Ukrainian civil society received a Democracy Courage Tribute award from the World Movement for Democracy in South Africa
Lviv Media Forum, PEN Ukraine, and Rubryka received a Democracy Courage Tribute award from the World Movement for Democracy in South Africa.
The award recognized Ukrainian civil society “for its courageous efforts during the war”.
From November 20 to 22, the 12th Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy took place in Johannesburg, South Africa. On the final day of the forum, three Ukrainian organizations — Lviv Media Forum, PEN Ukraine, and Rubryka—were honored with the Democracy Courage Tribute award.
The award celebrates “the courageous work of Ukrainian civil society during the war, including advancing democratic reforms, providing humanitarian aid, documenting Russia's war crimes against Ukraine, and keeping Ukrainian society informed and engaged”.
Representing Ukraine to receive the award were Ola Myrovych, Head of Lviv Media Forum; Tetyana Teren, Executive Director of PEN Ukraine; and Anastasiia Rudenko, Editor-in-Chief of Rubryka.
“The people of Ukraine have come together, to resist Russian aggression, reject autocracy, and stand up for democratic principles and values to determine their own destiny. Ukrainian civil society — which has driven much of Ukraine’s democratic development since independence — has shown remarkable resilience and dedication, finding new value and meaning in its mission during wartime. Civic initiatives, independent media, business associations, trade unions, and political actors have pivoted and even scaled up their work throughout the country,” said the organizers of this year’s Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy,” noted the organizers of this year’s assembly.
During the award ceremony, Ola Myrovych delivered a speech:
“I want to start with words of gratitude to all of you present here who made this recognition possible. You represent all the people of good will who support Ukrainian society's struggle for freedom and dignity.
Today, over 1,000 days into Russia’s full-scale invasion and nearly 4,000 days of resisting aggression in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea, we remain strong because ordinary people can do extraordinary things when united.
The words "freedom" and "peace" hold different meanings for those who have fought and sacrificed for them compared to those who have inherited them. This helps explain the gaps in historical memory of those who urge Ukrainians towards peace at any cost. The common truth is that peace is only possible as a triumph over evil, not a series of compromises with it. Otherwise, we would not live in peace but rest in it.
We accept this tribute on behalf of Ukraine’s civil society — those who defend rights, volunteer, fight, and those we have lost. Your solidarity reminds us we are not alone. Together, we will prove that democracy and dignity are worth every effort.”
Ukrainian civil society was honored alongside other movements worldwide, including the pro-democracy movement in Venezuela, Palestinian civil society, and the LGBTIQ+ movement in Uganda.
This year, more than 500 civil society leaders, political actors, and business representatives from over 100 countries participated in the assembly to discuss challenges to democracy, share strategies, and exchange experiences in advocating for it.
The World Movement for Democracy is an international network uniting individuals and organizations worldwide whose daily work focuses on advocating for democratic values and building and strengthening democratic institutions in their countries. The forum was launched in February 1999 by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and Indian civil society organizations, bringing together activists and scholars from over 80 countries in New Delhi to discuss ways to strengthen democracy globally.