On the third anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Nova SBE will host a global initiative highlighting the fight for Ukrainian Civilian Rights. On February 24 at 2:00 PM, the Carcavelos campus will welcome the debate Unseen Civilians – A Global Call for Justice, an initiative by the Embassy of Ukraine in Portugal aimed at raising awareness of the critical issue of Ukrainian civilians taken hostage by Russia and mobilizing society towards urgent international actions in defense of human rights.

The event, lasting approximately 90 minutes, will bring together a panel of experts, activists, and representatives from international institutions to address the violence endured by Ukrainian civilians at the hands of Russian authorities. The discussion will feature key figures involved in the conflict, including Ukrainian human rights activists and former civilian hostage Olena Yahupova, recently released from Russian captivity.

The opening session, conducted by Nova SBE Dean Pedro Oliveira, will include the participation of Maryna Mykhailenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Portugal, and Carlos Carreiras, Mayor of the Municipality of Cascais.

The debate will explore crucial topics, such as the lack of legal mechanisms to ensure the release of Ukrainian civilians and the need for stronger international pressure on Russia. Moderated by journalist and political analyst Nuno Rogeiro, the panel will include, alongside former civilian hostage Olena Yahupova, Lieutenant Colonel Inna Zavorotko, Deputy Chief of the International Law Section of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, activist Anastasiia Holovnenko, and Marta Wytrykowska, representative of the European Union. The event will conclude with an open Q&A session, encouraging dialogue and reflection.

“This event reflects our commitment to promoting initiatives that address global and urgent causes. Nova SBE aims to be a hub for ideas, fostering critical thinking and constructive debate, contributing to the creation of a more just and sustainable future,” states Pedro Oliveira, Dean of Nova SBE, regarding the event, which coincides with the inauguration of an exhibition on Ukraine that will be on display on campus until February 28.

The exhibition, structured around two themes—‘Healing’ and ‘Art for Freedom: Unseen Civilians’—features 16 pieces of photography and painting.

• ‘Healing’: This exhibit highlights the emotional scars of war on Ukrainian children and their path to recovery. Designed to amplify their silent pain and resilience, it showcases artistic therapy works from children at the Litokryl therapeutic camp. Through drawings, collages, portraits, personal stories, and short biographies, these artworks offer a raw glimpse into their struggles, memories, and hopes.

• ‘Art for Freedom: Unseen Civilians’: This exhibition brings together works by Ukrainian, Portuguese, and French visual artists, giving voice to the impactful stories of Ukrainian civilian prisoners. Through paintings and photographs, artists aim to raise international awareness and apply pressure on Russian authorities to release the prisoners and uphold their human rights.

The February 24 event, ‘Unseen Civilians – A Global Call for Justice,’ will be conducted entirely in English. Attendance is free but requires prior registration.