The Executive Committee of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, met in an extraordinary session to discuss the association’s continuing response to the military actions ordered by the Russian government in Ukraine.
The committee has reviewed the actions taken by UFI since the onset of the attacks, beginning with the initial statement on the first day of the Russian military action, and the subsequent focus on humanitarian assistance. The committee acknowledged and applauded the work of many UFI members across the region who have provided shelter and support for refugees. From converting venues into refugee shelters to bringing supplies from across Europe, the level of aid and solidarity from businesses and individuals in the industry has been outstanding.
On 1 March, UFI made a call for donations to better support the work of institutions helping on the ground – the International Red Cross, UNIFEC, and UNHCR. Now, the committee has decided to launch a consolidated call for donations through the association.
As a global trade association, UFI statutes state that the organisation is non-political; however, the very concept of international coexistence is based on the foundations of human collaboration. With this in mind, the Executive Committee states the following: “UFI’s mission is to drive collaboration within the exhibitions and business events industry. As such, our association, along with all collaborative international organisations, relies on a foundation of respect for all individuals and adherence to a rules-based order. The military actions launched by the Russian government in Ukraine contradict our most fundamental principles. They cannot be allowed to stand. The UN General Assembly, in a rare emergency session, has passed a resolution that lays out a path forward to end this aggression and restore peace in the region, with an overwhelming majority.”
