IIPT STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

IIPT STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

TO THE IIPT FAMILY

Dear Family:

As you know, IIPT was founded in 1986, the United Nations International Year of Peace. Our Mission, then and now, is to help bring about a peaceful and sustainable world through tourism initiatives which contribute to international understanding and cooperation; an improved quality of environment; the preservation of culture and heritage; and poverty reduction. Over the past 100 plus days, the people of Ukraine have experienced enormous atrocities in each of these areas.

It is incumbent upon the Travel and Tourism industry and the global Peace Movement to act during ‘Such a time as this’. That is why the IIPT Board of Directors is calling upon the entire IIPT family to join forces to do all we can to support the people of Ukraine. Some leaders have forecasted that this war may well go into next year; so there is still plenty of work we can do, not only in Ukraine, but in conflicts around the world.

One such action we can take is to support the work of one of IIPT’s close international partners, Skal International. For quite some time, IIPT has worked closely with Skal International, a leading hospitality group, to establish international peace cities and towns in countries ranging from Romania to South Africa to China. One of the foremost such international peace cities in Europe is Bucharest. In response to the tragedy in Ukraine, Skal has established an International Aid Committee and Fund.

This initiative will “provide emergency humanitarian aid/support to Ukrainian refugees crossing borders in Europe where Skal International clubs exist and be ready to provide support in the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war”.

The Skal International Aid Committee will work closely with Skal International Bucharest as the front-line club providing help to refugees with food, and transportation to neighboring countries to help refugees reach the next point of stay.  Skal will be calling for volunteers when needed; and will also be working with UNICEF to consider a donation on behalf of Skal to be used for the well-being of the Ukrainian children affected by the war.

“A special account has been created to receive all donations for this crisis”.  Details regarding the account can be found on the link here.

In a special message to Skal clubs, they noted: “We encourage all of you to join in sending your donation to this much needed cause-Ukrainians need our help-our Skal leagues helping them on the ground in the front line need support”.

APPEAL TO THE IIPT FAMILY

We are requesting that all IIPT Chapters, Networks, and the entire IIPT Family at large do all you can to help promote this initiative through your websites and various information, communications and organizational channels. All ideas of additional areas of support we might provide are welcome. In the interim, other short term support initiatives will be pursued. Our long term goal is to help support the rebuilding of Ukraine, and to hopefully dedicate a global peace park in Freedom Square, Kharkiv, Ukraine after the war has ended.

Sincerely, Lou D’Amore and the IIPT Board of Directors