In New York, diplomats, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and thought leaders gathered to prepare paskha (traditional Ukrainian Easter bread) made from flour produced from grain harvested in demined fields in Kharkiv region. The master class was held at the legendary "Veselka" restaurant in Brooklyn as part of the international Soul of Soil 2.0 campaign.
The event was attended by UN Deputy Secretary-General and UNDP Deputy Administrator Xu Haoliang, diplomats from the permanent missions to the UN from countries such as Germany, Japan, Italy, South Korea, Croatia, Denmark, and others. Ukraine was represented by Acting Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, and the head of the Razom for Ukraine charity, Dora Khomyak.
“The challenge of humanitarian demining is not only for Ukraine but for the entire world. Before the invasion, we fed 400 million people globally. Today, our grain is exported to 57 countries, including developing nations like Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan,” said the First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Economy.
Ukraine is currently one of the most landmine-contaminated countries in the world, with 139,000 square kilometers potentially affected—an area the size of Greece. Thanks to joint efforts from the state, international partners, and demining work, 35,000 square kilometers have already been cleared.
Xu Haoliang, UNDP Deputy Administrator, noted that his organization is proud to be a partner in the "Soul of Soil 2.0" initiative and to work with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and other partners to raise awareness about the devastating impact of explosive remnants of war.
This event also highlighted the symbolic role of the grain used to make the bread, which was sourced from the northern part of Kharkiv region, and purchased from the border villages of Chernihiv and Sumy regions. The flour represented collective efforts to restore global food security.
The event was hosted by Ukrainian communications expert and community leader Tetiana Nikolenko, with a baking class led by Veselka chef Olena Lev. The event was made possible thanks to the support of the Veselka restaurant and the Razom for Ukraine charity.
For more about the Soul of Soil project: Soul of Soil 2.0
