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Renowned coaches and experts: the speakers for the MindSpace FORUM in Rome have been announced
🫶🌸 On 1 November 2026, Rome will host the MIND SPACE FORUM — a conference on psychological wellbeing, self-fulfilment, health and inner strength. The event is organised by CRASA APS, an association founded by women to support socio-cultural projects. The organisers are offering participants a space where they can take a break from their daily routines, rethink their own goals, gain new insights and discover practical tools for change. The forum’s programme features talks by experts and real-life stories, psychological practices and specific tools for restoring balance and inner strength. Experts will speak on psychology, health, self-fulfilment, the media and spiritual development, whilst participants will be able to gain new insights and practical advice that can be applied in everyday life. The organisers’ vision is for the forum to be more than just a one-day event; it is intended to be an opportunity to find one’s own footing, gain inspiration and identify specific steps towards change. Speakers at the forum include experts in the fields of psychology, health, self-fulfilment, media and spiritual development: Tetyana Tyshchenko — a professional psychologist, coach and creator of the ‘DNA of Authenticity’ method. Anastasia Kozyr – a biochemist, nutritionist and lifestyle coach. Presentation topic: ‘My body is a temple. Simple daily actions that provide energy and resources’. Mila Bharat — spiritual mentor and sound therapist with a medical background. Talk title: ‘Tuning into change: how sound and vibrations affect the body, emotions and inner state’. Kseniia Borchuk — marketer, programmer, blog development expert, founder of a start-up agency. Talk topic: ‘To go public or not? How to overcome your fear of social media and work out whether you need a personal blog’. Mykhailo Vovchyk — social activist, journalist, media manager, founder of AFISHA.IT and UKRAINIANS.IT. Talk topic: ‘How to turn a forced move into new opportunities?’. ✅The experts will share practical tools, their own experiences and methods that can be applied in everyday life. 📍So, see you in Rome on 1 November! ✍️For more information, visit https://mindspace-forum.crasa.team/
A group from Naples won the UKRO-2026 festival
The 8th UKRO Ukrainian Culture Festival took place in Bergamo 🇺🇦 This year, 16 teams from various cities across Italy — from north to south — took part in the competition. The winner was determined by the scores of a professional jury and a public vote. The jury comprised well-known figures from Ukrainian culture: Honoured Artist of Ukraine Dmytro Khoma, actress Olena Kadobna, Ukrainian beatbox champion Oleksandr Melnyk, author of books on Ukrainian embroidery traditions Vira Chipurko, Olena Hromyk, director of a dance troupe from Milan, and Lesya Korolyk-Boiko, a cultural and community figure. The winner’s cup was awarded to the troupe from Naples — the Dateci Le Ali (‘Give Us Wings’) association! “The best festival since 2018. The participants’ performances were absolutely brilliant… but the performance by the team from Naples was something incredible; the emotions were overwhelming. Their victory is 100 per cent deserved,” – these are the comments left by spectators on the festival’s Facebook page. According to the festival rules, the winners are entitled to host the next competition in their city. So we have some wonderful news: UKRO 2027 will take place in Naples! This is a historic event, as it is the first time in the history of UKRO that the cup has been won by a group from southern Italy. Ukrainian culture is uniting Italy — from Bergamo to Naples!
‘Ukrainian women are bringing the world together’: the latest issue of Business Woman magazine is being launched in Brussels
A presentation of the new issue of *Business Woman* will take place in Brussels: the 5th International Meeting of Ukrainian Women gets underway On 1 October 2026, a presentation of the new issue of *Business Woman* magazine will take place in Brussels as part of the fifth International Meeting of Ukrainian Women in Brussels. This year’s meeting is being held under the slogan ‘Ukrainian Women Uniting the World’ and will bring together representatives of the Ukrainian community, business, diplomacy, culture and social projects. The presentation will be the first event of the three-day international gathering, which will run from 1 to 3 October. The highlight on 2 October will be the International Women’s Forum ‘Ukrainian Women Uniting the World’, to be held at the European Parliament. On 3 October, the programme will continue with Open Doors / Ukrainian Unity Forum 2026 under the slogan ‘Idea. Implementation. Impact’. The latest issue of Business Woman is dedicated to the stories of Ukrainian women, international cooperation, diplomacy, business and the role of Ukrainian women’s leadership in the world. The cover features participants in the third International Meeting of the Global Ukrainian Community, ‘United in the World – Strong for Ukraine’. The organisers emphasise the importance of creating a space for new partnerships, ideas and opportunities that bring Ukrainian women in different countries together. “Ukrainians today live in dozens of countries around the world. But our true strength begins when we know one another and can pool our knowledge, experience, contacts and opportunities, and communicate in person,” said Anna Krysiuk, a Ukrainian entrepreneur, social activist and founder of the international glossy magazine *Business Woman*, President of the Business Woman Club (Ukraine), Anna Krysiuk. The event organisers are the Global Ukrainian Community, the Business Woman Club and *Business Woman* magazine. Anna Krysiuk adds that, over the years of international work on the club’s projects, a large network of people from over 50 countries has formed: entrepreneurs, diplomats, experts, representatives of the public sector, education and culture, heads of organisations and international partners. And the forum’s main objective is to transform these connections and experiences into real opportunities for people and for Ukraine. 📅 1 October, Thursday 🕕 18:00 📍 Ch. Thielemanslaan 93, 1150 BXL Three days in Brussels — three formats for international dialogue: a presentation, a women’s forum and a platform for putting ideas into practice.
