The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has introduced a Certificate of Preservation of Ukrainian National Identity for children in Ukrainian communities abroad. It recognises children’s involvement in Ukrainian cultural and educational life and encourages them to maintain their connection with the Ukrainian language, culture and traditions.

The procedure for issuing the certificate is established by the Instruction approved by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Order No. 469 of 16 September 2026, as amended by Order No. 480 of 24 September 2026.

Who can receive the certificate?

Children in the Ukrainian community under the age of 16 may receive the certificate if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• use the Ukrainian language as a key element of their Ukrainian identity;

• regularly attend a Ukrainian cultural and educational centre, Saturday or Sunday school, or camps for Ukrainian children abroad to learn about Ukrainian language, literature, history, culture and national traditions;

• actively participate in community, centre or school activities that preserve Ukrainian national identity and promote Ukrainian language, literature, culture, history and traditions;

• actively participate in cultural and artistic events, celebrations, Ukrainian song and poetry concerts, contests, competitions or Ukrainian studies Olympiads;

• actively participate in projects fostering Ukrainian national identity and patriotism, including activities marking national holidays and historical anniversaries, and honouring and caring for memorial sites associated with prominent Ukrainians and historical events.

How can a child be nominated?

The decision to issue a certificate is made by the head of Ukraine’s diplomatic mission following a request from the head of a Ukrainian community organisation, cultural and educational centre, or Saturday or Sunday school operating under such an organisation.

The Embassy of Ukraine in Australia invites eligible organisations, centres and schools to submit nominations by email to [email protected].

To assist with consideration, please include the child’s first name and surname in Ukrainian, date of birth, a brief explanation of how the child meets one or more criteria, and the organisation’s contact details.

Parents wishing to nominate their child may approach the head of the relevant organisation, centre or school.

Certificates are presented at a ceremony. The certificate is a form of recognition and encouragement and does not confer any privileges or entitlements.

Read the full Instruction (in Ukrainian).