The Junior Diplomatic Academy visits Oleksii Potapenko’s “EARTH” exhibition at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine

Participants of the Junior Diplomatic Academy visited Oleksii Potapenko’s painting exhibition “EARTH,” held at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine to mark Earth Day. From the moment they entered, it was clear that this experience went beyond art—it invited a deeper reflection on the meaning of “Earth” itself.

The exhibition was accompanied by an engaging discussion led by curator Lesia Kocherhina, who described art as a powerful language through which a nation speaks to the world—subtly, yet with confidence. In this dialogue, the goal is not only to explain, but to reveal Ukraine as a country with depth, resilience, and a distinct voice. Cultural initiatives like this help shape a living perception of the country—not as an abstract idea, but as a space of memory, experience, and future.

As they explored the artworks, participants began to see deeper connections—to roots, traditions, and the sense of belonging to one’s homeland. A central idea became clear: Earth is more than just a resource—it is something to be cared for, especially now, as its restoration becomes part of a wider national journey.

The tour also introduced not only the meanings behind the paintings, but new cultural concepts expressed through words like “zazhynok,” “obzhynok,” “didukh,” and “toloka.” Though unfamiliar to some, these terms opened another layer of cultural understanding—one rooted in language, traditions, and customs that are gradually being rediscovered.

For many participants, this experience served as a powerful reminder that diplomacy extends far beyond formal negotiations. It also exists within culture—in how a nation presents itself through art, symbols, and collective memory. Moments like these help shape a deeper understanding of what it truly means to represent your country—not just through words, but through the ideas and values behind them.

“We sincerely thank the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, artist Oleksii Potapenko, and everyone involved in organizing this exhibition. Marking Earth Day, the event became more than a cultural experience—it demonstrated how art can serve as a tool of public diplomacy, shaping Ukraine’s image, conveying its values, and strengthening international understanding. We hope this experience will encourage Junior Diplomatic Academy participants to see the role of culture in diplomacy in a broader and more meaningful way”, said Rita Kosyak, Head of the Project Office at the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth.