What does Ukraine need in the future?
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The war proved: no matter how valuable material goods are, the most important of all is Man. With her experiences, feelings, ideas and incredible strength. With the ability to stop tanks with bare hands, to convince Western elites of the importance of supporting Ukraine, to weave square kilometers of camouflage nets. So, in my opinion, Ukraine needs its citizens the most. They are and will be the basis of a valuable democratic state.
What kind of Ukrainians does our country need?
Those who study, dream and act!
“Learn, dream, act!” – this is one of the inspired phrases of Bohdan Gavrylyshyn – an outstanding economist, visionary, public figure, philanthropist, co-founder of the Davos Forum, adviser to several Presidents of Ukraine, author of the Declaration of Human Responsibility. These words are a kind of signpost for me and for many who knew Bohdan Dmytrovych. They remind about large-scale goals, about self-belief, about finding means and ways to achieve these goals.
In order to build a progressive democratic state, you need not only to “roll up your sleeves” and work. It is very important not to forget to dream, to dream wildly, as Bohdan Dmytrovych said. And also to constantly learn, try and not be afraid.
Those who accept, inspire, unite
Recently, I have noticed a lot of cancellations and condemnations, but there is a lack of sincere support and approval. In difficult times, we need empathy and care more than ever.
The last paragraph of the Declaration of Human Responsibility talks about tolerance and acceptance of diversity. Bohdan Dmytrovych often said that each of us is different, but valuable, and we must learn to accept each other.
Imagine a field in which there are different flowers – taller and shorter; red, blue, purple… You can’t say that any of the plants are superfluous. Even thistle is useful in this ecosystem. So each of us has our place and our value.
I really want an environment to develop in Ukraine where everyone can express themselves freely. For us, in the community of the Bohdan Gavrylyshyn Family Foundation, it is important that no one feels “insufficient” among the talented, successful and inspired. I support the development of valuable communities in Ukraine, so that we learn acceptance and tolerance. So that everyone has the feeling of a big family, where there are no complexes, obstacles to free expression and development.
In addition, Ukraine of the future needs such a society in which everyone actively interacts with each other – communities, representatives of the government, business, youth, etc. Now a separate large social group has also formed – military personnel, veterans.
We must learn to hear each other well and be open to dialogue, because only in unity and interaction is our strength. I see great potential in providing opportunities for the exchange of thoughts, ideas between different groups, creating connections between them.
Young, passionate and valuable
Today’s youth are fair and uncompromising. I notice that today’s young people have less restrictions in their heads and dream more, compared to the older generations. Our youth do not focus on what people think of them, do not strive to live up to someone’s expectations, but are themselves. And it is very valuable.
Youth is now a powerful voice of Ukraine abroad. She organizes rallies under embassies, emotionally tells her friends about Ukrainian realities. Youth delegates of Ukraine to the UN convey to world leaders the importance of helping Ukraine. All this is important, and is, in fact, support for Ukrainian diplomacy!
It is incredibly sad that many young people were forced to leave their homes and go abroad because of the war. However, the example of Bohdan Gavrylyshyn, who was also in exile at one time and who can be a reference point for today’s youth, immediately comes to mind.
Having received his education at the Universities of Toronto and Geneva, becoming an outstanding world economist, Bohdan Dmytrovych returned to Ukraine with his knowledge and contacts. He made a lot of efforts to make Ukraine a free democratic country: he was an adviser to the highest officials of the state, created programs for the development of youth, founded a business school, and left a significant legacy in the form of his works and the Declaration of Human Responsibility. I believe that the life story of Bohdan Dmytrovych can become an inspiration, an example for Ukrainian youth both in Ukraine and abroad.
Responsible
Think back to the early days of a full scale invasion. Ukrainians immediately rallied and began to act. This confirmed: our people are not only brave, but also responsible. People made the most of their best qualities, talents, and social connections. We did it out of love for the country and for each other. Therefore, for me, “responsibility” is an action, even the smallest, performed with love.
I am sure that now we can not only draw the world’s attention to Ukraine, ask for support, but also share our experience, spreading the values formulated by Bohdan Gavrylyshyn in the Declaration of Human Responsibility, which we showed on the Maidan during the armed invasion of Russia and which we are demonstrating now with our struggle.
We are the first country in the world to celebrate Human Responsibility Day at the state level. October 19 is another reminder for us to rethink responsibility as a value. As what we do every day for a better personal, social, state life.
Ukraine of the future is us. And the country needs us – inspired, responsible, active, those who support each other and interact with each other. The enemy is destroying, and we are strengthening and creating a community of free Ukrainians. Let’s work for victory!
Marianna Yeleyko, head of the Bohdan Havrylyshyn Family Foundation, specially for UP. Life
Publications in the “View” section are not editorial articles and reflect exclusively the author’s point of view.
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