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26 OUR LIFE • June 2024 ПІКЛУЄМОСЯ • CARE UNWLA Expands Humanitarian Aid Umbrella with DEMAC The past two years have expanded the boundaries of the UNWLA in ways previously not imagined. With the escalation of russia’a invasion, our organization became part of the DEMAC (Diaspora Emergency Action & Coordination) global initiative, which works for a deeper understanding of diasporas as humanitarian actors and strives for better coordination among diaspora organizations, local networks, and the institutional humanitarian system. UNWLA national Social Welfare chair Olga (Oka) Hrycak took the opportunity to meet with other aid leaders and organizations from around the world at the Humanitarian Networks and Part - nerships Weeks 2024 conference in Geneva, Switzerland, in early May. DEMAC funded the UNWLA’s attendance at the conference as part of their work to support diaspora organizations’ coordina - tion and capacity to respond to humanitarian needs in Ukraine, and in recognition of our organization’s contribution to the hu - manitarian response in Ukraine. The conference explored topics such as Accountability to Affected Populations, Anticipatory Action, Climate Crisis, Emergency Response in a Pandemic, Inclusion, Integrating Security Risk Management in Humanitarian Action, Localization, and Organizational Culture. In Oka’s words: “Our invitation to attend the conference came via Dina Volynets [DEMAC], with whom we have worked since March 2022. The week started with a two-hour presentation by Dina. She shared that humanitarian aid is guided by four principles: humanity, neutrality, identity, and integrity. After the presentation, we walked over to the Conference Center near the United Nations building in Geneva and had an opportunity to review information from 65 ex - hibitors from humanitarian aid agencies around the world. “Every day, many two-hour presentations were available from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Sudan, the U.S., Finland, Den- mark, Switzerland, Ukraine, and other countries. I attended and listened to panels. Several included Ukrainians from Ukraine on topics such as localization of aid and fund distribution, inclusion of disabled students, and empowerment of women. The topics covered by other presenters included emergency preparedness, guidelines for setup of a shelter or tent camp, simulations of ‘dis - aster’ games, and best rescue equipment. Networking was on everyone’s list! It was great to finally meet the DEMAC team in person, and the contact with representatives from Ukraine was invaluable. Everyone overflowed with excitement, inspiration for the future, and, together, meeting the challenges ahead, in Ukraine, and in this world of ours.” To become involved in the UNWLA’s national Social Welfare Committee, please write to socialwelfare@unwla.org. Oka Hrycak being interviewed at the conference. At the conference: Dina Volynets, DEMAC coordinator for Ukraine (front left), with UNWLA Social Welfare chair Oka Hrycak.
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