26 Mar Report // First Day of the 2nd Liberte, Egalite, Solidarite Ukrainian & Serbian CSO Forum in Uzhhorod
The first day of the second Liberté Egalité Solidarité CSO Forum in the Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod (the first meeting, let us remind you, was at the Palić Lake, Subotica, Serbia, in December 2024) took place in a notably friendly and warm, yet simultaneously constructive and work-oriented atmosphere.
After the introductory remarks by Vladimir Arsenijević from the KROKODIL Association and Andriy Lyubka, who addressed the attendees on behalf of the KROKODIL Association’s implementation partner, the Ukrainian Institute for Central European Strategies (ICES), representatives of non-governmental organizations from our two countries had the opportunity to get to know each other and initiate cross-conversations about the issues they share and ways to combine their strengths and experiences for joint action in the future. The general impression was that there is so much that attendees can exchange and learn from each other, and that it is truly a shame that deeper cooperation between the civil societies of our two countries has not occurred earlier.
As part of the talks and lectures, the newly appointed ambassador of Serbia to Ukraine, Andon Sapundži, was the first to introduce himself to the forum participants. In an open dialogue with Vladimir Arsenijević and Andriy Lyubka, who were the moderators, but also by answering questions from the participants, he sought to clarify the state and essence of the present Ukrainian-Serbian relations and what is being done to further improve them.
Following him, the distinguished Hungarian journalist Jozsef Makai, originally from Subotica, presented himself to the participants. In a ninety-minute lecture titled “Blurring the Lines: A Journey – How I Went From Being a Decent, Clueless Journalist to a Trump Orphan,” he spoke about his experiences as a journalist and activist in war-torn parts of Ukraine as well as about his experiences reporting from the current protests in Serbia.
The project “LIBERTE, EGALITE, SOLIDARITE” reflects the inherent need for cooperation between CSOs in Serbia and Ukraine, highlighted by research conducted in 2023. This emphasizes a practical bottom-up approach to strengthen civil sector capacity and share effective methodologies, raising awareness of the importance of active, timely, and coordinated action. The initiative will establish a platform for long-term cooperation, strengthening civil sectors in both nations and enhancing their collective ability to manage complex socio-political challenges while promoting shared values and mutual understanding.
Supported by the ERSTE Foundation.
