CAMPAIGN 1
Ukrainian Refugees: Together in Greece
Building Bridges Through Inclusion and Equal Treatment
Every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and belonging, regardless of where they come from. This campaign celebrates the resilience of refugees and displaced persons, especially women and youth from Ukraine, and highlights the importance of integration, respect, and equal access in Greek society.
Did You Know?
Global Displacement & Ukrainian Refugee Crisis
At the end of 2024, 123.2 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, or violence—the highest number ever recorded. Ukrainian refugees represent one of the largest displacement crises in recent history. [1]
Ukrainian Refugees in Greece
Since 2022, Greece has welcomed thousands of Ukrainian refugees and immigrants, with over 90% being women and children across Europe, a pattern reflected in Greece. Ukrainian refugee families continue to seek safety and integration in Greek communities.[2]
Barriers to Refugee Employment and Integration
According to UNHCR surveys on Ukrainian refugees, 64% of refugees were not working in recent months, with Ukrainian refugee women’s unemployment reaching 82%, due to language barriers, credential recognition issues, and discrimination against immigrants.[3]
Education Access for Ukrainian Refugee Children
Ukrainian refugee children face unique challenges accessing education in Greece, including language barriers and trauma from displacement. Over 15,000 Ukrainian refugee children have enrolled in Greek schools, with specialized support programs helping them integrate and continue their education.[4]
Integration and Inclusion Matter
Challenging just one stereotype about Ukrainian refugees and immigrants can change perspectives and inspire others to question harmful norms about displaced persons.
Ukrainian Refugee Resilience & Contribution
Communities with active Ukrainian refugee integration and immigrant inclusion programs see 50% higher social cohesion and economic contribution from refugees within 5 years.[5]
Why Ukrainian Refugee Inclusion Matters
🏘️ Stronger Communities Through Refugee Integration
Diversity enriches societies culturally, economically, and socially. When Ukrainian refugees and immigrants integrate successfully, everyone benefits
Human Rights for All Refugees and Immigrants
Equal treatment isn’t optional—it’s a fundamental human right. Every Ukrainian refugee deserves dignity and opportunity
🌱 Shared Future with Ukrainian Immigrants
Today’s Ukrainian refugees are tomorrow’s doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Investment in refugee inclusion and immigrant integration is investment in our collective future
How Innopolis Supports The Cause
Innopolis is committed to creating tangible pathways for Ukrainian refugee integration, inclusion, and empowerment in Greece and across Europe through the ISRICM-EU project (Innovative Solutions for Refugee Integration and Crisis Mitigation in EU Member States).
🌍 Cross-Border Cultural Integration: “Pathways of Resilience”
In 2025, Innopolis developed and promoted the “Pathways of Resilience” Cross-Border Cultural Itinerary, connecting Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine. This initiative reached nearly 10,000 individuals across four countries, highlighting shared cultural heritage as a foundation for Ukrainian refugee inclusion and solidarity. The project created opportunities for cross-border dialogue between Ukrainian immigrants and host communities, demonstrating that cultural integration is vital for successful refugee resettlement.
🤝 Stakeholder Engagement for Ukrainian Refugee Support
Innopolis collaborates with local authorities, NGOs, educational institutions, employers, and community groups across Greece to advance Ukrainian refugee integration. Through these partnerships, we address Ukrainian refugee needs holistically—from immediate humanitarian assistance to long-term social inclusion, employment opportunities, and educational access for Ukrainian refugee children and families.
Stakeholder Consultations
Pathways for Ukrainian Refugee Inclusion Through Travel
Innopolis met with a local travel agency to explore tourism and logistics expertise for developing accessible cultural routes that promote Ukrainian refugee inclusion. Discussions focused on how cultural tourism can serve as a bridge for integration, creating economic opportunities while fostering cross-cultural understanding between host communities and Ukrainian immigrants in Greece.
Teaching Ukrainian Refugee Youth Through Heritage
Consultation with educational professionals specializing in cultural heritage focused on incorporating artistic perspectives into Ukrainian refugee integration programs. Discussions emphasized the role of art and history education in helping Ukrainian refugee youth connect with their new communities while preserving their own cultural identity.
Preserving Shared Memory: Ukrainian Refugee Stories
Innopolis collaborated with a local historical organization to gather insights on historical context and memory preservation. The meeting explored how shared histories of displacement and resilience can inform contemporary approaches to Ukrainian refugee integration and community solidarity.
Building Knowledge for Ukrainian Immigrant Integration
Engagement with academic professionals provided insight and educational framework for understanding Ukrainian refugee integration needs. Discussions covered research-based approaches to supporting Ukrainian refugee students and families, as well as developing educational programs that promote inclusion and equal access for Ukrainian immigrants in higher education.
Voices of Ukrainian Refugee Lived Experience
A critical consultation was held with a Ukrainian refugee living in Greece, who provided invaluable lived experience and firsthand perspective on the challenges and opportunities Ukrainian refugees face. This meeting ensured that the voices and needs of Ukrainian refugee communities directly informed Innopolis’ integration programs and advocacy efforts.
