CYM GB at the “Stronger Together” Forum 2025

On 25th September 2025, members of CYM GB took part in the first “Stronger Together Forum for Cooperation and Aid”, held in London. The event was jointly organised by the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom, Support Ukraine, and British Ukrainian Aid.

This important forum brought together representatives of Ukrainian community organisations from across the UK, laying the foundation for closer collaboration, joint initiatives, and a stronger collective voice in support of Ukraine.

CYM GB was represented by Alex Kosmirak, Deputy Chair of the National Executive Committee, and Maksym Lewyckyj, member of the National Executive and Chair of CYM London, who both took part in the session on “Addressing the Educational and Linguistic Needs of Ukrainians and Work with Youth.” They joined a panel which also included Inna Hryhorovych MBE (Chair of the Association of Ukrainian Teachers in Great Britain and Executive Director of the Ukrainian St Mary’s Trust) and Marta Mulyak (Chair of Plast GB).

Maksym delivered a presentation highlighting CYM’s century-long commitment to developing young Ukrainians through education, culture, and community involvement, and emphasised the organisation’s continuing role in supporting the next generation across the UK. Alex spoke as part of the panel discussion, sharing CYM GB’s experiences over recent years — the challenges faced, the achievements made, and reflections on how the organisation is preparing for the future.

The day was formally opened by His Excellency Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom and General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who underlined the vital role of Ukrainian communities abroad in supporting Ukraine during wartime and called for continued unity and cooperation.

The forum also featured video addresses from Nadiia Kuzmychova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, and Pavlo Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress and long-time CYM member, both of whom emphasised the importance of global coordination and mutual support among Ukrainians worldwide.

CYMivtsi were also represented among other speakers throughout the day. Petro Rewko MBE, Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), and Iryna Terlecky MBE, Chair of the Association of Ukrainian Women in Great Britain (OUZH), spoke about the history and continuing role of their organisations in the life of the Ukrainian community in the UK. Fr Mykola Matwijiwskyj, addressed the forum on behalf of the Ukrainian churches, highlighting the spiritual guidance and pastoral support they provide to Ukrainians across the country.

The Stronger Together Forum was a powerful reminder that, united, we can achieve more – strengthening our communities, supporting one another, and working together for Ukraine, wherever we may be. It was also a valuable opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with representatives from many different Ukrainian organisations across the UK.

CYM GB extends sincere thanks to the organisers for inviting CYM GB and bringing the Ukrainian community together for such an inspiring and forward-looking event.