Media room

Explore the latest news, press releases, and multimedia resources in Hepatica Foundation's Media Room. Get a closer look at our impactful initiatives, collaborations, and achievements. Stay informed and engaged with our mission through our Media Room.

Hepatica Foundation is dedicated to transparency and communication, and our Media Room is designed to keep you informed and engaged with our mission. We invite you to explore, learn, and join us in shaping a better world.

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Sweden Democrats' National Congress

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the Sweden Democrats’ National Congress (Landsdagarna) in november.

Over two highly rewarding days, we were able to present the work of the Hepatica Foundation both to party members and to representatives from the media. The interest in our activities was great, and the many conversations and new contacts gave us valuable insights and encouragement to continue our mission.

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Security Policy Conference in Armenia

On September 15–16, the think tank Women & Global Security Architecture - WGSA, based in Yerevan, Armenia, held its second conference within its Comprehensive Security & Resilience Project. The project, in which Hepatica will participate as a partner, aims to foster inclusive, evidence-based security policies and strengthen Armenia’s resilience in an increasingly complex world.

The Comprehensive Security & Resilience – 2025 International Conference will be followed by webinars for youth, civil society, media, and international partners, which will lead to a follow-up paper and resolutions, ultimately aiming to create change.

At the opening ceremony, welcome remarks were delivered by Armine Margaryan, Founder and President of Women & Global Security Architecture, and H.E. Kirsti Narinen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland to the Republic of Armenia.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Nikol Pashinyan, delivered the keynote address, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

The opening ceremony was attended by Arayik Harutyunyan, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Armenia, Kristinne Grigoryan, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Republic of Armenia, Arpine Sargsyan, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia; Members of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, accredited ambassadors and diplomats in Armenia, international guests, as well as representatives of civil society and the media.

Björn Söder, Chairman of Hepatica, participated in one of the panel discussions, which addressed “The Cognitive Frontline: Strategic Communication and Defence Against FIMI.” He spoke about how we in Sweden address FIMI and our response by building a comprehensive system based on openness and trust. He also provided recommendations to Armenia to designate a coordination hub, protect elections, launch media and information literacy initiatives, and build partnerships.

Hepatica extends its sincere thanks for a highly rewarding and insightful conference. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations, and we look forward to continued strong cooperation in the Comprehensive Security & Resilience Project in the future.

Historic Gathering in Miami: Hepatica Foundation and Swedish Delegation Join “Conferencia Salvar a Cuba”

On September 13, Swedish MP and Chairman Björn Söder and Project Manager Caroline Nordengrip participated in the “Conferencia Salvar a Cuba” in Miami, USA. The event, organized by the Cuban Democratic Directorate (DDC), marked the 35th anniversary of the organization, which has been a key voice in denouncing human rights violations and promoting democracy in Cuba since its founding.

The DDC is a member of the Christian Democratic Organization of America, an associate member of the International Democracy Union, and part of the Alliance of the Cuban Resistance (ACR). Since 2025, the Swedish Hepatica Foundation has collaborated with the DDC on several democracy-support projects.

Strong Messages at the Press Conference

The day before the conference, a press conference was held at the headquarters of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance. Björn Söder used the opportunity to highlight the European Union’s ongoing financial support for Cuba’s regime through the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA), calling for an end to EU subsidies. He stressed the need for a united US–EU policy to advance freedom on the island and called for a global movement for Cuban democracy. Caroline Nordengrip focused on the war in Ukraine, pointing to Cuba’s complicity in Russia’s aggression and underlining the shared struggle of nations against authoritarianism.

A Full House of Dissidents and Lawmakers

The conference gathered more than 250 representatives from Cuba’s democratic opposition, alongside prominent U.S. Republican Members of Congress Maria Elvira Salazar, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez. Björn Söder was the keynote speaker and was deeply moved to receive the Pedro Luis Boitel Freedom Fighter Award. In his speech, he outlined five pillars of the cause: Cuba – the land, the people, and the tragedy; Democracy – a real and urgent need; Patriotism – as the antidote to tyranny; the values of our civilization – which built the free world; and the European Union’s responsibility – and the conservative push to end its financial support for the regime. His speech was met with a standing ovation.

A Powerful Moment from Ukraine’s Frontlines

Caroline Nordengrip’s speech focused on her experiences in Ukraine and the importance of preserving one’s language, culture, and roots. She held up a children’s booklet – printed in Russian and partly financed by the former Swedish Social Democratic government – that had been found in a Russian-occupied area. In a dramatic moment, she threw the booklet to the ground, declaring that it belonged nowhere but in the trash bin. The audience responded with thunderous applause.

A Great Honor for Hepatica

It was a great honor for the Hepatica Foundation to have the opportunity to participate in this significant conference and stand side by side with those fighting for freedom and democracy in Cuba. Hepatica fully supports the Cuban democratic opposition and will continue to back their efforts for a free and just future.

