Last night, the Department of History and International Relations (HRI - FLSH) experienced a deeply moving and memorable evening, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Ukraine in Lebanon and the Department of Psychology (FLSH). The amphitheater was filled to capacity as students, colleagues, diplomats, and friends gathered to commemorate four years of war in Ukraine.

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Christian Taoutel, Head of the History and International Relations Department, who emphasized the importance of solidarity. In his address, he stressed that while the focus of the evening was Ukraine, the suffering of children in times of war knows no borders. He explicitly referred to the tragedies endured by children in Lebanon, Palestine, and Ukraine, reminding the audience that beyond political contexts and strategic debates, innocent lives are always the first to bear the heaviest cost of conflict. He underlined the university’s “moral responsibility to give voice to these human realities and to uphold the values of dignity, international law, sovereignty, and peace.”

This was followed by a powerful and dignified address by H.E. Roman Goriainov, Ambassador of Ukraine, who reflected on four years of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to freedom. His speech reminded the audience that beyond geopolitics and strategic calculations, war is first and foremost a human tragedy affecting families, communities, and especially children.

In the presence of more than twenty ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, the evening continued with the screening of a poignant documentary dedicated to the children of Ukraine. The film profoundly moved the audience, offering a stark and emotional portrayal of innocence confronted by violence, displacement, and loss.