Spouse of the President of the Republic, Dr. Aleš Musar, and First Lady of Ukraine, Ms. Olena Zelenska, Participated in the Ceremonial Session of the ITF Board of Advisors

The event brought together over 22 representatives from donor countries as well as senior political representatives from Slovenia and Ukraine to exchange views on the priorities for humanitarian cooperation in Ukraine. Chaired by H.E. Florence Levy, Ambassador of France to Slovenia and Chair of the ITF Board of Advisors, the session strengthened the dialogue on continued support and collaboration in humanitarian efforts to assist Ukraine.

At the invitation of Dr. Aleš Musar, spouse of the President of Slovenia, the session’s special guest was Ukraine's First Lady, Ms. Olena Zelenska. Together with Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Ms. Yulia Svyrydenko, she presented the work of the Olena Zelenska Foundation, which focuses on psychosocial support and initiatives to improve mental health in Ukraine. She emphasized the urgent need for assistance to victims of war and demining efforts. Her presence, along with her connection to Dr. Musar as the spouses of the presidents of their respective countries, added a special symbolic significance to the event. 

In his address, Dr. Aleš Musar highlighted the importance of humanitarian values and support for the noble mission of the ITF, particularly in aiding Ukraine. The personal commitment of Ukraine’s First Lady and himself to protecting human dignity and strengthening human security remains a crucial element in organizing new humanitarian initiatives. He also expressed gratitude for the additional engagement of donor countries and the ITF. 

The Director of ITF, Amb. Tomaž Lovrenčič, presented the organization's achievements in the first half of 2024 and thanked international donors and Slovenia for their systematic support. Regarding the plans outlined in the 2025 Portfolio, he emphasized the continued strengthening of humanitarian support for Ukraine, including programs aimed at enhancing mental health services. He thanked Dr. Aleš Musar for his ongoing support of ITF’s humanitarian activities in Ukraine, highlighting his recent visit to a mental health strengthening project in Izmail, southern Ukraine. He expressed a desire to expand similar efforts, in cooperation with First Lady Olena Zelenska, to other regions in Ukraine where the most vulnerable populations, such as women and children, urgently need humanitarian aid.