The World Affairs Council of NH recently had the honor of hosting four Members of Parliament from Ukraine as part of our professional exchange program, organized in collaboration with the Congressional Office for International Leadership. These leaders brought with them a powerful message of resilience, hope, and determination that resonated deeply with our New Hampshire community.
During their visit, we organized two roundtable discussions with New Hampshire legislators. The first was with leadership from the House of Representatives, and the second brought together state senators. These sessions provided an invaluable opportunity for the Ukrainian MPs to gain insights into how our state government operates while also allowing them to share their urgent priorities. They discussed the critical need to win the war, maintain American and NATO support, demonstrate Ukraine’s transparent budgeting process and anti-corruption efforts, keep the war and Ukraine’s national security at the forefront of international priorities, engage with assistance providers, and plan for the nation’s recovery and rebuilding after the conflict.
To help the Ukrainian delegation understand the strong support the New Hampshire community has for Ukraine, we arranged a roundtable with local nonprofits actively sending aid to their country. Representatives from organizations like Common Man for Ukraine, Dobro New England Inc., NH4Ukraine, Alpine Dignity, and The Loving Lifeline gathered to discuss their efforts and explore new ways to collaborate. This meeting not only highlighted the depth of support in New Hampshire but also provided an opportunity to share strategies for enhancing the delivery of aid back to Ukraine. The exchange of ideas during this discussion was invaluable, fostering new partnerships and strengthening existing ones.
One of the most memorable moments of the visit was when our guests spoke at RiverWoods in Exeter. Engaging with over 50 community members, they shared firsthand accounts of their experiences and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. The impact was profound, as many in the audience were moved to tears, highlighting the importance of human connection and the role our community plays in supporting those affected by global events.
After their final meeting on Friday, the delegation finally got a chance to catch their breath and experience some of New Hampshire's beautiful hospitality by visiting Hampton Beach. They soaked up the great weather and dipped their toes in the Atlantic Ocean—some for the first time in years. This simple, yet meaningful experience allowed for reflection and connection to the natural beauty of New Hampshire.
Their trip concluded with a welcoming reception attended by nearly 70 community members, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen's Deputy State Director, who read a letter from the Senator to the delegation, and former U.S. Senator Gordon Humphrey. This event provided a rare opportunity for New Hampshire residents to meet these international leaders one-on-one. The conversations were heartfelt, and the connections made will undoubtedly endure.
A unique aspect of our exchange program is the home-stay experience. This year, four host families, three of whom were first-time hosts, formed deep bonds with their guests. One host was moved to tears as she said goodbye, expressing, "She is the daughter I never had." Such moments underscore the power of these exchanges in fostering understanding and friendship across borders.
Reflecting on this exchange, it’s clear that the impact goes beyond the events themselves. Our Ukrainian guests were interviewed by local media, further spreading their message of resilience and the importance of global support for Ukraine. This visit reminded us why we are committed to this work—bringing people together, bridging cultural divides, and creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and connection.
By: Anise Jasman-Sayers, International Visitor Program Director
