Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska announced ambitious cultural initiatives for the year 2024, marking significant strides in promoting the Ukrainian language and culture internationally. One of the standout achievements is the launch of 18 new Ukrainian-language audio guides at prominent cultural memorials across the globe.
According to the President of Ukraine's official website, the audio guides have found homes at various prestigious locations, including the Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands and the Memorial Museum of World Peace in Hiroshima, Japan. Other notable installations include guides at the Latvian Occupation Museum, Nobel Prize Museum in Sweden, and the Hofburg Palace in Austria.
The initiative extends beyond Europe, with audio guides now available at cultural sites such as the Akseli Gallen-Kallela Museum in Finland, the Kalemegdan Fortress museum in Serbia, and even the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the UAE. Other locations include the Anastasios Leventis Gallery in Cyprus, places of tolerance and social inclusion in Lima, Peru, and various attractions in Mexico City and Buenos Aires.
By the end of this year, Zelenska reported, the project has successfully launched 95 audio guides across 51 countries, providing Ukrainian language accessibility at renowned institutions.
Alongside the audio guides, Zelenska highlighted another emblematic project named “Ukrainian Book Shelves.” Over the last two months, hundreds of Ukrainian publications have been distributed to libraries across eight countries, including the Winnipeg Public Library and Mississauga Central Library in Canada, American University Library in Cyprus, and libraries across Kazakhstan, Brunei, Hungary, and Azerbaijan.
This initiative aims to create spaces for Ukrainian literature and culture within public libraries, counting around 220 operational shelves featuring over 55,000 books globally. Zelenska emphasized the importance of these projects as pathways to navigated cultural bridging and mutual respect between Ukraine and the rest of the world.
“Thank you to all embassies, consulates, diplomats, and activists who are making this happen,” stated Zelenska. “This way, the Ukrainian language and culture pave bridges of mutual respect between our country and the world.”
Through strategic partnerships and the commitment to cultural preservation, Ukraine is steering its narrative on the world stage amid challenges. These initiatives not only reflect resilience but also signal Ukraine's readiness to contribute to the global cultural dialogue.
The launch of the audio guides and book distribution stands as evidence of the collaborative efforts of diplomats and cultural custodians to penetrate cultural walls and assert Ukraine's presence positively.
Looking at the global spread, the project has successfully reached international audiences, paving ways for unified communication and shared experiences—an important step toward healing and cooperation.
Overall, the year 2024 marks significant accomplishments for Ukraine’s First Lady, highlighting her impactful initiatives centered on cultural representation. Zelenska’s efforts resonate as Ukraine faces its complex geopolitical reality, redefining its global standing through cultural lenses and fostering optimism for future engagements.
