom – the freedom of speech and freedom of expression. The second – freedom of religion. The third – freedom from poverty, that is unemployment and poverty. And the fourth freedom – the freedom from fear. In his inaugural speech, Roosevelt said that the main fear is fear itself,” noted Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

“So if we ponder over the question of security, the question of our future, we will be able find a way how to solve these new global challenges,” he stressed.
“It should be your agenda. You have to dedicate your life to make this world truly free so that everyone on earth is happy. This is the agenda of any true politician. This is the task for you as for the younger generation,” addressed Arseniy Yatsenyuk participants of the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum.

Youth Kyiv Security Forum – a new initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”, which aims to create a platform for discussion by young experts from different countries urgent issues of international relations and foreign policy of Ukraine.

1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum will be held November 23-24 and will bring young experts from over 10 countries to discuss the importance of human security in the development of international relations. Guest speakers for young people will include specialists from Japan, Germany, USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as representatives of international organizations in Ukraine, including the UN, NATO, EU.

Youth Forum was held in partnerships with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Regional Office of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine, as well as the support of the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (Marshall Foundation Project, USA), NATO Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Switzerland) and the Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University (Turkey).

The nature of threats to global security has changed – representatives of the EU and NATO during the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The nature of threats to global security has changed in recent times and they can no longer be viewed in the classical sense of interstate conflicts. Overcoming new challenges, above all, international terrorism, cybercrime, climate changes, government crises in some countries is possible only through joint efforts. Director of NATO Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine Natalia Nemylivska and Deputy Head of EU Delegation in Ukraine Maria Yurikova emphasized this, speaking at the opening of the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum on Friday in Kyiv.

Natalia Nemylivska expressed confidence that the forum will make a contribution to solving the problems of human security, which is becoming increasingly important in recent times. She stressed that NATO countries are changing approach to the concept of security. Now it is no longer seen as just defense of countries and their people, as it was immediately after the end of the “Cold War” because there have emerged new challenges – terrorism, cybercrime, climate changes and so on. And their solution is possible only through combined efforts.

Director of NATO Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine stressed that in the framework of joint overcoming of challenges, cooperation with Ukraine is very important, which has the status of the only partner country participating in all NATO operations. She believes that participation in these operations also makes a significant contribution to both own security of Ukraine, and also enables it to “develop a large number of partner programs”.

“After the end of “Cold War, we understand that such issues for the world, as, for example, famine, civil war and others – not less important than wars between states,” - also stressed in her speech Director of Regional Office of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine Ursula Koch-Laugwitz.

“The nature of threats has changed. They became not so obvious” - pointed on her part Deputy Head of EU Delegation in Ukraine Maria Yurikova. She singled out “failed states and their threat to global security” as one of these threats. She also named terrorism, cyber threats, climate changes as other important challenges. “No country can overcome these threats alone. Moreover, the problems and challenges are becoming increasingly relevant to the issue of crisis management in the European territory,” - she explained why the EU deals with the human dimension of security on the global scale. “Danger has no borders. It can threaten any country, and not only within the EU,” - she added.

Maria Yurikova stressed that Ukraine is a critically important partner of the European Union on the background of intentions of the organization to provide security in the global context. “The EU believes that independence of Ukraine is of great importance in terms of stability and prosperity throughout the world,” - she said. M. Yurikova pointed out that the EU and other partners of Ukraine support its European choice and help it to become one step closer to the European Union. According to her words, ambitions and plans of Ukraine and the EU to deepen their relationship and move together from the gradual economic integration to “deepening of the association” resulted in the completion of negotiations on the Association Agreement, which includes political association and economic integration of Ukraine and the EU.

At the same time M. Yurikova emphasized that the EU now faces important time in relations with Ukraine. “Foreign Ministers began discussions and negotiations on how to continue our relationship with Ukraine In my opinion, both sides, Ukraine and the EU should use this opportunity to the fullest,” - she stated, adding that at the base of European policies towards Ukraine has always been the issue of “spreading respect for human rights, democratization and the rule of law.” “The success of all reforms that will bring Ukraine closer to the EU ultimately depends on the political will of the Ukrainian politicians” - convinced the Deputy Head of EU Delegation in Ukraine.

Youth Kyiv Security Forum – a new initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”, which aims to create a platform for discussion by young experts from different countries urgent issues of international relations and foreign policy of Ukraine.

1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum will be held November 23-24 and will bring young experts from over 10 countries to discuss the importance of human security in the development of international relations. Guest speakers for young people will include specialists from Japan, Germany, USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as representatives of international organizations in Ukraine, including the UN, NATO, EU.

The Youth Forum is made possible through a partnership with Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Regional Representation of Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine, and with the support of The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (a project of German Marshall Fund, USA), Center of NATO Information and Documentation in Ukraine, Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Switzerland) and the Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University (Turkey).

Human security has become a fundamental principle of the foreign policy of Japan – Ambassador Toichi SAKATA

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The human dimension of security has become one of the most fundamental principles of the foreign policy of Japan. This was announced on Friday November 23 by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Toichi SAKATA, speaking during the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum “The human dimension of security in international relations: foreign policy for human.”

“Human security has become an important fundamental principle of the foreign policy of Japan and the Japanese government is actively involved in promoting the philosophy of the subject, in cooperation with relevant organizations and groups during bilateral and multilateral meetings and international symposia,” - declared ambassador.

Based on this principle, Japan is trying to turn the current century into the “century, centered around human.” Ambassador expressed his belief that to solve global issues now it is no longer enough to be guided by the concept of “national security”, which is capable by being improved by philosophy of “human security” – related to the resolution of problems associated directly with individual. Toichi Sakata singled out four main priorities of this philosophy: poverty reduction, sustainable growth, solving global problems, creating peace.

The diplomat pointed out that it was through Japan’s initiative in 1998 the Trust Fund for Human Security was established in the United Nations. Later, at the Millennium Summit in 2000, Japanese side has also suggested creation of the Commission on Human Security, later announced by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. In the period from 1999 to 2011 through this fund Japanese government has allocated about 370 million USD to support 210 projects in 123 countries. In particular, reminded the Japanese ambassador, about four million USD to support the population affected by the results of the Chernobyl accident in April 1986, which was allocated by the Trust Fund for Human Security.