The wife of pro-Putin figure Petrosyan was refused a visa to Italy because of her support for the war in Ukraine
Tetyana Brukhunova, 37, the fifth wife of Russian comedian Yevgeny Petrosyan, has been refused an Italian visa. According to her, this is the first time this has happened in 13 years of travelling around Europe. Brukhunova had planned to travel to Milan for Fashion Week, but instead of a visa, she was handed back her blank passport with no explanation as to why her application had been refused. “I was, of course, very upset. No reasons given, no explanations. They simply returned my passport blank,” she complained on social media. Bruhunova later stated that she believes the refusal is linked to her name being listed on the Ukrainian “Myrotvorets” database. On the centre’s website, she is accused, among other things, of propagating Russia’s war against Ukraine, supporting Russian aggression and glorifying Russian military personnel. Bruhunova herself makes no secret of her support for Russia and stated that being included in the ‘Mirotvorets’ database does not frighten her. “99.9 per cent of well-known people in Russia, the country’s patriots, are on that list. So I can confidently say that I am proud of this,” she said. According to Brukhunova, she now supposedly understands why she was refused an Italian visa. At the same time, she assured that she is not upset about it and plans to travel to other countries. However, the mere fact that a person is listed in the ‘Myrotvorets’ database does not automatically constitute legal grounds for refusing a Schengen visa: the final decision on whether to grant a visa is taken by the consular authorities in accordance with the applicable rules and the results of the applicant’s vetting.
A series of talks on the history, propaganda and war in Ukraine is to be held in Sardinia
A series of public talks entitled ‘Conoscere l’Ucraina. Storia, propaganda e guerra’, dedicated to the history of Ukraine, information warfare and life in the country during a full-scale war, will take place in Cagliari for the first time in Sardinia. Three sessions will take place on 5, 6 and 9 October at the Fondazione Sardegna, Via S. Salvatore Da Horta, 2. They will begin at 5.00 pm and end at 7.30 pm. Admission is free, but the organisers recommend booking in advance. 5 October — ‘From Kievan Rus’ to the Trenches’ The session will explore history, language and literature as components of Ukrainian identity in the context of war. 6 October — ‘Fake News, Propaganda and the Truth’ Participants will discuss how information and propaganda have become part of modern warfare. 9 October — ‘Life During Wartime’ The programme will feature first-hand accounts, international law and stories from the front line. Historians, journalists, international analysts, legal experts, eyewitnesses and representatives from academia and civil society have been invited to take part. The organisers will announce the names of participants gradually in the run-up to each event. The series is organised by Associazione OCI – ODV and Liberi Oltre le Illusioni. The event is supported by the Municipality of Cagliari and the Region of Sardinia, as well as receiving financial backing from the Fondazione di Sardegna. The organisers note that the aim of the project is to present Ukraine through its own history, culture and contemporary experiences, rather than solely through a Soviet lens.
More than 50 UN member states have called on Russia to end its aggression against Ukraine
More than 50 countries have called on Russia to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and to take a step towards substantive peace talks. The joint statement was issued ahead of a meeting of the UN Security Council by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the Ukrainian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sibiga. In the document, the countries reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine and emphasised the need to uphold the UN Charter, in particular the principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states, as well as Ukraine’s right to self-defence. Separately, the signatories expressed deep concern at the intensification of Russian attacks on the civilian population and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. The document emphasises the need to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and hold those responsible to account. The countries also drew attention to the situation in the Black Sea. They expressed concern over Russian attacks, which are hindering Ukrainian grain exports and posing risks to global food security. The states supported efforts to reach agreements that would guarantee freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. The authors of the statement recalled that Ukraine had agreed to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire as far back as March 2025. “We call on Russia to finally do the same as a necessary step towards meaningful diplomacy and negotiations leading to peace,” the document states. A separate paragraph concerns Ukrainians who have been unlawfully detained and deported. The countries called on Russia to immediately and unconditionally return all unlawfully detained, forcibly displaced and deported civilians, including children, and to ensure the return of prisoners of war and internees. “Ukraine wants peace. We want peace. Russia must cease its aggression, agree to a ceasefire and engage meaningfully in negotiations for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law,” the joint statement emphasises. The document was signed by more than 50 states, including most European countries, as well as Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Panama and South Korea. The statement was released on the eve of a UN Security Council meeting on the topic of ‘Maintaining peace and security in Ukraine’, which Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiga, is due to attend.
