- September 17, 2024
- 10:39 pm
- Ukraine
The Fourth First Ladies and Gentlemen's Summit was held in Kyiv, focusing on the importance of “soft power”, unity and cooperation to overcome global challenges. Summit participants, both in person and via video link, shared their countries' experiences in protecting children and explained why this topic is important to them personally.
Particular attention was paid to how adults can more effectively create tools to help children in times of crisis and war. Embassy of Ukraine in Israel expressed gratitude to the First Lady of Israel, Michal Herzog, who addressed the summit participants via video message.
In her address, Michal Herzog stressed that the rejection of the rule of law does not only affect Ukraine or Israel, but threatens everyone, especially children. She also noted that the recent Hamas attacks and destruction of Israeli communities in October had a serious impact on many children. She said: “We agree that children should not be in a conflict zone – not in Israel, not in Ukraine, not in Gaza.”
The summit also discussed how war multiplies children’s problems. There are children in Ukraine who, having started studying online due to the danger of Russian shelling, have never seen their classmates. There are schoolchildren who have lost their parents or are facing post-traumatic stress. War forces children to grow up quickly, although they should be studying and learning about the world.
It is not only the children directly involved in the conflict who suffer. Wars bring evil to the entire world, regardless of borders. That is why the summit participants emphasized the importance of uniting to ensure the safety of children.
One of the key topics discussed at the summit was the protection of children during war. It was particularly noted that adults must take decisive action to create effective tools for assistance. During the event, eight-year-old Sasha and ten-year-old Roma, victims of Russian attacks, performed for the participants. Dancing helped them cope with their experiences and find inner support.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Israel expressed gratitude to the First Lady of Israel for her participation in the summit.
The fourth First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit took place on September 6, 2024, in Kyiv. This annual international forum was organized at the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska. The summit was attended by representatives of various countries, including First Ladies, Gentlemen, as well as international experts and figures.
The main theme of the 2024 summit was to discuss the protection of children in war and global crises. The summit emphasized the importance of soft power, cooperation and unity in overcoming the challenges facing the modern world.
