Between late February and 3 March 2026, the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) was proud to be represented across both the Warsaw and Lviv program of the Australia–New Zealand–Ukraine Cooperation Forum – strengthening practical cooperation between our nations at a time when partnership, delivery, and long-term commitment matter more than ever.
AFUO Director Chrestyna Kmetj attended the Forum representing the AFUO and the Australia–Ukraine Chamber of Commerce (AUCC) in her capacity as Vice-President of the AUCC and Representative of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) in Australia. She was joined by Teresa Lachowicz, Ukraine Crisis Appeal Humanitarian Aid Coordinator, alongside Australian delegates and partners committed to supporting Ukraine across humanitarian, business, community, and recovery efforts.
The AFUO acknowledges the strong involvement of His Excellency Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko and the Embassy of Ukraine in Australia, whose engagement continues to strengthen collaboration and coordination across our communities and institutions.
Across the two cities, the Australian-Ukrainian delegation were honoured to be joined by key diplomatic representatives and partners:
- Lviv: Mark Wright, New Zealand Honorary Consul
- Warsaw: Paul Ballantyne, New Zealand Ambassador, and Markiyan Wojewidka, Second Secretary (Economic & Political), Australian Embassy to Poland, the Czech Republic and Lithuania
From Warsaw to Lviv, the Forum program highlighted:
- building stronger pathways for cooperation across business, investment, and reconstruction
- advancing collaboration in priority sectors shaped by Ukraine’s wartime needs and innovation – defence, emergency services, energy infrastructure, medical advancements, agriculture and mining
- reinforcing the role of diaspora and institutions in turning goodwill into real-world outcomes for Ukrainians on the ground and in communities abroad
In Lviv, Ms Kmetj also spoke as CEO of Plast Australia, highlighting the importance of global Ukrainian youth organisations – including Plast and CYM – and the vital role they play across the diaspora and in Ukraine: developing values-driven leadership, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring that Ukrainian identity and civic responsibility continue to grow across generations.
A key message across both events was clear: effective partnerships require both policy and advocacy progress, and the practical relationships that enable action—across government, business, and civil society.
During the visit, participation took place in a live television interview on Suspilne Television, highlighting the work of the AFUO, Ukraine Crisis Appeal, diaspora advocacy and community engagement in Australia, and youth organisations, including Plast and CYM.
The AFUO extends its sincere thanks to the organisers, hosts, speakers and partners, and to all delegates who contributed their expertise, commitment and time to these important discussions.
We look forward to the reciprocal AUCC Australia – Ukraine Business Forum Melbourne in Melbourne at the Victorian Parliament on Wednesday 13 May, delivered in partnership with AFUO, AUCC, the Ukrainian Embassy to Australia, and Mahi for Ukraine—continuing the momentum from Warsaw and Lviv and expanding Australia’s practical contribution to Ukraine’s recovery and resilience.For more information: ANZ Ukraine Cooperation Forum | Build Partnerships Now – Join the Forum — Mahi For Ukraine
