First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in the Honorary Ambassador – 2025 award ceremony. The event, held on the occasion of Ukraine's Diplomatic Service Day, was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

“I am grateful for the cooperation in our joint cultural diplomacy projects. In a fight for survival, every Ukrainian word, book, film, or performance, every piece of knowledge about Ukraine conveyed beyond its borders also contributes to our defense, because it dismantles lies, fakes, misunderstandings, and ignorance around us,” the President’s wife said.

Olena Zelenska also highlighted the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic corps in developing the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, which brings together 60 participants from 23 countries.

During the event, Honorary Ambassador awards were presented to Ukrainian and foreign citizens who, during Russia’s full-scale aggression, have made a significant contribution to promoting a positive image of Ukraine and strengthening international support for the country.

The Expert Diplomacy award was presented to the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, established in 2020 on the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine.

“I would like to thank my colleagues – the first ladies and gentlemen of the world – for their consistency, determination, and willingness to act for the protection and well-being of people, for their effective support of Ukraine and justice. I also want to thank the Summit team, which does not merely organize our events and projects but truly lives each of them. This is probably what real ambassadorship is – when you live what you do. We dedicate both this award and our work to Ukraine and its people,” the President’s wife noted.

In addition, Honorary Ambassador awards were presented to: Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra – Cultural Diplomacy; Oleksandr Usyk – Sports Diplomacy; Felicity Spector – Culinary Diplomacy; MHP – Economic Diplomacy; the team of the Faculty of Law of National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy – Academic and Educational Diplomacy; Caolan Robertson – Digital Diplomacy; and Vyshyvanka Day – Cultural Heritage.

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