Junior Diplomatic Academy Students Join the Opening of the Renewed Belgian Alley in Celebration of Kyiv Day

Students of the Junior Diplomatic Academy took part in the official opening of the newly renovated Belgian Alley, located in the heart of Kyiv beside the iconic St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery. The ceremony opened with a moving performance of the European Anthem on the monastery’s bells, followed by a minute of silence honoring Ukraine’s fallen defenders and all victims of the war.

More than just an urban renewal project, Belgian Alley became a symbol of shared history, diplomatic cooperation, and the enduring partnership between Belgium and Ukraine.

Belgium’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Luc Jacobs, congratulated Kyiv residents on City Day and highlighted the deep historical connections between Belgium and the Ukrainian capital. He reminded attendees that Belgian engineers played a key role in restoring Kyiv’s funicular more than a century ago, while St. Michael’s Monastery later provided support to Belgian servicemen following the First World War. These shared historical ties, he noted, make the location especially meaningful for both nations.

The Ambassador also reflected on the history of Belgian Alley, which was named eight years ago and has now undergone a significant renovation. He expressed gratitude to the Kyiv City State Administration and Kyivzelenbud for their partnership in bringing the project to life and voiced his hope that the renewed alley will continue to serve as a gathering place and a lasting symbol of friendship between Ukraine and Belgium.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko also addressed the audience, using the occasion to congratulate residents and visitors on Kyiv Day. He highlighted the symbolic significance of the location, noting that both Kyiv and Brussels share Archangel Michael as their patron, while the long-standing partnership between the two capitals has been strengthened through years of cooperation, solidarity, and practical support.

A central focus of his remarks was a newly unveiled art installation on the alley. The sculpture brings together architectural motifs inspired by Brussels with the powerful image of bullet-scarred hands in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Designed as a symbol of Ukraine’s role in defending European values, the artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices Ukrainians continue to make in their fight for freedom.

Bishop Agapit, Abbot of St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, also addressed the audience with words of encouragement and support. He stressed that even amid the challenges of war, Ukrainians continue to live, rebuild their city, and work toward a better future. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Belgium for their unwavering support of Ukraine and shared his hope that the renewed alley would become a place where people can meet, exchange ideas, and strengthen mutual understanding.

The ceremony concluded with the official unveiling of the new sculpture by Luc Jacobs and Vitali Klitschko. The symbolic act underscored an important message: lasting international partnerships are built not only through treaties and diplomatic dialogue, but also through shared values, collective memory, and a common vision of the future.

“For students of the Junior Diplomatic Academy, the event offered a valuable opportunity to witness public diplomacy in action—where history, culture, urban development, and international cooperation come together to foster meaningful dialogue between nations”, – said Rita Kosiak, Head of the Project Office at the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth.