Ukrainian Diaspora Adopts Bern Declaration for Coordinated Global Support

Over 350 Ukrainian diaspora leaders from more than 50 countries adopted the Bern Declaration on June 7, 2026, committing to coordinated defense support, territorial restoration, and postwar recovery for Ukraine. This declaration, reported by the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), addresses the estimated 5.9 million Ukrainians living abroad, with only 43% of refugees indicating they would return home after the war ends.

The Global Ukrainian Summit, held June 5–7 at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum in Bern, Switzerland, was organized by the UWC in cooperation with the Ukrainian Society of Switzerland and Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The declaration outlines three priorities: Ukraine's victory through a just and lasting peace, recovery as a strong independent state, and cultivating future generations of Ukrainian patriots worldwide. It also issued seven calls to action, including funding defense forces, political advocacy, reconstruction, and protecting Ukrainian identity.

Speakers at the summit included Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, Deputy Minister of Social Policy Ilona Havronska, Central Election Commission head Oleh Didenko, and Ambassador to Switzerland Iryna Venediktova. Swiss Federal Council Delegate for Ukraine Jacques Gerber also attended, highlighting Switzerland's role in humanitarian aid. The declaration emphasizes that global unity is a strategic prerequisite for Ukraine's success, transforming diaspora efforts from symbolic gestures to concrete, coordinated commitments.