Canary Islands and Ukrainian Civil Society Groups Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement

Civil society groups in the Canary Islands and Ukraine have strengthened their partnership this week by signing a new strategic agreement to share resources and support one another. The pact was finalized during the International Congress on Municipal Cooperation and Peace Tourism in La Laguna, attended by the Deputy of the Common, Lola Padrón, and representatives from the Canary Islands’ Businesswomen and Professionals Association (BPW Canarias).

The agreement creates a two-way partnership with the Union of Women of the Chernihiv region, led by Tetiana Roieva. Originally founded in the 1990s as a business network, the organization shifted its focus to social aid and human rights following the start of the war in February 2022.

This alliance is particularly significant given Chernihiv’s history during the invasion. The city endured a 40-day siege, leaving residents without water, electricity, or phone services. With many men away at the front lines, women have taken on the vital role of sustaining the local economy and rebuilding the city.

Beyond providing emergency aid, the Union of Women of Chernihiv runs entrepreneurship programs for displaced people. They have helped refugees from areas like Bakhmut start small businesses to support themselves despite the ongoing conflict. Roieva notes that these networks are essential to keeping cities livable, even while facing harsh winters and damaged energy infrastructure.

For the Canary Islands, which have been active in hosting Ukrainian refugees, this collaboration is a major step forward. By sharing management models and experiences, the businesswomen from both regions hope to move beyond immediate humanitarian relief and build a lasting partnership that strengthens the social and cultural ties formed during the crisis.