Regarding Ukraine, as noted Toichi SAKATA, Japanese embassy is implementing so-called project KUSANONE, which is one of the most important international cooperation projects of the Government of Japan. “This program is aimed at protecting lives and health of people, as well as assistance to individuals. Given this, we help schools, hospitals, local governments directly, not through the central government,” – announced diplomat. In particular, under KUSANONE 67 projects for a total sum of 4.2 million USD are already implemented in Ukraine since 2001.

Toichi SAKATA also pointed out that during the visit of the President of Ukraine to Japan in January last year, in a joint statement on the Japanese-Ukrainian global partnership, in particular, it was emphasized that human security is “important and effective” in the context of cooperation between the two countries in various fields of common interest: climate change, terrorism, drug trafficking, poverty, health care. “We are pleased to combine efforts with Ukraine as well as other countries, in order to make the 21st century “the century of human security,”- emphasized ambassador.

Youth Kyiv Security Forum – a new initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”, which aims to create a platform for discussion by young experts from different countries urgent issues of international relations and foreign policy of Ukraine.

1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum will be held November 23-24 and will bring young experts from over 10 countries to discuss the importance of human security in the development of international relations. Guest speakers for young people will include specialists from Japan, Germany, USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as representatives of international organizations in Ukraine, including the UN, NATO, EU.

The Youth Forum is made possible through a partnership with Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Regional Representation of Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine, and with the support of The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (a project of German Marshall Fund, USA), Center of NATO Information and Documentation in Ukraine, Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Switzerland) and the Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University (Turkey).

Human security is more important than territorial one - Stephan de SPIEGELEIRE

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Internal security associated with human, society is becoming more important than external one associated with the territory. Thus, each person has to contribute to our own security. This was announced on Friday by senior scientist at the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies Stephan de Spiegeleire, speaking during the session “Human Security in the European Union” at the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum “Human security in international relations: foreign policy for human.”

The expert is convinced that in recent time the concept of security has changed. Citing the evolution of this concept, he pointed out that from the very beginning, people led nomadic way of life and safety in their understanding was reduced to protection of their own clan. Then emerged the need to protect the place of residence that has assumed greater importance in the “industrial age”: “borders, lines were erected between people.” At present “post-industrial,” according to his classification, era object of security “is not so easy to figure out,” the world is not so clearly demarcated as the result of globalization. “And we understand that the idea of the nation state today does not work out,” - believes Stephan de Spiegeleire.

He said that precisely in the creation of the European Union embodied the idea of avoiding “bloody wars” between different European countries on a national basis, which occurred in the past. “Now this principle, the principle of territorial security no longer works, it is not about territory but about people – that they should be protected,” - he said. “That is why the European Union tends to transcend national boundaries, become more centralized,” - added expert. At the same time he stressed that the EU correctly should be seen as human union, “and not as some institutional shell.”

Commenting on the EU Security Policy, expert pointed out the need to find balance in spending on areas of security and defense. “If you look at security doctrine, it is very complicated. 90% of resources that are allocated for security are spent on defense issues,” - he said. “The main issue is that how we should use our funds, what are our priorities, what will help us to strengthen our security,” stated expert.

Fellow of Hague Centre for Strategic Studies expressed the view that security is now no longer associated with traditional military defense. “Foreign security has become less important than internal security – the security associated with people,” - he said. “In the post-industrial period, the period of globalization and the Internet we should care for people. Old Europe and New Europe, and Ukraine is definitely part of the New Europe – we all need to remember that human security is not who will protect us, but how we can become smarter, protecting ourselves,” - emphasized expert.

Youth Kyiv Security Forum – a new initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”, which aims to create a platform for discussion by young experts from different countries urgent issues of international relations and foreign policy of Ukraine.

1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum will be held November 23-24 and will bring young experts from over 10 countries to discuss the importance of human security in the development of international relations. Guest speakers for young people will include specialists from Japan, Germany, USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as representatives of international organizations in Ukraine, including the UN, NATO, EU.

The Youth Forum is made possible through a partnership with Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Regional Office of Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine, and with the support of The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (a project of German Marshall Fund, USA), Center of NATO Information and Documentation in Ukraine, Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Switzerland) and the Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University (Turkey).

Human security has gained popularity at the United Nations, but for how long – Gaspar BERGMAN

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

In recent years the concept of “human security” has gained considerable popularity, moving from declarative statements to actions. At the same time, the future of this concept remains unclear. This was announced on Friday by UN Development Program Policy Advisor in Ukraine Gaspar BERGMAN, speaking during the session “UN – “personal security” companion at the 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum “Human security in international relations: foreign policy for people.”

“We changed our focus on human security. The best analogy in changing the center of attention is probably the approval by the UN of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which talks about the key human values that must be respected,” he said.

Gaspar BERGMANN recalled that the first time the concept of “human security” was mentioned in 1994 in the Human Development Report of UN Development Program – “even though back then no one fully understood what it is.” Later, in 1999 happened the “historic moment” – when 30 countries joined in Human Security Group to coordinate joint actions in dimension of human security. In addition, the Trust Fund for Human Security was established at the initiative of Japan, and after the Millennium Summit in 2000 the Commission on Human Security was established. “And in 2008 during the UN General Assembly informal debates took place. For the organization it was the landmark period when people would understand human security and how it can be achieved,” said Gaspar BERGMAN. In the coming years there were even more specific actions than before: in particular, the UN Secretary-General appointed officials who are responsible for the area of human security in order to effectively transform this idea into concrete actions, and this year UN chief Ban Ki-moon in his report has identified four key components in this area, in the center of which is a person.

However, UN Development Program Policy Advisor in Ukraine turned attention to the fact that the concept of “human security” is perceived differently in different countries: some countries claim that human security under certain conditions will become the guarantor of peace, but others - “that they have an alternative vision.” “I think that ultimately we will reach in, let's say, 20 years’ time when this concept, and I say it with regret, will not be there. Or alternatively, the idea of human security will be renewed and concretely implemented in life. Here it is difficult to answer,” he pointed out.

Youth Kyiv Security Forum – a new initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”, which aims to create a platform for discussion by young experts from different countries urgent issues of international relations and foreign policy of Ukraine.

1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum will be held November 23-24 and will bring young experts from over 10 countries to discuss the importance of human security in the development of international relations. Guest speakers for young people will include specialists from Japan, Germany, USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as representatives of international organizations in Ukraine, including the UN, NATO, EU.

