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.