The University of Asia and the Pacific’s School of Politics and Governance, in partnership with UA&P POLIS and the Embassy of Ukraine, hosted the Ukrainian Cultural Exhibit Campus Roadshow 2026 at Hanns Seidel Hall and Dizon Auditorium from October 20 to 27. The event featured a series of interactive and educational activities that shed light on the unique identity of Ukraine and its ongoing struggle for peace.
On October 20, Her Excellency Ambassador Yuliia Fediv opened the roadshow with a forum titled “Ukraine’s Fight for Identity, Peace, and Global Democracy”. She discussed how Ukraine’s history and traditions have shaped a national identity that they aim to preserve.
Throughout the week, Hanns Seidel Hall was converted into a showcase of Ukrainian artifacts and history with the theme, “In my Beloved Ukraine: A Journey Through Culture and Identity”. The exhibit featured photographs and stories of how the Ukrainian spirit has continually prevailed among its people from the nation’s founding to the present day.
On October 23, a screening of the film Culture vs War detailed the stories of how Ukrainian artists and key figures navigate a time of war and struggle.
The culture week concluded on October 26 with a forum featuring Ms. Oksana Pokalchuk of Truth Hounds, an organization that documents human rights violations and war crimes. She detailed the challenges that Ukraine faces in finding justice and reparation through international organizations, and later highlighted the importance of academia in finding new solutions: “We need your new points of view, new vision, new ideas [...] Study well and be brave enough to bring your bright ideas to the international level”.
Mr. Oleksandr Lysak, First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine to the Philippines, delivered the closing remarks and thanked the audience for embracing Ukraine’s culture and story. “Our country has a living culture with human creativity and hopes for the future. These are among the things Ukraine [is] defending alongside our independence and our right to decide how we live”. He then expressed his hope that all of the activities have sparked ideas and conversations that can make next year’s celebration of culture week even stronger.
The roadshow and its events gave UA&P students the opportunity to learn about Ukraine’s community and culture, one that continues fighting for peace and justice on a global stage.