Youth Forum was held in partnership with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Regional Office of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine, as well as the support of the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (Marshall Foundation Project, USA), NATO Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Switzerland) and the Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University (Turkey).

Our country is not yet ready to fund something that does not fall under the category of “sharovarshchyna” - Serhiy ZHADAN during a meeting of the club “FACES”

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

19 November in Kyiv started the first session of the Art Club “Faces”, a new project of the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” and the creative place “Chasopys.” The project aims to promote contemporary Ukrainian and foreign art among young people and reduce the divide between celebrities and their fans, giving the ability to connect with the already known and new names in the cultural sphere. The first guest of the club – well-known writer Serhiy ZHADAN. The new face of the club – young pianist Alevtyna DOBINA.

During a meeting of the club, topic of which was “Poetry as Politics”, the famous Ukrainian writer presented his new poems and answered numerous questions of the Club’s guests.

Serhiy Zhadan about poetry as politics: “Writer in Ukraine – is more than just a writer, and how he would not write about the relationship between a man and a woman, somehow it all comes down to his public position.”

Serhiy Zhadan about Ukrainian culture and its frequent reduction to “sharovarshchyna”: “Maybe it is a sort stereotype that is the true modern Ukrainian culture and is “sharovarshchyna.” In my opinion, everything that has financial support from the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine is “sharovarshchyna.” And I'm not kidding. You ask, what can we say about the state theaters? And so they are, unfortunately, in great majority. I would say this: our country is not yet ready to fund something that does not fall under the category of “sharovarshchyna”.”

Serhiy Zhadan about perception of literature by reader: “The man who reads books reads not because he learns something, but because he likes how the author writes. We read HOW the author writes rather than WHAT he writes.”

The Art Club “Faces”, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” in partnership with the creative place “Chasopys” is a platform for communication and exchange of experience of Ukrainian and foreign writers, musicians, artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers and other cultural agents.

Next event is planned for December 2012. It will be a master class on short fiction from writer Andriy Kurkov. The contest among beginner writers to participate in this master class continues to the end of November. Details on the Foundation website: http://www.openukraine.org/ua/news/news5017.

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The results of essay contest for the participation in 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Open Ukraine Foundation is ready to announce the results of essay contest for the participation in 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum “Human security in international relations: foreign policy for people”. The Contest Commission has chosen 51 best essays - the authors of these essays will participate in Forum.

In contest took part more than 240 essays from different regions of Ukraine and more than 100 essays we got from participants from more than 10 countries. By the results of contest the Commission have chosen 51 winners.

So, 14 young scientists from 10 countries became participants of 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum:
•    BAGHASHVILI Tinatin (Georgia)
•    BIALAS Маteusz (Poland)
•    BUNOARA Elena (Romania)
•    VACHADZE Ana (Georgia)
•    WOJCIECH Jakobik (Poland)
•    GUERASSIMOVA Lyuba (Bulgaria)
•    GURSOY Sezin Iba (Тurkey)
•    DJAKOVA Marija (Poland)
•    LAKIC Nikola (Serbia)
•    МАRTINOVIC Marija (Моntenegro)
•    МARCINKOWSKI Bartosz (Poland)
•    NIKOLAOU Maria (Great Britain)
•    ОSIPOVA Marianna (Russia)
•    YAN James (USA)

19 participants from different region of Ukraine will visit 1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum:
•    BOZHYDAY Yuliya (Lviv)
•    BOLGAK Yuliya (Мykolayiv)
•    HNYP Оleksandra (Lviv)
•    HORODYSKYY Ivan (Lviv)
•    ZADOROZHNA Arina (Dnipropetrovsk)
•    КACHYNSKA Maryana (Kharkiv)
•    KOLESNYK Kseniya (Donetsk)
•    KOTOVA Iryna ( Zaporizhzhya region, v. Matviivka)
•    KRYVANKO Oleksandr (Kharkiv)
•    MALYSHCHUK Vadym (Kharkiv)
•    МІTYAEVA Nina (Оdesa)
•    MOROZOVA Hanna (Sumy)
•    PLANTUS Yuriy (Chernivtsi)
•    SEMENYUK Maria (Rivne)
•    SNITKO Svitlana (Chernivtsi)
•    TATORYN Borys (Simferopil)
•    ТURCHYN Artem (Kharkiv)
•    USACHOVA Olga (Кrаmatorsk)
•    YAROSHCHUK Oleksandr (Lviv)

18 young people from Kyiv will also become participants of the Forum:
•    HAVRYLENKO Illia
•    IRKHA Yuriy
•    GOYCHUK Kateryna
•    КRYTS Vasyl
•    KUKHTYN Maryana
•    LEMENOV Oleksandr
•    LYSKO Nadiya
•    LUPANOV Yan
•    MAZUROK Anastasiya
•    MOLODYKO Kyrylo
•    NIKOLAEV Evgen
•    PEREA COOK Leslie
•    PEREVERZEVA Mariya
•    SEMKO Artem
•    TYTAR Anna
•    FEDORIV Pavlo
•    CHERIET Taha
•    YAROSHENKO Evgen

We are thankful to all participants of the Contest! We will meet all the winners on November, 23-24 in Kyiv during the Forum. Those, who didn’t get the victory this time we encourage – don’t be sad! In the nearest future Open Ukraine Foundation is planning several events for youth, during which we will have the opportunity to communicate.

For the details of regular events follow our web-page and Facebook.

FOR INFORMATION:
Youth Kyiv Security Forum – a new initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”, which aims to create a platform for discussion by young experts from different countries urgent issues of international relations and foreign policy of Ukraine.

1st Youth Kyiv Security Forum will be held November 23-24 and will bring young experts from over 10 countries to discuss the importance of human security in the development of international relations. Guest speakers for young people will include specialists from Japan, Germany, USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as representatives of international organizations in Ukraine, including the UN, NATO, EU.

The Youth Forum is made possible through a partnership with Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Regional Representation of Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine, and with the support of The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (a project of German Marshall Fund, USA), Center of NATO Information and Documentation in Ukraine, Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Switzerland) and the Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University (Turkey).

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation is initiating new cultural project - Art Club “Faces”

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation is initiating new cultural project – Art Club “Faces”. The main goal of the project is creating permanent platform for communication with Ukrainian and foreign artists for popularization of modern art among Ukrainians.

