Polish and Ukrainian journalists sign a Memorandum of Cooperation in Lviv

A landmark event for journalists of Ukraine and Poland took place in the Lviv regional organization of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU). On April 26, the representatives of the two countries signed a quadrilateral agreement on effective cooperation on the development of the latest journalistic projects in Ukraine and Poland, in particular in the border cities.

The event was attended by distinguished guests – Vice Consul of the Republic of Poland in Lviv Tomasz Kowal, head of the Rzeszów branch of the Polish Journalists Association Andrzej Klimczak, head of the Volyn regional organization of the NUJU Mykhailo Savchak, head of the Rivne regional organization of the NUJU Dmytro Tarasiuk, head of the Lviv regional organization of the NUJU Yaroslav Klymovych and coordinator of the West Ukrainian Journalists’ Solidarity Center (JSC) Nataliya Voitovych.

Among the main principles of the Memorandum are the deepening of cooperation in the humanitarian sphere and scientific cooperation on the training of journalists according to European standards, and establishing creative contacts between leading border media.

“It is nice to see how Ukrainian-Polish cooperation is deepening, especially in such important areas of our reality today. After two years of the full-scale war, it is very important to combat the disinformation spread by russia in both our countries. I am very pleased that this Memorandum was signed today. I sincerely hope that this will be not only a document but a real solid cooperation! Wish you success!” noted Tomasz Kowal.

During the event, prospects and ways of Ukrainian-Polish cooperation in journalism were also discussed. Over the years, Polish and Ukrainian journalism have mutually enriched each other. From today, the Memorandum will further contribute to this.

“We are glad that our countries are developing and supporting each other in such difficult times. When we were still thinking about this Memorandum, first of all, we understood that we wanted to show that journalists can unite. To unite to build a free world, a free Europe. I express my sincere gratitude to everyone who participated. The basis of the Memorandum on the training and development of our journalism students is very valuable. I sincerely want our future media workers to do internships in Poland. In this way, they will be able not only to gain new experience but also to explore the culture, values, and professional standards of journalists in Poland. It is very important!” emphasized Yaroslav Klymovych.

Andrzej Klimczak, the head of the Rzeszów branch of the Polish Journalists Association, noted that Polish and Ukrainian journalists must resist russian informational aggression. He admitted that he cooperates with Ukrainian media – with someone earlier with someone recently. But this cooperation already exists.

In addition, the parties discussed the exchange of experience and the principles of journalists’ cooperation.

“Cooperation between Ukrainian and Polish journalists did not start yesterday or today; its roots go back to ancient times. We have had close ties with Polish journalists for a long time. However, today’s event is very important for both countries. I really want us to further deepen Ukrainian-Polish cooperation. Polish journalists have a lot to see from us, how we work in the conditions of such a brutal war, and we have a lot to learn from them. I believe that the signing of this document will have good consequences,” said Dmytro Tarasiuk.

The signatories promised that cooperation will have practical results and contribute to the development of journalism in both countries.

Call the Western Ukrainian Lviv-Chernivtsi JSC at 097 907 9702 (Nataliya Voitovych, the Lviv JSC coordinator, and Volodymyr Bober – assistant). The Center’s address is 5 Solomiyi Krushelnytskoyi Street.

ABOUT JSC

The Journalists’ Solidarity Centers is an initiative of the NUJU implemented with the support of the International and European Federations of Journalists and UNESCO. The initiative is designated to help media representatives working in Ukraine during the war. The Centers operate in Kyiv, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro and provide journalists with organizational, technical, legal, psychological, and other types of assistance.

ABOUT UNESCO

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding. It is the coordinator of the UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which aims to create a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers, thus strengthening peace, democracy, and sustainable development worldwide. UNESCO is working closely with its partner organizations in Ukraine to provide support to journalists on the ground.

The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this digest do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area or its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

The authors are responsible for the choice and the presentation of the facts contained in this digest and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit to the organization.

Alina Shtempel