A charity auction held during the Junior Diplomatic Academy Assembly brought together remembrance, diplomacy, and support for Ukraine’s defenders

The Assembly of the Junior Diplomatic Academy opened with a minute of silence, as guests paid tribute to the fallen heroes. This moment of gratitude and remembrance set the tone for the evening—one marked by sincerity, reflection, and a strong sense of unity.

The event also featured a charity auction attended by diplomats, educators, and parents of Junior Diplomatic Academy participants.

More than a fundraising initiative, the auction became a meaningful way to bring together remembrance, culture, diplomacy, and support for those defending Ukraine. Thanks to the generosity of those present, 45,000 UAH was raised and will be directed to Ukraine’s defenders through the STYLIAN-K Charitable Foundation.

The opening lots set a meaningful and reflective tone for the auction. A commemorative coin featuring Winston Churchill, presented in its original souvenir envelope, highlighted the importance of political leadership in times of great uncertainty. More than a collector’s piece, it symbolized resilience and the decisions that can alter the course of history. Another notable lot was the United Kingdom’s “Dove of Peace” coin, issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Its story served as a reminder that peace is not a destination but an ongoing process—one that requires dialogue, dedication, and respect for human life.

The remaining lots carried equally powerful symbolism. A coin dedicated to Anna Yaroslavna reflected the long-standing traditions of Ukrainian diplomacy and the country’s historic connections with Europe. The commemorative “Old Lviv” coin evoked the unique atmosphere of a city where past and present exist side by side. Meanwhile, a Kyiv-themed coin featuring Archangel Michael, the capital’s historic patron saint, stood as a powerful symbol of the city’s strength, endurance, and unwavering spirit.

Several auction lots reflected the realities of war and the milestones of modern Ukrainian history. The “Fortress Bakhmut” commemorative coin paid tribute to the city’s heroic defense and the courage of Ukraine’s armed forces. Another coin, titled “Diplomacy,” honored the work of Ukrainian diplomats who continue to advocate for and defend the nation’s interests around the world. A commemorative piece marking the 50th anniversary of Ukraine’s membership in UNESCO highlighted the enduring importance of cultural diplomacy and Ukraine’s contribution to international institutions even before independence.

One of the most notable items was Danylo Lubkivskyi’s book The Labours of Heracles: A Strategy for Victory in International Relations. For students of the Junior Diplomatic Academy, it carried a particularly relevant message: diplomacy extends far beyond protocol and negotiations—it is rooted in the principles and values that sustain the international community.

The most poignant moment of the auction came with a lot containing a crystal fragment from the chandelier of the Mariupol Drama Theatre. Before the full-scale invasion, the theatre stood as one of Mariupol’s cultural landmarks—a place where art, creativity, and community came together. Following the devastating airstrike, the building was almost entirely destroyed, along with its iconic crystal chandelier. Today, a small piece of that crystal remains as a powerful reminder of the tragedy, the people who were affected, and the city itself. As the story of the artifact was shared, the room fell into a silence that spoke louder than words.

By the end of the evening, one message had become unmistakably clear: this auction was about remembrance, responsibility, and a new generation of young people learning that active citizenship begins with the choice not to stand aside.