“Our foundation has been developing cultural program and our main task – to present Ukrainian art for the whole world. However, we are giving travel grants for Ukrainian artists to present their achievements abroad, we are giving grants for translation modern Ukrainian literature into foreign languages. So we decided to share our activity and start new cultural project which will promote modern art inside the country”, - Tereziya Yatsenyuk, head of Supervisory Council of Open Ukraine Foundation told on the eve of the beginning of the project.

Besides, Tereziya Yatsenyuk noted that newly created project will let us not only learn something new about Ukrainian culture but provides opportunity to communicate with the best representatives of it.

“We will held meetings with interesting people, representatives of cultural intelligence monthly. I do hope that art project “Faces” will open new names and inspire other people for new creative achievements”, - mentioned head of Supervisory Council of Open Ukraine Foundation

For this year we have already planed two meetings within the framework of Art Club “Faces”. They are – meeting with famous Ukrainian writer Sergiy Zhadan, which will be held in the mid - November and master – class with Ukrainian writer, journalist and scriptwriter Andriy Kurkov, planed for the beginning of December.

FOR INFORMATION:
Art Club “Faces” - regular open meetings with Ukrainian and foreign writers, musicians, artists, designers, producers, photographers and the other representatives of culture. The literature readings, creative meetings, master – classes, movie – showings, music evenings and exhibitions will be held monthly.

PARTNER OF THE PROJECT:

The strength of India is that our country can keep people in harmony – Savita PANDE during the lecture for Ukrainian youth

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Being multicultural, multiethnic and multireligious India still manages to keep people in harmony. Such opinion was expressed by Indian professor Savita PANDE during the lecture for Ukrainian students – “Human security in international relations”, initiated by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

During the meeting Savita PANDE focused on the importance of implementation in international lexicon the word - “securitization”. Explaining the term, the scientist said that the key issue of this idea is that individual becomes an integral part of the security. “Securitization means that people are included in security. It means when person feels freedom from mass problems”, - explained Savita PANDE. Besides, Indian professor mentioned that nowadays state security is often state – oriented and ignores that it is people who are forming the state and are its main value. “The state exists for taking care and protecting its people”, - professor stressed.

Also Savita PANDE underlined the importance of globalization in modern life. “You shouldn’t be afraid of globalization. Even modern Indian economic model is built on three main issues – liberalization, privatization, globalization”, - Mrs. PANDE noted. Besides she mentioned that in the process of globalization IT and Internet play integral role. They strengthen globalization and unite us. In this context we should remember about providing Internet and cyber security when people will feel safe, in this case democracy will become more democratic.

During the lecture the new world order was discussed. Savita PANDE commented her view on it: “India sees future world as unipolar with regional power centers. We think that USA is powerful actor of international relations and believe that the key centers of power in modern world order will be USA, China, Japan, Russia and India. We are sure, that India is moving in a right way and will become one of the most powerful international players in the modern world.”

Finally, savita PANDE encouraged Ukrainian youth to do everything to build their Ukraine – the country of today, tomorrow and day after tomorrow! “We, Indians, are proud of our identity and this is our success and power!” Mrs. Pande stressed. “During your studies don’t concentrate only on the problems of future jobs. Make yourself capable to reach something every day, build, support and save your identity daily, as in this – full power”, - Savita PANDE invoked.

For upbringing of new generation of Ukrainian experts Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation will held lectures for students several times a year. During these meetings youth will have opportunity to exchange thoughts with leading experts on current issues of international relations. The project is initiated within the program of Foundation – “International dialogue”.

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Open Ukraine Foundation initiates lecture of Indian professor Savita Pande for youth

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in the partnership with Embassy of India in Ukraine are initiating an informal meeting for students, postgraduates and civil activists with Savita PANDE, professor of international relations in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The meeting will be held on October 17th, 2012 in Kyiv at 18.30 (registration starts at 18.00).

The topic of lecture “Human security in foreign policy” will create the opportunity to mention issues on the security of human in the process of forming foreign policy. What is India’s vision of the world’s development and international relations? What is the human’s place in the modern world? How to overcome poverty, protect world from climate changes and food crises? What is the role of Ukraine in this process?

The answers on these questions you can get during the tea conversation with Savita PANDE.

Savita PANDE - professor in the South Asian Studies Division has done her Ph. D. from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Since then she has undertaken research assignments in the Center for Policy Research and also Editorial assignments in the leading national dailies. Since 1992 she has worked in various capacities at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). Her last designation was Research Fellow when she joined the South Asian Studies Division.

Venue: Hotel “Riviera”, 7th floor, Sagaydachnogo str. 15

Working language of the meeting – English

For participation please fill in the registration form and send it till October 16, 2012 to e-mail: vo@openukraine.org. The results of registration will be sent to your e-mail

MEDIA PARTNER:

Open Ukraine Foundation presents final digest of the 5th Kyiv Security Forum

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation published digest on the results of the anniversary 5th Kyiv Security Forum entitled: “Trends in global security: does democracy matter?” which was held on April 19-20, 2012.

This publication summarizes the main ideas and recommendations that have emerged from the discussions among experts from over 30 different countries. It also contains highlights of the speakers’ presentations, as well as an overview of media coverage of the event.

Please note, that the 6th Kyiv Security Forum will take place in Kyiv in the second decade of April 2013.
Kyiv Security Forum, established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation is an annual event and a platform for discussions on the current issues of security in Europe and Black Sea region.

For the details do not hesitate to contact Ms. Viktoriya Osipovych by e-mail: vo@openukraine.org or by phone: +38(044)220-1840, +38(067)214-3462.

Open publication - Free publishing

Open Ukraine Foundation announces the Essay Contest for youth to participate in I Youth Kyiv Security Forum

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0300

The Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation announces an Essay contest for young researches. The winners of this contest will be invited to participate in the First Youth Kyiv Security Forum, which will be held on November 23-24, 2012 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

The Youth Kyiv Security Forum (KSF – Y) is a new initiative of the Open Ukraine Foundation, which aims at creation of a discussion platform for young experts from different countries on important issues of international relations and foreign policy. The main goals of the Forum are to empower the new generation by increasing their capacity to participate in policy analyses and policy development processes.

The Youth Forum is made possible through a partnership with regional Representation of Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine, and with the support of The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (a project of German Marshall Fund, USA), Center of NATO Information and Documentation in Ukraine and Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Switzerland).

