Strengthening Diaspora Connections: Viktoriia Palahniuk Represents Refugee Council of Lithuania in Oslo

From April 3–6, 2025, Viktoriia Palahniuk, Project Manager at the Refugee Council of Lithuania, participated in a high-impact study visit to Oslo, Norway, representing the organization as part of the initiative “Building a Network of Ukrainian NGOs in EU Countries.” The event was organized by Ukreate Hub (Lithuania) and the Norwegian-Ukrainian Advocacy Hub (Norway), bringing together over 25 participants from Ukraine, Lithuania, Germany, Estonia, and Norway.

The four-day program provided a platform for Ukrainian civil society leaders across Europe to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and develop collaborative advocacy strategies. The agenda focused on core themes such as diaspora integration, advocacy, community development, and fundraising.

Among the highlights was a hands-on advocacy training by Amnesty International Norway, where participants learned how to build effective advocacy campaigns. The delegation also held an online dialogue with Ilona Havronska, Deputy Minister for National Unity of Ukraine, discussing diaspora engagement and policy coordination.

Viktoriia also took part in the impactful panel “Without Borders: The Diaspora as a Strategic Resource”, which explored the vital role of Ukrainian communities abroad in shaping public narratives, supporting reconstruction, and strengthening democratic engagement in both host countries and Ukraine.

“The study visit was not only an opportunity for learning and exchange,” said Viktoriia, “but also a space to build solidarity and collective purpose across borders. As a representative of the Refugee Council of Lithuania, I was proud to bring our experience supporting refugee integration into this important conversation.”

📌 Key outcomes of the visit:

• Initiated a cross-border network of Ukrainian NGOs in the EU

• Developed recommendations for Ukrainian government institutions on diaspora cooperation

• Held strategic discussions on refugee integration, policy gaps, and diaspora advocacy

• Built strong interpersonal and interorganizational connections for future collaboration

The Oslo visit reaffirmed the importance of unity, visibility, and coordinated action in amplifying the voices of Ukrainian communities across Europe. The Refugee Council of Lithuania remains committed to this work — locally and internationally.