The First Lady of Ukraine recently delivered a powerful and moving speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. She made history by being the first wife of a state’s leader to speak at this event.

And what did she emphasize? In her speech Olena Zelenska highlighted the urgent need to bring separated families back together. “For fathers, sons, and daughters to return from the front,” She stated. “For the families that were separated by the war to reunite.”

Zelenska further stressed the importance of children growing up in families, as she discussed ways to holistically support and strengthen families within Ukraine with attending colleagues.

She made a very encouraging statement during her speech: “According to Ukraine’s commitments to join the EU, we must completely get rid of classical orphanages with educators and directors, giving all children the opportunity to grow up in families.Thus, there should be more foster and patronage families, as well as family-type orphanages.”

We were heartened to see this stance and commitment from Ukraine’s leadership. It is clear that First Lady Zelenska and other leaders of Ukraine fiercely believe that children belong in families, not institutions. Please pray as AFFEO continues to support efforts that are vital to the well-being of children in Ukraine and throughout the world. And thank you for being a steadfast, constant source of prayer support and advocacy for orphans, vulnerable children, and at-risk families.