The topic of the Forum is “Human Security in international relations”. Human security is an emerging paradigm for understanding global vulnerabilities whose proponents challenge the traditional notion of national security by arguing that the proper referent for international security should be the individual.

ESSAY TOPICS (for choice):
1.    Human Security in International relations: making world a better place
2.    Increasing role of human security in international organizations: human security in NATO strategies
3.    United Nations – a friend of human security
4.    Food Security – the main issue for every human?
5.    Human Security in military conflicts

Participation in the Forum will provide young people with an opportunity to discuss current issues of human security during an international conference, and to become active participants in workshops and training sessions, that will be scheduled in the Program of KSF – Y. The participants also will have a chance to communicate with leading experts, analysts from different countries, who are specialized on the issues of “human security” in international relations.

Working languages of the Forum – English, Ukrainian.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PARTICIPATION IN CONTEST:
We invite the following categories of people to participate in the contest: students of senior courses, PhD students, researches, representatives of youth and civil organizations, who are interested in issues of international relations, foreign policy and international security. The participants are asked to write short essay. The essay must be up to 6000 symbols (with spaces) in English or Ukrainian. One participant can choose only one topic. Additionally, please, send completed registration form. Age of participants – 18-35.

Essays and registration forms should be sent by e-mail to vo@openukraine.org (subject – KSF – Y). The deadline is October 15th, 2012. The contest results will be announced after November 1st, 2012.

The organizers will cover expenses during the Forum for 15 participants. For 5 best essay writers - all expenses, including travel costs, for other 10 – accommodation and meals (travel costs should be paid by themselves).

For the details do not hesitate to contact Ms. Viktoriya Osipovych by e-mail: vo@openukraine.org or by phone: +38(044)220-1840, +38(067)214-3462.

On the support of Open Ukraine Foundation the ensemble participated in the international festival of ancient music „Oude Muziek”

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in the framework of “Cultural Horizons” Program gave travel grant to Nataliya Danshyn, the head of the vocal ensemble of ancient music „Vox animae”, for participation in international festival „Oude Muziek” which was held in August, 2012 in the Netherlands.

The festival „Oude Muziek” has been held for 30 years for preserving the traditions of ancient music. This is annual event consists of free concerts, workshops, master-classes and gathers talented youth from the world.

The concert of Kyiv band „Vox animae” was held in the framework of the festival’s program „Fringe” in the ancient church of St. Peter. About 250 spectators had an opportunity to see the band’s performance, among which there were famous experts of ancient vocal and professional musicians. The performance was extremely successful and the audience was pleased and excited.

It is worth mentioning that the support of young artists is program activity of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation. In the framework of “Cultural Horizons” Program foundation gives travel grants to Ukrainian artist for participation in international festivals, exhibitions, contests to present cultural achievements of modern Ukraine.

Open Ukraine Foundation published collection of project materials about practical experience of reforms in the neighboring countries

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Open Ukraine Foundation published collection of project materials about practical experience of reforms in Central and Eastern Europe, Balkans and other post-soviet countries. The publication is made within the framework of joint project with International Renaissance Foundation – “Sharing Transformation Experience”.

In this edition one can find practical experience of reforms in Central and Eastern Europe, Balkans and other post-soviet countries and the analysis about possible realization of this experience in Ukraine in the following spheres:
1.    Contribution of the European Union to civil society development
2.    Education reform
3.    Reform of public procurement system
4.    Culture reform
5.    Implementation of primary healthcare
6.    Reform of youth policy

Download Ukrainian version / English version

We hope that these materials will open much interesting and new for you in getting experience of reforms in the countries-neighbors and will promote necessary reforms, that will lead Ukraine to European values and standards.

To get printing version of publication you can write official letter-request to Manager of International Dialogue Program to e-mail:vo@openukraine.org or by phone: +38(044)220-1840, +38(067)214-3462.

Open Ukraine Foundation gave travel grant to honored artist of Ukraine for the participation in the event “Days of Ukrainian culture” in Turkey

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0300

On the support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation honored artist of Ukraine, singer and poetress Lesya Gorova visited Turkey, where she presented her songs during the “Days of Ukrainian culture in Antalya”

On the initiative of the community “Ukrainian family” and city’s administration during 24 – 27th of August the event of “Days of Ukrainian culture in Antalya”.The events were devoted to Ukraine’s Independence Day and aimed at popularization of Ukrainian culture among citizens of Turkey.

The artistic events were held on different platforms and concert halls of the city and gathered a number of spectators. In the event participated: honored artist of Ukraine Lesya Gorova; laureate of international contests, bandurist Oksana Vashchenko; the winners of international contest “ Chervona Ruta”; folk ethnographic group “ Verbychenka” and folk band “ Shchedryk”; chamber choir “Happy family”, the artists of folk circus “ Bingo”.

Besides, within the “Days of Ukrainian culture in Antalya” the exhibitions of traditional Ukrainian embroidered clothes, presentation of pictures from stripes, wards, master – class of petrykivsky painting were held. Also there was organized cultural and scientific seminar - the “Days of Ukrainian diaspora and culture in Turkey” with the participation of the heads and representatives of Ukrainian communities in Turkey, Estonia and Russia, the Head of the city, the Head of police on foreigners and Ambassador of Ukraine in Turkey.

The Ukrainian delegation conducted working meetings with the representatives of the municipal board of Antalya, during which was discussed the opening of Ukrainian kinder - garden and school in the Antalya, as in this city and its provinces live about 30 thousands of Ukrainians. Also the leaders of city assured that the “Days of Ukrainian culture in Antalya” will become traditional.

In partnership with Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in Istanbul was held International Neighborhood Symposium

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0300

On 26 June – 1 July 2012 in partnership with Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation was held International Neighborhood Symposium. The event was held in Istanbul and was devoted to security and democracy issues in Black Sea region and on the Middle East after the events of “Arab spring”.

The International Neighborhood Symposium is held the second time already and gathered 36 participants and 26 speakers from over 20 countries to discuss issues of security, democratization, energy, problems of civil society, perspectives of Eastern Neighborhood, and also the role of European Union and NATO in modern world processes. “The future of Europe depends on the future of Eastern Partnership on the basis of successful combination of market economy and democracy”, - mentioned speaker of Symposium, participant of 5th Kyiv Security Forum, director of International Center of Democratic Transformations (Hungary) Istvan GYARMATI.

