Instead of an Opening: The Responsibility to Be. Lviv for Ukraine and the World

In the years following the declaration of Independence, Ukraine was engulfed by a transformative and profound economic crisis that affected all spheres of the economy, culture, and daily life. Our response to the collapse of the book distribution system in 1994 was the creation of the Publishers’ Forum in Lviv, aimed at discussing difficult issues and outlining a strategy for developing a civilized book market in Ukraine.

Since the very beginning, both in Ukraine and beyond, there has been resistance to the formation of Ukrainian identity and strong statehood, with books constantly coming under attack from hostile forces. Yet we managed not only to withstand but also to develop publishing and reading.

Even now, under daily attacks and threats, Ukrainian publishers, authors, translators, librarians, and printers hold their ground and are ready at the Forum to share their achievements with the world.

Just like the city of Lviv, where Ukrainian publishing was born — the city of the Publishers’ Forum, a UNESCO City of Literature, and, we believe and support, the future European Capital of Culture. This is a city open to people and ideas, ready to welcome, to share, and to help.

At this event, to which we warmly invite you, we propose to exchange thoughts on how Lviv’s experience can be useful in supporting and reviving Ukrainian libraries, publishers, and international cooperation, and why supporting publishing and librarianship, nurturing authors, and promoting reading are crucial for shaping Ukrainian identity and for our struggle for victory and independence.