A Community-Informed Approach
These stakeholder consultations demonstrate Innopolis’ commitment to collaborative, community-informed approaches to Ukrainian refugee integration—bringing together tourism professionals, educators, historians, academics, and most importantly, Ukrainian refugees themselves to build comprehensive support systems.
Real testimonials from Ukrainian refugees in Greece
Voices of Resilience, published by UNHCR and IRC.
Ukrainian Refugee Entrepreneurship
“Although Ukraine will always play a large part in my life, my family and I have adjusted well to the Greek lifestyle, appreciating the less rushed pace. I combined my interior design experience with my husband’s real estate background to start a home-staging business in Athens.”
— Alisa, Ukrainian Refugee, Interior Designer & Entrepreneur, Athens [6]
Ukrainian Refugee Community Support
“We all came to Greece from different cities of Ukraine, seeking protection from the war. Ukrainians are united and support each other, organizing events, rallies, and collecting aid and medicine for those who stayed in Ukraine. Our Ukrainian refugee community remains strong.”
— Natalya Bernaz, Ukrainian Refugee from Odesa [7]
Finding Help: Ukrainian Immigrant Women’s Empowerment
“Women are always told, ‘You’re not going to make it, it’s too difficult, you can’t do that, don’t enter this competition, you’ll never win it.’ Ukrainian refugee women need confidence in themselves.”
— Maryna Petrenko, Ukrainian Refugee Advocate [7]
New Normal for Ukrainian Refugee Families
“I was impressed by the hospitality of the Greeks. We Ukrainian refugees are starting to have a normal life again. The children are going to school and already have friends.”
— Irene, 39, Ukrainian Refugee from Vinnytsia [8]
Healing & Business: Ukrainian Immigrant Success
“I found community through Facebook groups such as ‘United Diaspora of Ukrainians’ and ‘Ukrainian Women in Greece.’ I started my own yoga instruction business as a way to make money to support my family and fulfill a lifelong dream.”
— Khrystyna, Ukrainian Refugee & Yoga Instructor [9]
Hope for Peace: Ukrainian Refugees’ Dreams
“My biggest wish is for the war to be over. I wish strength, patience and faith to all Ukrainian refugees, and under no circumstances to give up.”
— Kateryna Stolypina & Tatiana Parkhotko, Ukrainian Refugees [7]
How You Can Help Ukrainian Refugees
📢 Speak Up for Ukrainian Refugee Rights
Challenge discrimination and stereotypes against Ukrainian refugees and immigrants when you see them. Words matter
🤝 Volunteer with Ukrainian Refugee Organizations
Support local NGOs working with Ukrainian refugees and immigrants through volunteering or donations
🎓 Educate Yourself About Ukrainian Refugees
Learn about Ukrainian refugee experiences and share these stories in your network to promote inclusion
💬 Share The Message
Spread awareness about Ukrainian refugee integration by sharing this page with friends, family, and colleagues
Help us measure the impact of this campaign
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Sources
[1] Global Displacement & Ukrainian Refugee Crisis
UNHCR Global Trends Report (2024). Forced Displacement in 2024. Ukrainian refugees constitute a significant portion of global displacement figures.
[2] Ukrainian Refugees and Immigrants in Greece – Demographics
UNHCR Greece (2024). “Ukrainian Refugees in Greece: Demographics and Integration Patterns.” European Commission Migration and Home Affairs (2024). “Ukrainian Refugee Demographics Across Europe.”
[3] Ukrainian Refugee Employment and Immigrant Integration Barriers
UNHCR (2024). “Ukrainian Refugee Employment Survey: Barriers to Integration in Greece.” ILO Report (2024). “Labour Market Integration of Ukrainian Refugees in Southern Europe.”
[4] Education Access for Ukrainian Refugee Children
UNICEF Greece (2024). “Education Access for Ukrainian Refugee Children in Greece.” European Education Area Report (2024). “Integration of Ukrainian Refugee Students.”
[5] Ukrainian Refugee Integration and Inclusion Programs
OECD Migration Policy Debates (2024). “The Integration of Ukrainian Refugees: Early Evidence and Policy Responses.” European Commission (2024). “Community Integration Programs for Ukrainian Refugees.”
[6] Ukrainian Refugee Entrepreneurs in Greece – Alisa’s Story
UNHCR Greece Feature Stories (2023-2024). “Ukrainian Refugees Building New Lives Through Entrepreneurship in Greece.”
[7] Ukrainian Refugee Women in Greece – Personal Testimonials
International Rescue Committee (IRC) Greece (2024). “Voices of Ukrainian Refugee Women: Community Support and Resilience.” UNHCR Protection Monitoring Reports (2024).
[8] Greek Hospitality – Ukrainian Refugee Family Experiences
UNHCR Greece (2023). “Ukrainian Families Find Safety and Welcome in Greece: Irene’s Story.” Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum Reports (2024).
[9] Healing Through Yoga – Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Entrepreneurship Journey
IRC Greece (2024). “Ukrainian Refugee Women Creating New Opportunities: Khrystyna’s Yoga Business.” UNHCR Livelihoods Programs for Ukrainian Refugees (2024).
