ICMPD welcomed Ukrainian diaspora organisations to the newly opened Ukrainian Community and Consultations Centre (UCCC) in Prague, the first fully operational Unity Hub in the European Union.
The gathering on 12-13 March 2026 reinforced the Centre’s role as a designated space for dialogue, cooperation, and community engagement among Ukrainian organisations active in the Czech Republic.
More than 25 Ukrainian community leaders and civil society representatives gathered to strengthen collaboration, exchange experiences, plan joint initiatives, and discuss the evolving role of the Ukrainian diaspora in supporting displaced persons; as well as contributing to Ukraine’s recovery. The event marked an important milestone for the UCCC in Prague, which has become a central hub for providing information, consultations, and support services to Ukrainians residing in the Czech Republic.
The event included opening remarks from Mr Václav Báča, MEDEVAC/Aid in Place Programme Coordinator from the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic; and Mr Andrii Korol, First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic, who highlighted the strong cooperation between the two governments, international partners, and Ukrainian diaspora organisations. Mr Korol welcomed the establishment of the UCCC in Prague, and emphasised that the Centre represents an important example of practical collaboration in supporting Ukrainians residing in the Czech Republic, while strengthening connections between Ukrainian institutions, diaspora organisations, and host country partners.
Empowering the Ukrainian diaspora
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, ICMPD has implemented initiatives that support capacity-building of Ukrainian diaspora organisations across Europe; specifically in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The Ukrainian diaspora played a key role in responding to the humanitarian crisis, quickly mobilising assistance to newly arrived migrants, providing first-response aid and later on, supporting the efforts for integration into the host communities.
Recognising the importance of diaspora engagement in responding to the displacement, as well as the recovery, reconstruction, and return and reintegration efforts, ICMPD continues to actively empower Ukrainian diaspora organisations through tailored capacity-building and networking events.
The transformation of the Ukrainian Consultation Centre (UCC) into the UCCC reflects this evolution. In addition to continuing its consultation services, the Centre also functions as a community space, bringing together diaspora organisations, Ukrainian communities and local partners. Through the UCCC, Ukrainian citizens receive guidance on temporary protection, legal residence, job opportunities, and consular procedures; as well as support in preparing documentation required to access services at the Ukrainian Consulate in the Czech Republic.
A platform for dialogue and cooperation
At the same time, the UCCC serves as a space for community engagement, cultural events, educational initiatives, networking meetings, and discussions that strengthen connections within the Ukrainian diaspora. These initiatives improve the capacities of diaspora organisations to operate effectively, build partnerships, and contribute both to the well-being of Ukrainian communities abroad and to the long-term recovery of Ukraine.
The event in Prague reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong connections between diaspora organisations and institutional partners. By bringing together civil society, government representatives and international organisations, the UCCC serves as a trusted space for dialogue, coordination and collaboration across sectors.
Finally, the role of diaspora communities has also evolved: from emergency response to long-term engagement in integration, development and reconstruction efforts. Through initiatives that support diaspora communities, ICMPD aims to support and provide space for cooperation, sharing knowledge, practical skills, and strengthening the networks that enable diaspora organisations to continue playing an important role in supporting Ukrainian citizens both in the Czech Republic and in Ukraine.
More information on the Ukrainian Consultation Centres in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic here. ICMPD, at a broader scale, also implements the European Union Global Diaspora Facility (EUDIF) through the organisation’s Brussels Office.
Ukrainian Diaspora Networking Workshop