The organizers offered the participants interesting format of work – structured dialogue, during which the participants of Symposium determined and analyzed the security and democracy threats in the regions and generated the ideas of overcoming such threats. The participants also developed special projects, the realization of which will promote democratization of the countries of Black Sea and Middle East regions and also will make life of people in these countries securer.

“I have a feeling that we are doing right thing, - noted the main organizer, director of Center of international and European studies of Kadir Has University (Turkey) Dimitrios TRIANTAPHYLLOU on the final meeting of Symposium. – This is kind of social experiment: whether we see and understand all threats to people’s security well? Are we perceiving all these threats in a right way? Are we following the stereotypes, which are in our conscious?”

The symposium demonstrated that young people from different countries and regions can find common language and unite on the basis of common human values to offer effective decisions for secure life of people and the development of democracy in their countries. The participants spent together 5 days and had opportunity not only to communicate, widen the horizons, but also find the associates. And this is very important as such meeting becomes the first step to joint projects in future.

The support of international conferences is the program activity of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation. From the beginning of its existence Open Ukraine Foundation within “International Dialogue” Program creates platforms for discussion of actual problems of international relations and security and the Ukraine’s role in world processes.

On the support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in London was held exhibition of Ukrainian photo artist Larysa Polishchuk – "Secrets"

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0300

On June, 8th – July,1st on the support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation in London was held exhibition of Ukrainian photo artist Larysa Polishchuk – "Secrets". The exhibition was held within the festival "Euro Cup Festival", which was presenting art of different countries during the Football Championship Cup "EURO 2012".

The festival "Euro Cup Festival" was held in cultural complex Rich Mix. The main idea of the festival was to present ethnic and modern culture of different countries and also the art of the Eastern European countries. The special attention was paid to Ukraine and Poland as they hosted UEFA EURO 2012.

The Ukrainian young art was presented photo artist Larysa Polishchuk (Rusina) with exhibition "Secrets". The organizers noted that Larysa matched all criteria of the art part of festival in the best way: she presents photo and has experience in the participation in a number of important projects and exhibitions. It was first photo artist’s composition in London and also this was the first composition of young Ukrainian photographer in the category – contemporary photo within the framework of the festival.

The project of Larysa Polishchuk "Secrets" represents women’s vision of the sense of things, however it is not feministic and doesn’t promotes certain ideology or limitations in sensation. It tells about values, feelings, complicated thoughts and their simple sighting, understandable for the audience of different nationality, age, gender, experience. The originality of the project left nobody indifferent and caused sincere admiration of author’s technique, topics and the way of their embodiment.

The support of young artists is the program activity of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation. Within the "Cultural horizons" Program in 2011 Foundation gave 10 travel grants to Ukrainian artist for participation in international festivals, exhibitions, contests and in presentation of cultural achievements of modern Ukraine.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation became a partner of International Neighborhood Symposium

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation became a partner of International Neighborhood Symposium, which will be held on 26 June – 1 July 2012 in Istanbul. Initiator of conference is Center for International and European Studies (CIES) at Kadir Has University. This year symposium will focus on the discussion of the main issues of security and democracy in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Mediterranean South region.

The International Neighbourhood Symposium is held the second time already. The International Neighbourhood Symposium aims at promotion of cooperation among the countries of Eastern Neighbourhood, the Mediterranean South and others. 38 young experts in politics, business, representatives of civil society and journalists will participate in the conference this year.

The issues of economic well-being, human rights and good governance will be discussed within workshops under the guidance of Professor Benjamin Broome from Arizona State University. The interest to these topics is growing after recent events of ‘Arab spring’, which demonstrated new spirit in societies and new measure of responsibility of Arab countries’ governments. The countries of Eastern Neighbourhood are under similar security challenges and threats, they have similar democratization processes and also they have to establish mechanism of cooperation with the EU and NATO.

You can find more information about Symposium on the web-page of Center for International and European Studies (CIES): http://cies.khas.edu.tr

The third cinema festival Kinofest NYC dedicated to Ukrainian and Post-Soviet cinema was held in New - York

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0300

In May 2012 in New-York was held regular festival of Ukrainian and Post-Soviet cinema Kinofest NYC. On the support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in festival participated Ukrainian producer Maryna Vroda. The winner of “Golden palm” of Cannes cinema festival in 2011 for the best short movie “Cross” presented in New – York the following movies – “Cross”, “The rain” and “The vow”.

Kinofest NYC is devoted to independent cinema of Ukraine and other Post-Soviet countries. Festival gives an opportunity to New-York community to get fresh sight on independent Ukrainian and Post-Soviet countries’ cinema. On the day of Opening of Festival the hall of Ukrainian Museum was full. The organizers devoted the whole evening to the presentation of short movies of Maryna Vroda, the audience watched movies: “The cross”, “The rain”, “The vow”.

The main goal of the festival is demonstration of full – length, short, documentary and animation movies of talented authors from Post-Soviet countries. There were many people with Ukrainian roots among the audience who communicated during the whole evening in Ukrainian. That’s why they were interested to know how modern Ukraine lives, what is typical for Ukrainians nowadays, whether there are changes and what they are.

“I thank with great pleasure to Open Ukraine Foundation for the opportunity for artists to present modern works abroad, meet the audience and share Ukrainian culture with the world. Travel grant from Open Ukraine Foundation made possible my trip to New-York for the festival of Ukrainian and Post-Soviet countries. Nowadays more people get opportunity not only to hear, but to see modern cinema, made in Ukraine”, - mentioned Maryna Vroda. During the presentation of movies young film-maker said that she is working on her next movie, in which professionals of American movies became interested.

It is worth mentioning that Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation is implementing “Cultural horizons” Program, which is aimed at popularization of Ukrainian culture abroad and integration of Ukrainian art in the world context. Within the program Foundation annually gives travel grants to artists for participation in international festivals, exhibitions, contests and presentation of cultural achievements of modern Ukraine.

Open Ukraine Foundation became general partner of the festival “Literature Country of Dreams”

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0300

On June, 22-23 in Kyiv 9th ethno – festival “Country of Dreams” will be held, and within it, on the support of Open Ukraine Foundation, the 5th “Literature Country of Dreams”. Cooperation with literature part of international festival is logical continuation of program activity of Open Ukraine Foundation, which has separate program of support of modern Ukrainian literature “Cultural horizons”.

