9 Mar 2023
The inaugural Australia–New Zealand–Ukraine Cooperation Forum (ANZ Ukraine Forum) has concluded in Lviv following several days of intensive discussions, partnership building, and practical cooperation between Ukraine and partners from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the wider international community.
The Forum brought together government representatives, security practitioners,
business leaders, technologists, humanitarian organisations, and industry bodies to
explore opportunities for collaboration in a country defending itself while
simultaneously rebuilding its future.
The week began in Poland with pre-Forum discussions among delegates and partners before participants travelled to Lviv for the official welcome reception and two full days of Forum sessions.
The programme opened with a keynote address from a New Zealand journalist Thomas Mutch, who reflected on the reality of russia’s crimes in Ukraine and the resilience of Ukrainian society in confronting them.
Day One of the Forum focused on security, systems, and state capacity — the
foundations on which long-term cooperation must be built. Sessions explored Ukraine’s security environment, cyber and hybrid threats, international police cooperation,emergency response during sustained aggression, and the rapid evolution of defence ecosystems and battlefield innovation.
Practitioners, commanders, policy architects, and technologists shared real
operational experience, offering insights into how Ukraine is adapting institutions and technologies under wartime conditions.
Day Two shifted focus from systems to application and partnership opportunities.
Discussions covered investment frameworks, IP and legal considerations,
reconstruction planning, regional development, medical cooperation, industry
integration, and pathways for Australian and New Zealand organisations to engage with Ukraine’s recovery and long-term development.
Across both days, a clear message emerged: Ukraine is not waiting passively for
recovery. Even in wartime conditions, it is actively designing new systems, building
international partnerships, and positioning itself as a strategic partner in
reconstruction, security, and economic development.
Kate Turska, founder of the Forum and organiser of the initiative through Mahi for
Ukraine, said the event was designed to create a practical platform for meaningful
cooperation.
“The goal of this Forum was to create a space where ideas, expertise, and partnerships could move beyond conversation and towards real cooperation. Ukraine today is not just a country defending itself — it is also a country building the foundations for its future, and there is enormous potential for international partners to learn from and contribute to that.”
The Forum also highlighted the resilience and innovation of Ukrainian business.
Representatives from Fozzy Group, one of Ukraine’s largest retail companies and a
Forum partner, demonstrated how Ukrainian enterprises continue to adapt, grow, and support their communities despite the realities of wartime.
The closing sessions also featured Lauren Guillaume of the R.T. Weatherman
Foundation, whose work helps identify and repatriate fallen soldiers — including
international defenders from Australia and New Zealand who fought in Ukraine —
bringing a powerful human perspective to discussions on security and cooperation.
The Forum concluded with a charity auction supporting Ukrainian defenders, followed by a performance from the Cultural Forces of Ukraine.
In total, the Forum brought together a diverse delegation from Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, and several European countries, alongside representatives of international organisations operating in Ukraine. Participants included government institutions, emergency services, defence and technology sectors, humanitarian organisations, and private industry.
Turska said the connections formed during the event demonstrate strong potential for future cooperation. “This Forum was about practical cooperation. Judging from the conversations and connections that were formed over these days, we have taken an important first step. The real work begins now — continuing these partnerships and turning them into tangible collaboration between Australia, New Zealand, and Ukraine.”
Organisers say the ANZ Ukraine Forum is intended to become an ongoing platform for dialogue, partnership, and practical collaboration between Ukraine and its partners in the Indo-Pacific region. For more information contact: kate@ukraine.nz | Photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L3AmLUv7Mj4UPC8z0v8WFzbcjiwYU3WJ?usp= sharing