CULTURAL DIPLOMACY OF THE UKRAINIAN WORLD CONGRESS AS A FACTOR OF PROMOTING OF UKRAINE IN THE WORLD (2014–22)

Abstract

The article draws attention to the role of Ukrainians worldwide in the promotion of Ukraine in the world. The author characterizes the historiography and source base of the scientific problem. The issue of cultural diplomacy of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is practically unexplored. Based on the analysis of various directions of work of the UWC, in particular its councils, examples of the work of Ukrainian organizations-members of the UWC network, the forms and ways of implementing cultural diplomacy as an international coordination superstructure of Ukrainians worldwide in 2014–22 are discussed. The events after the end of the Revolution of Dignity, the beginning of Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the full-scale Russian military invasion of Ukraine became turning points for the conduct of various activities of the UWC. The world community paid special attention to Ukraine, and culture began to be used more seriously as a tool for promoting Ukrainian interests in foreign countries. It was noted that the preservation of the Ukrainian national identity, the inclusion of the Ukrainian historical and cultural heritage in the world context, the popularization of the Ukrainian language are prominent areas of activity of the UWC, in which cultural diplomacy can be traced. Marking of commemorative dates of Ukrainian history and culture by the UWC, the implementation of large-scale projects, and the support of cultural initiatives are discussed. It was emphasised on the changes that affected the mechanisms of implementation of cultural diplomacy of the UWC: the transition of events to the virtual space during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization of actions with a wide representation of Ukrainian symbols after the full-scale Russian military invasion of Ukraine. Conclusions have been made about the main forms of cultural diplomacy in the activities of the UWC, which are shown both at the level of work of its councils and at the level of work of organizations-members.