Olena Zelenska reflects on soft power's evolution at First Ladies Summit

Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska reflected on the significant evolution of the First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit over its five-year history, highlighting its transformation from a traditional diplomatic accompaniment to a powerful platform for "soft power" and concrete humanitarian action.

Zelenska recounted how the summit, initially conceived to share experiences in a role with no formal training, has become a vital space for like-minded individuals to collaborate on critical global issues. She described how, even amidst Russia's ongoing invasion, the summit continued to operate, with international participants demonstrating solidarity and offering support.

She detailed specific achievements, such as the $6.4 million raised for ambulances at the second summit and the establishment of the International Medical Partnership, a framework for direct cooperation between healthcare institutions worldwide. These actions, she noted, proved that the "soft power" of First Ladies and Gentlemen is far from weak when united.

The summit has now become a year-round platform, not just an annual event. It conducts unique sociological research across dozens of countries to explore relevant topics like mental health, safety, and education. The Fifth Summit, dedicated to education, resulted in a global campaign emphasizing the need for educational institutions to foster not only knowledge but also humanity and empathy.

Zelenska expressed gratitude to her colleagues, noting the diverse professional backgrounds of the participants, which include teachers, psychologists, economists, and doctors, contributing to the summit's strength and effectiveness in supporting humanitarian priorities.