On the 250th day of the war, on 31 October 2022, Counsellor of the Embassy of Ukraine in Denmark Yurii Romanchuk took part in the annual Leaders Conference on the topic “Freedom – interaction, cooperation and counteraction” organized by the Danish Association of Lawyers and Economists (“Djøf”) as part of the so-called Leadership Week.
The conference focused on the role of freedom in the governance structure of the public sector and attempts to free it from unnecessary bureaucracy and control. In addition, the role of freedom in the political agenda was discussed, in particular in the context of its restriction when interacting with politicians, civil servants and the media. The issues of self-management in public organizations, municipalities and state institutions were also on the agenda, as well as the nuances of the personal freedom of a public leader which allow avoiding political pressure and organizational problems, and developing leadership qualities.
The speech of the representative of the Ukrainian Embassy on the topic “Protection of Freedom”, which laid the foundation for further discussions, reminded the audience of how much blood and suffering Ukrainians encounter today to defend not only their freedom and independence, but also the future fate of Europe, global security and the democratic system.
“Millions of Ukrainians stood up to defend their Motherland, because we understand very well the price of freedom. We continue to fight hard against the enemy, because we know that for us it is a matter of life and death. Ukraine must win, because if it loses, then there will be no Ukraine, and there will be no such nation as Ukrainians,” said Yurii Romanchuk.
According to him, not only the front line with the aggressor runs in Ukraine, but also the front line between freedom and oppression, between democratic order and authoritarian coercion. He thanked Denmark for standing with Ukraine in the common fight for freedom and self-determination, as Denmark has the ambition and commitment to protect democratic values, human rights and freedoms around the world.
The diplomat shared with those present his personal experience of working in war conditions and told what a cruel and bloody price the Ukrainian people pay for the right to enjoy freedom, which is the foundation of all values. “Lines from the National Anthem of Ukraine testify: “Soul and body shall we lay down for our freedom”. Repelling of aggression from the side of a superpower will require significant material and human resources. But we are sure of our victory. Because freedom always wins!” – emphasized Yurii Romanchuk.
The conference was attended by the following speakers as well: Chairman of the board of Offentlige chefer i Djøfs Hanne Fugl Eskjær, Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Health of Denmark Svend Særkjær, Director of the National Museum of Denmark Rane Willerslev, Professor of Roskilde University Jakob Torfing, Editor-in-chief of the “Berlingske” Mette Østergaard, CEO of the Danish Football Union Jakob Jensen, representatives of municipalities, etc.