The program “Cultural horizons” gave grants on the translation of more than 12 modern Ukrainian books. These are works of Sergiy Zhadan, Yuriy Andrukhovych, Mariya Matios, Lubko Deresh, Andriy Kurkov and others. The majority of these writers will participate and present their new works at “Literature Country of Dreams” this year.

The Head of Supervisory Council of Open Ukraine Foundation Tereziya Yatsenyuk notes that in Ukraine there is lack of support from state of Ukrainian cultural product and “Country of Dreams” is big event, which connects a lot of artists, who can present themselves and their works. “This is a very important for the development of Ukrainian art and its popularization inside the country – says Mrs. Tereziya. – Ukrainians must know and love their culture for world’s recognition and respect of our art. That’s why Ukraine needs such events to be held. We understand and support this!”

During “Literature Country of Dreams” will work book fair, creative corner of “Master-class” with numerous master-classes and three stages. On the “Literature stage” will be performances, speeches of representatives of ethnic communities, literature and music mixes, Kobzar slam and creative meeting with famous people of Ukrainian literature. On the stage – “Literature kitchen” the writers will cook dishes, tell interesting stories. And on the third stage - “Kurin’” will be presentation of books, poetry readings, theatre performances.

All the events and entrance on the “Literature Country of Dreams” are FREE.

Venue: Кyiv, “Spivoche pole” (metro station - Arsenalna).

PHOTO REPORT
Press – conference of the opening of “Literature Country of Dreams”

The authorities have nothing to say to people. That’s why the language issues is raised – said Arseniy YATSENYUK on the Diplomatic Club meeting

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Language issue is a problem of geopolitical choice of Ukraine – mentioned Leader of Party “Front for Change” Arseniy Yatsenyuk on 5th June, Tuesday during the Diplomatic Club meeting with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of United States of America to Ukraine(1998 – 2000) Steven Pifer

The topic of regular Diplomatic Club meeting, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation was: “Ukraine: balancing between Russia, West and democracy”.

Leader of “Front for Change” mentioned that today authorities with the problem of language split the country as they tried to split it in 2004 “between those who speak Ukrainian or Russian and those, who support Party of Regions or European course”.

Steven Pifer agreed, that language problem now is used for polarization of society in Ukraine. “During last 18 years I remember only one period, when language issue was raised in Ukraine – it’s before the elections”, - he said.

Due to Arseniy Yatsenyuk words President Yanukovych and Party of Regions are doing everything to increase their rating and just for this language issue is raised.

However, he underlined, issue about Russian as second state language – this is the question of geopolitical choice of Ukrainian authorities: “We have to struggle for constitutional right of people as state language is Ukrainian and this is enshrined in Constitution. But this is not only problem of language. This is geopolitical problem, problem of influence, and language problem – only pick of iceberg. Russian language, neutral status, integration in Customs Union – this is paradigm of Ukrainian policy nowadays”, - he stressed.

“President is not able to say anything. He can’t do anything but be leader of corruption and split the country. But we will overcome this and build new country”,- underlined Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

Diplomatic Club is informal forum on the issues of foreign policy for Ukrainian officials, businessmen, Ministers of foreign affairs, independent analysts and international relations journalists. In the centre of opened discussions are world processes and perspectives of foreign policy, which are in front of Ukraine and other countries. Diplomatic Club is the common initiative of Open Ukraine Foundation and Viktor Pinchuk Foundation.

In Ukraine many things depend on parliamentary elections – Steven PIFER during the regular Diplomatic Club meeting

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Many things in Ukraine depend on how parliamentary elections will be held. Ukraine is obliged to conduct transparent and fair elections. This was stated by American diplomat Steven PIFER within the Diplomatic Club meeting “Ukraine: balancing between Russia, West and democracy”, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

During the discussion Steven PIFER focused on the importance of transparent and fair elections in Ukraine. “The whole world will be following the event in Ukraine in autumn. Only USA allocated more than 3 million dollars for providing great quantity of observers during the Ukrainian elections”, - stressed professional diplomat.

Expert believes that if elections in Ukraine will be fair and transparent, it will be great sign for Ukraine. “If situation doesn’t change, the elections aren’t be free, problem “Tymoshenko-Lutsenko” isn’t be solved – it’s very bad sign. American-Ukrainian elections will become difficult”, - he underlined.

Steven Pifer stressed, that he doesn’t believe that President of Ukraine doesn’t feel the situation: “Mr. Yanukovych gets clear messages during working meetings with European leaders about the necessity of transparent elections, about urgency to settle the problem of political prisoners. And does he really want to hear them?” – expert mentioned.

Founder of Open Ukraine Foundation Arseniy YATSENYUK, who took part in Diplomatic Club meeting, during the discussion about difficulties, which foreign investors face while entering Ukrainian markets mentioned, that “Ukraine has huge potential”. “Alongside with it investors face numerous problems. And this is not economic problem, this is issue of political monopoly. President Yanukovych controls everything”,- Arseniy Yatsenyuk underlined.

The members of Diplomatic Club also discussed development of American-Ukrainian relations if Ukraine chooses way of convergence with Russia. This course of developments Steven PIFER commented as following: “USA respects any Ukraine’s choice. But in this case question is raised – why does Ukraine choose Eurasia market with turn-round about 2 trillion dollars, but not EU free trade zone with turn-round about 17 trillion dollars. We will respect this decision, but definitely we won’t understand it”.

Washington doesn’t exclude implementation of sanctions on representatives of Ukraine in case of unfair elections – Steven PIFER

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0300

United States of America can impose sanctions on the representatives of Ukrainian authorities in case illegitimate elections. This was stated by Ambassador of USA to Ukraine (1998-2000) Steven PIFER during the Diplomatic Club meeting, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

Answering the question whether USA can implement sanctions on Ukraine, if elections are unfair, Mr. Ambassador said: “If Ukraine keeps the current course, and also if in autumn elections are unfair and nothing changes in the situation with political persecutions – unfortunately, it will be possible”.

«In 1990th Ukraine had huge support from the American Congress. Now everything changed. About 4 months ago I had to testify the situation in Ukraine and make report to Congress. The disaffection, dismay and frustration are felt. West was trying to help Ukraine to become modern democratic state, but everything went in a wrong way”, - he mentioned.