How to become a European mediator: enrolment for the course is now open in Naples
Enrolment is now open in Naples for a training course for European mediators in intercultural interaction. The University of Naples Federico II has announced enrolment for the tenth intake of the course ‘Mediatore Europeo per l’Intercultura e la Coesione Sociale’ — a programme training specialists in intercultural mediation and social integration. The programme is run by the Department of Political Science at the Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II in collaboration with the Comunità di Sant’Egidio and the Fondazione di Comunità del Centro Storico di Napoli. During the course, participants will study migration processes and legislation, the specific features of mediation in a multicultural society, and tools to promote peaceful coexistence and social integration in Italy. The programme comprises up to 350 hours: 200 hours of lectures, seminars and thematic workshops, and 150 hours of practical training within the Comunità di Sant’Egidio. Classes will be held in person in Naples every Thursday and Saturday from 15:30 to 19:30. To receive the final certificate, participants must attend at least 70 per cent of the sessions and pass the final exam. Who can take part 📍The main requirement is a secondary school leaving certificate or an equivalent qualification. For international applicants, knowledge of Italian at a level of at least B1 is required. If you do not have a certificate, your language proficiency can be assessed during an oral interview with teachers from the Comunità di Sant’Egidio Italian language school. Special conditions apply to those with international protection status: instead of an educational qualification, you may provide confirmation of your international protection status and a declaration of your educational level, which is verified and issued by the Comunità di Sant’Egidio school. Fees and Application Procedures The course fee is 200 euros. A total of 50 places are available. If the number of applications exceeds the number of places, candidates will be selected on the basis of the documents submitted and their educational achievements. ✍️📚Applications will be accepted until 2 November 2026, 12:00. Documents may be submitted in person to the Scuola di Lingua e Cultura Italiana della Comunità di Sant’Egidio at Via San Nicola a Nilo 5–6, Naples, or sent by email to: corsiformazionefederico@gmail.com. The results of the selection process are due to be published by 6 November 2026. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of attendance. In addition, the programme offers the possibility of recognition of up to 12 university credits (CFU) within the study programmes of the Department of Political Science, subject to the relevant decision by the faculty. The course may be of particular interest to those who are already working or plan to work in the fields of migrant integration, social support, education, intercultural communication and work with foreign communities in Italy. We can send interested parties detailed information about the course, the teaching modules and the documents required to complete and submit an application.
The Council of Churches is appealing to the Pope to save Ukrainians in the occupied territories from starvation
The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations has appealed to Pope Leo XIV, urging him to do everything in his power to save the residents of the occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region. According to the Council, the town is under a humanitarian blockade and on the brink of a humanitarian disaster. Various estimates suggest that over 6,000 people may remain in Oleshky and the surrounding areas, including around 200 children. Residents do not have sufficient access to food, drinking water, medicines and other essential aid. The Council of Churches states that the last food deliveries took place at the end of May 2026. According to their information, Russian military forces are preventing residents from leaving the town. Oleshky is situated close to the front line, so civilians face the daily threat of shelling and drone attacks. There is no electricity or gas supply, and critical infrastructure has been largely destroyed. In its appeal, the Council of Churches specifically asks Pope Leo XIV, the World Council of Churches, the World Evangelical Alliance and other religious leaders and human rights defenders to speak out and use every means at their disposal to prevent people from dying of starvation. At the same time, UN member states and the International Committee of the Red Cross have been called upon to facilitate a humanitarian mission and the evacuation of Oleshky’s residents to territory controlled by Ukraine. The Council of Churches pointed out that the Ukrainian side had repeatedly drawn the attention of international organisations to the situation in the town and had attempted to negotiate the evacuation of civilians. Oleshky also suffered widespread flooding in 2023 following the bombing of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station. The town currently remains under temporary Russian occupation.
Parents of foreign schoolchildren in Italy may be required to learn Italian
🇮🇹 Parents of foreign schoolchildren in Italy may be required to learn Italian. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that the government is preparing new measures to integrate foreign pupils into the education system. One of the key proposals is to require parents of foreign children who are experiencing serious difficulties with integration to learn Italian. According to Meloni, if there are too many children in a class who do not speak Italian, the integration process ceases to function properly. The government also plans to set a cap on the number of foreign pupils in a single class. Exactly what this limit will be has not yet been announced. Separately, Meloni announced her intention to introduce a ban on wearing the burqa and the niqab in schools – that is, clothing that completely covers the face. She emphasised that pupils in Italian schools must have their faces uncovered. According to the ISMU research centre, pupils without Italian citizenship account for 11.6 per cent of all schoolchildren in Italy. At the same time, foreign citizenship does not automatically mean a lack of knowledge of the Italian language — a significant proportion of these children were born in Italy or have been studying here for a long time. Important: these are, for the time being, measures announced by the government, not legislation in force. The final rules and conditions for their application are to be set out in a future regulatory act.