Strengthening Public Diplomacy: Vice President of the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association Participates in the 20th Anniversary of the Dnipro Kids Foundation in Scotland
Twenty years ago, a group of Hibernian FC supporters travelled to Ukraine to attend a match against FC Dnipro. What began as a simple football trip evolved into a long-term mission of compassion and solidarity with the people of Dnipro and Ukraine.
Over the past two decades, under the leadership of Stevie Carr and Daniel Smith, the Dnipro Kids initiative has saved and transformed the lives of hundreds of children. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Foundation has continued to help displaced Ukrainians, providing shelter, safety, and hope.
Last Friday, the Dnipro Kids Foundation marked its 20th anniversary. Among the greetings was a message from Mykola Lukashuk, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, on behalf of the regional community — a gesture that underscores the importance of people’s diplomacy and interregional friendship between Ukraine and Scotland.
The event was attended by Andrii Madzianovskyi, Consul of Ukraine in Edinburgh; members of the Scottish Parliament; leaders of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB); and representatives of the Scottish-Ukrainian community.
Vice President of the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association, Oleksandr Chernykh, joined the event as a member of the Cross-Party Group on Ukraine in the Scottish Parliament, alongside Stevie Carr, Daniel Smith, and Anna Kulish.
This cooperation demonstrates the growing role of Ukrainian professional associations in promoting transparent advocacy, strengthening international dialogue, and developing public diplomacy.
During the celebration, Stevie Carr received a special award from the Ukrainian Football Association, presented by the Consul of Ukraine.
On this occasion, Oleksandr Chernykh proudly wore the official Ukrainian tartan — a registered design since 2022, symbolising the enduring friendship and solidarity between Ukraine and Scotland.