He reminded that there are numerous examples when Congress limited several countries, for instance – Act about the democracy in Belarus (Act about the democracy and human rights on Belarus about enforcement of sanctions, - edit.): “USA and European Union are still implementing sanctions on certain persons in Belarus and financial sanctions too. Also exists “Magnitskyy law” about sanctions on Russian officials, that doesn’t please Russian authorities. U.S. Department of State is already implementing administrative sanctions, visa sanctions on Russians, who were involved in Magnitskyy case”.

“There is a feeling that Ukraine is approaching Russia and Belarus, but not Poland with its democratic institutions, for instance. I think that from this not a long way for Congress to think about possible mechanisms to use for influence on Ukraine. The issue of sanctions is not on agenda. However, if you speak on this topic with representatives of Congress, you find that they’re thinking about this, though 6 or 12 months ago this issue wasn’t even raised”,- he added.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk asked Steven PIFER, administration of which president – republican or democrat - will be more decisive in imposing sanctions? Steven PIFER answered: “Ukraine is not the part of issue between republicans and democrats. They have differences on issues of domestic policy, other policy issues, also on Russia issue, but there is no difference for Ukraine, who will be in power – republicans or democrats”.

The diplomat underlined that the whole world will be following events in Ukraine in autumn. “Only USA allocated more than 3 million dollars for providing great quantity of observers during the Ukrainian elections”, - he stressed.

Steven PIFER mentioned that he doesn’t believe that President Yanukovych doesn’t feel the situation: “Mr.Yanukovych gets clear messages during working meetings with European leaders about the necessity of transparent elections, about urgency to settle the problem of political prisoners”, - expert said.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation initiated lecture of Steven PIFER for Ukrainian students

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0300

On June, 5th was held lecture of Steven PIFER, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ukraine (1998 – 2000), senior fellow of Centre of USA and Europe at the Brookings Institution. The topic chosen by professional diplomat for discussion is “Ukraine: balancing between Russia, West and democracy”.

To communicate with former Ambassador gathered more than 70 students from different universities of Ukraine. During the lecture were mentioned issues on civilization choice of Ukraine and its foreign policy. What is closer to Ukraine – Russia or West? What is Ukraine’s foreign policy nowadays – the result of concrete decisions or balancing between different power centers? Which type of democracy should choose Ukraine? What is the role of civil sector in this process?

On the beginning of his speech Steven PIFER noted that further 10-15 years will be very interesting in Ukraine, because to govern country will come new generation of people, which think another way and who don’t feel influence of Soviet Union and its collapse.

Furthermore Ambassador stated that without implementation of conditions set by the EU and without abidance of rule of law Ukraine cannot join the EU. Diplomatic and balanced, with the elements of critics Steven PIFER focused on that Ukraine should establish constructive relationship with Russia and aim at joining the EU.

Online broadcasting of lecture was on the site Корреспондент.net.

The meeting was held within Diplomatic Club – joint project of Viktor Pinchuk Foundation and Open Ukraine Foundation.

The star of Ukrainian football Andriy Gusin supported charity tournament for orphans

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +0300

On May 18th the football tournament among the children of orphanages in Kyiv region was held. The event took place on the stadium of Kyiv regional sports boarding school in village Terezino of Bila Tserkva district. Famous Ukrainian football player and senior coach of “Dynamo-2” Andriy Gusin welcomed young players. The tournament was held on the initiative of Open Ukraine Foundation and Volodymyr Polochaninov and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk “Youth movement” Foundation.

In the competition participated 4 teams – 60 pupils of orphanages: “Horobynka” ( Vasylkiv district), Trypillya school for orphanages (Obukhiv district), Velyki Polovtsi specialized school – orphanage ( Skvyr district) and team from family type orphanages ( Bila Tserkva district).

The winner of the competition is the team from orphanage “Horobynka”, which got the Cup of tournament. Famous Ukrainian footnall player Andriy Gusin personally congratulated young players. Children had an opportunity to communicate, make photo with the star of Ukrainian football and get autograph. By the end of the tournament all young players were awarded with medals, t-shirts of National Ukrainian Team from Adidas, football balls and sweets.
The organizers of event promised, that such tournaments will be good tradition and the next year will gather teams from all orphanages of Kyiv region. “We will meet you next year for sure, so get ready!” – mentioned Head of Supervisory Council of Open Ukraine Foundation Tereziya Yatsenyuk during awards ceremony of the winners.

Due to the words of the Founder of “Youth movement” Foundation Volodymyr Polochaninov, the main goal of the Foundation’s work is involvement of youth to active kinds of sports and propagation of health style of life. “When I saw the children’s excitement during the game and the spirit of struggle I decided, that such tournaments must become annual! I think that support of young, talented children is a necessity as they are our future, future of our Ukraine!” – he mentioned.

Famous American diplomat Steven PIFER will deliver lecture to Ukrainian students

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation initiates lecture-discussion for students, postgraduates and civil activists with Steven PIFER, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ukraine (1998 – 2000), senior fellow of Centre of USA and Europe at the Brookings Institution. The meeting with famous American diplomat will be held on June 5th, 2012 at 18.00 in Kyiv.

The topic of lecture “Ukraine: balancing between Russia, West and democracy”, which professional diplomat chose for discussion, will create the opportunity to mention issues on civilization choice of Ukraine and its foreign policy. What is nearer to Ukraine – Russia or West? What is Ukraine’s foreign policy nowadays – the result of concrete decisions or balancing between different power centers? Which type of democracy should choose Ukraine? What is the role of civil sector in this process?

Steven Pifer is director of the Brookings Arms Control Initiative and a senior fellow at the Brookings Center on the United States and Europe. He focuses on arms control, Russia and Ukraine. He has offered commentary regarding these issues on CNN, Fox News, CNBC, BBC, National Public Radio and VOA, and his articles have appeared in the Washington Post, International Herald Tribune and Boston Globe, among others.

Venue: National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Great Conference Hall, 3rd floor, Volodymyrska str., 55

Working language of the meeting – English

For participation please fill in the registration form and send it till May 24, 2012 at 15.00 to e-mail: ib@openukraine.org or ib@openukraine.org

Download registration form

The results of registration will be sent to your e-mail

The meeting was held within Diplomatic Club – joint project of Viktor Pinchuk Foundation and Open Ukraine Foundation.