East SOS Charity Foundation at the International Economic Forum in Poland
On September 2–4, 2025, Oksana Kuiantseva, Board Member of the East SOS Charity Foundation, took part in the 34th International Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland.
Held under the slogan “The Time of Transformation – What Future for Europe?”, the Forum gathered more than 6,000 participants – leaders in politics, economics, international organizations, civil society, and business. Oksana Kuiantseva contributed to the panel discussion “Managing Humanitarian Crises – Global Responsibility in Turbulent Times.”
The discussion focused on the experience of humanitarian organizations worldwide, disaster response mechanisms, and building sustainable support systems. Special attention was given to Ukraine, with international partners highlighting their contributions to demining Ukrainian territories, supporting refugees abroad, and implementing long-term community recovery programs.
Among the speakers were:
– Robert St. Bokacki, Vice President, Kontekst HR Polska (Poland);
– Dobrosława Gogłoza, CEO, Pomagam. pl (Poland);
– Miklós Pusztai, Deputy Director General, Hungary Helps (Hungary);
– Kendall Silwonuk, International Mine Action Fellow, Legacies of War (USA).
Oksana Kuiantseva highlighted the unique experience of local Ukrainian organizations, which have gained invaluable knowledge and skills in assisting war-affected populations throughout the full-scale invasion.
She emphasized the importance of the so-called “duty of care” – tools designed to support humanitarian workers who save lives every day while often remaining under enemy attack themselves. Beyond physical protection, this also means psychological support for regional humanitarian teams who live and work in constant danger, frequently enduring shelling and sleep deprivation. Despite these conditions, they continue to stand by affected communities, providing critical assistance.
“Our Foundation has developed a full cycle of rescuing residents of frontline areas. Today, our crews are evacuating people from the Donetsk region – from towns that were relatively calm just six months ago, such as Druzhkivka and Kostiantynivka. However, every evacuation is fraught with danger, as russian FPV drones attack humanitarian missions. That is why advocating for protection at the international level is extremely important,” said Oksana Kuiantseva.
Since February 24, 2022, the Foundation’s work has expanded to cover all government-controlled territories of Ukraine. Over this time, East SOS has mobilized more than UAH 1.5 billion to support war victims.
Advocacy activities are carried out as part of the project “Support for Vulnerable Groups and Residents of Remote Territories of Ukraine Affected by the War”, implemented by East SOS with the financial support of the European Union.
Recently, East SOS launched a large fundraiser for electronic warfare equipment for evacuation crews.
