TWG conference to focus on Ukraine's future (10/14/01)

TWG conference to focus on Ukraine's future

by George Masiuk

WASHINGTON - The Washington Group's annual Leadership Conference, to be held October 19-21 at the Key Bridge Marriott, in Arlington, Va., will celebrate 10 years of Ukraine's independence by focusing on what the future may hold for Ukraine.

The conference theme, "Ukraine: Focus on the Future," includes a hopeful scenario: good relations with the United States, integration into the European Union and NATO, development of a civil society, and the revival of religious life after decades of persecution.

The conference will open on Friday, October 19, with a reception at the Embassy of Ukraine at 7 p.m. The conference program, which begins on Saturday, will feature a major address by Ukraine's former foreign affairs minister Borys Tarasyuk, widely known for promoting closer relations between Ukraine and the West.

The first panel on Saturday will consist of representatives from the departments of State, Defense and Commerce, and the FBI, who will address the U.S.-Ukrainian bilateral relationship from the perspective of their departments.

In the second panel, the ambassadors to the United States from Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine will address the prospects of Ukraine's integration into the European Union and NATO. The third panel, co-sponsored by the American Association for Ukrainian Studies, will look at women and Ukrainian society: their role in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups and governmental leadership positions.

During the Saturday evening banquet, Gen. Nicholas Krawciw (U.S. Army, retired) will receive an award for promoting closer security ties between the United States and Ukraine. The evening will conclude with a dance to the music of Montage.

On Sunday morning, October 21, there will be a meeting of the Federation of Ukrainian American Business and Professional Associations. It will be followed by a brunch and a performance by Marianna Wynnytsky and Braty Blooz. The conference will conclude with a presentation by the Rev. Dr. Borys Gudziak on "Heartening a Nation: How John Paul II honored Ukraine 's Past and Encouraged its Future."

For more information call Ihor Kotlarchuk, (703) 548-8534 or George Masiuk, (202) 863-7317 (daytime) or (703) 960-0043 (evening). Conference information may also be found at the TWG website at http://www.TheWashingtonGroup.org click on "Events" to get conference updates and a registration form).

| Home Page |