Zelenska opens first spouses’ summit in Kyiv
The fourth annual Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, hosted by Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, was held in Kyiv on Sept. 12.
In a statement on Telegram, Zelenska announced that representatives from Lithuania, Estonia, Serbia, Denmark, Slovenia, Guatemala, Belize, and Finland participated in the event.
“My counterparts from around the world are here in Ukraine today,” said Zelenska.
“Together, we have just held the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen. I never tire of thanking all our friends who find the courage and solidarity to visit us in person despite ongoing Russian attacks. They don't need an explanation of what Ukraine is fighting against—they see it with their own eyes and help with all their might.”
According to her, this year’s summit included first-time participants from Latin America: Rossana Briceño of Belize and Lucrecia Peinado of Guatemala. Finland's First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb also was in attendance.
Zelenska expressed her gratitude to Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of Lithuania; Sirje Karis, First Lady of Estonia; Tamara Vučić, First Lady of Serbia; as well as Bo Tengberg of Denmark and Aleš Musar of Slovenia, who are regular participants in the summit.
“For each summit, we choose a topic relevant to both Ukraine and the world,” the message added.
“This year’s theme is something we all deeply care about: 'Protecting Children: Guarantees for a Safe Future.' Threats to a normal childhood—whether military, domestic (at school or home), virtual, or environmental—know no borders. We believe that true safety for our children can only be achieved through global efforts.”
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