The scientific and expert conference “A Mosaic of Experiences: An International Dialogue on Resilience” was held in Kyiv, opening the program of the VI Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, “World 2026: Finding Stability in Times of Uncertainty.” First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė, and First Gentleman of Slovenia Aleš Musar took part in the event.
More than 200 Ukrainian and international experts, researchers, representatives of government institutions, international organizations, businesses, civil society, and the security sector gathered at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to discuss various mechanisms of societal resilience: a person’s inner strength, preparedness for crises, social capital, mutual trust, communities’ capacity for self-organization, institutional adaptability, and models of societal security.
“The Lavra is resilient to vandals. Over its thousand-year history, it has endured destruction by the Cumans and Mongol invasions, as well as fires. The Dormition Cathedral survived the invasions of Batu Khan and Mengli Giray. But the only time the cathedral was almost completely destroyed was in the 1941 explosion during the Nazi occupation of Kyiv. The Lavra survived all of this. And I am confident that it will survive today’s Russian terror as well. That is why it is so symbolic and important that we begin our gathering on this topic right here – in this resilient place, a place of resilience,” Olena Zelenska emphasized.
During the discussion “Ukrainian Resilience: Experience, Lessons, Solutions,” Ukrainian experts examined resilience through different dimensions of life in the country: experience from the front, philosophy, the connection between individuals and their communities, the healthcare system, demographic prospects, mental health, and how Ukraine’s individual and collective experience of war can contribute to the science of resilience – both in Ukraine and around the world.
Ukrainian researchers presented a definition of Sofiynist as the ability to perceive reality with both mind and heart: to discover invisible meanings in visible events, align decisions with values, and translate understanding into responsible action. The manifesto “Sofiynist. A Ukrainian Philosophy of Life” was also signed during the event.
“We in Ukraine, just like our Lavra, are going through a lot right now. And you know when it becomes a little easier? When you can share what you have been through and turn that experience into something useful for others. For example, our medical professionals are already actively sharing their experience in treating complex wounds with colleagues from other countries. In the same way, we want to share our resilience. But first, we need to articulate this experience, which for the most part has not yet been put into words. That is why today’s dialogue is so important,” the First Lady noted.
The meeting resulted in the launch of the International Expert Council on Resilience. Its task is to turn the international exchange of experience into systematic work: to study the mechanisms of resilience, systematize accumulated knowledge, develop interdisciplinary approaches, and create practical solutions for communities, institutions, and governments.
“No country today has all the answers to global challenges. But together, we can find them in order to support and strengthen our people,” the President’s wife emphasized.
The event was organized by the Coordination Center for Mental Health of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine as part of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program “How Are You?” – an initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska – in cooperation with the Institute for National Resilience and Security, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO).