The project was launched as a space for sharing experience in communicating within hostile environments, bringing together professionals from different fields — culture, ecology, human rights, and media communications. It is conceived as a platform for conversations about how to speak about Ukraine in a complex international context and how to build alliances where sympathy is not automatic.

The first event of the project was the discussion “Cultural Diplomacy: How to Explain Yourself and Gain Friends for Ukraine,” in which Marianna Dushar took part alongside literary scholar Yurko Prokhasko and poet and translator Ostap Slyvynsky. The discussion was moderated by cultural manager and specialist in Francophone studies Bohdan Tykholos.

Participants discussed how Ukrainian messages are created, shaped, and repeated through various cultural tools — art, literature, journalism, and cuisine. Particular attention was paid to questions of tone and modes of communication: how to speak in ways that not only make one heard, but also help find allies.

“Cuisine is a very welcoming way to gain friends. At Ukrainian culinary workshops in New York, people come just to taste something, and leave with stories, context, and a new understanding of Ukraine. Food allows you to start a conversation without overwhelming people with facts — and only then move on to more complex topics,” noted Marianna Dushar.

For the Ukrainian Gastronomic Sisterhood, this conversation became yet another confirmation that culinary diplomacy is an effective communication tool. This is why the organization plans to further develop this direction of its work