The event offers an opportunity to meet the mayors of 27 different Ukrainian cities, “ordinary heroes” who arrange shelter, food and medical assistance for millions of Ukrainians, according to the event’s organizers.
Joining their Ukrainian partners are local government officials from Poland, Germany and France. A special “networking” session will foster the exchange of experience and aim to build a network of support for Ukrainian local governments.
Poland's Rzeszów, which holds the title of “Rescuer City” granted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, is located just one hour away from the Ukrainian border. The city is a key transportation hub for aid to the war-torn country.
In an interview with private broadcaster RMF FM, the summit’s communications director, Bartosz Staniszewski, said the idea was born in March after US President Joe Biden's visit to Poland.
At the time, Biden said: “We must help those who need help.”
“This inspired us and we decided to create this event,” Staniszewski told RMF FM.
The World for Ukraine Summit 2022, held until December 9, is set to feature Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, the director of the Global Empowerment Mission, Michael Capponi, and Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, among others.
The event is being held under the auspices of the Polish and Ukrainian foreign ministries, the Council of Europe, and other international organizations.
(jh/gs)
Source: IAR, RMF FM