Celebrating 10 Years of Hepatica Foundation

What an incredible evening we had marking our 10th anniversary! The event featured an inspiring lecture on Hepatica’s impactful work, delivered by our esteemed chairman Björn Söder, alongside program manager for Ukraine and Latin America, Caroline Nordengrip. A powerful highlight was the speech by Belarus’ People’s Ambassador, Dmitri Vasserman, who spoke passionately about their fight for democracy and resistance against today’s undemocratic regime.

We were honored to host distinguished guests, including Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Olzhas Suleimenov, Mongolia’s Ambassador Munkh-Ulzii Tserendorj, and Israel’s Deputy Ambassador Dana Fisher, among others, who enriched the evening with vibrant discussions.

It was truly a resounding success, filled with meaningful connections and shared visions for the future. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate – your presence made it unforgettable.

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National Prayer Breakfast 2025 in Ukraine

Hepatica recently participated in the second National Prayer Breakfast in Kyiv, Ukraine, which was held on August 25. The event gathered over 1,200 participants, including military personnel, families of fallen heroes, volunteers, community leaders, and international guests from around 100 countries.

Under the patronage of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and initiated by him, the meeting focused on unity, prayer, and determination with the theme "Ukraine is, has been, and will be – for this is God's will".

As a partner to the event, the Hepatica Foundation is immensely proud to have participated and contributed to this important platform for peace, interreligious dialogue, and support for Ukraine in these challenging times. It was an honor to stand side by side with leaders and believers from around the world to pray for sustainable peace.

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The Ukrainian Youth Forum 2025: Youth Here!

As a partner for the Ukrainian Youth Forum 2025, our Ukrainian friends and organizers gathered over a thousand spirited young individuals for the forum’s main event in Kyiv, marking a vibrant highlight of International Youth Day across Ukraine.

Joined by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and Oleksandr Sanchenko, chair of the President’s Youth Affairs Council and parliament member, alongside government officials, diplomats, and international allies, we at the Hepatica Foundation had the privilege of participating in meaningful discussions about fostering youth involvement across all facets of life in Ukraine, even amidst the ongoing conflict.

Youth delegates presented pioneering initiatives from the days in Lviv, named the 2025 European Youth Capital, to policymakers and diplomats. They tackled mental health topics with experts and public figures and drew inspiration from performances by Ukrainian and international artists.

Ukraine’s youth are flourishing, actively contributing through military service, pioneering entrepreneurial ventures, advancing education, engaging in volunteer work, and pursuing ambitious goals. Dedicated to revitalizing their country, they receive robust support from prompt government programs.

It is a profound honor for the Hepatica Foundation to be involved in supporting Ukraine's promising future.

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Vänsterns ilska handlar inte om biståndet – utan om makten över det

Nyligen spred Aftonbladet lögner om Hepaticas verksamhet. I dag bemöter ordförande Björn Söder, vice ordförande Markus Wiechel, generalsekreterare Stefan Dozzi och stabschef Filip Persson dessa lögner i en debattartikel:

Aftonbladets senaste angrepp mot Hepatica, Sverigedemokraternas biståndsstiftelse, är tyvärr bara ännu ett exempel på hur långt vissa vänsterdebattörer är villiga att gå för att misstänkliggöra initiativ som utmanar deras egen maktställning.

Det Hepatica gör är raka motsatsen till vänsterns slentrianmässiga stöd till regimer och rörelser som ofta har tveksamma förhållanden till demokrati och yttrandefrihet. Till skillnad från Socialdemokraterna och Vänsterpartiet, som genom åren öppnat biståndskranarna till auktoritära rörelser och tvivelaktiga organisationer, stödjer Hepatica i dag fria och demokratiska krafter i Ukraina i deras existentiella kamp mot den ryska imperialismen."

Fundraising Campaign for Veterans in Ukraine

The Hepatica Foundation recently visited Kyiv, Ukraine, where project manager Caroline Nordengrip interviewed Denis, a veteran who received a bionic prosthetic arm after being wounded in combat. Denis, a civilian before volunteering to defend Ukraine on February 24, 2022, shared his journey of surviving a combat injury, undergoing a year of treatment, and amputation. Through collaboration with Superhumans, he received a bionic arm, which he said was transformative. Psychologically, the prosthetic restored a sense of wholeness, while physically, it aided in light tasks, daily activities, and hobbies like fishing.

Denis highlighted the soaring demand for such prosthetics in Ukraine, noting that since his injury during the Bakhmut operation, the need grew exponentially due to the rising number of wounded veterans. The process to receive a prosthetic took him six months, but he believed the demand and wait times had since increased significantly.

Hepatica Foundation is launching a fundraising campaign to support Ukrainian veterans like Denis, aiming to provide more advanced prosthetic limbs to those injured in Ukraine’s existential war against Russia.

Donations can be made via Swish or Bankgiro, and we deeply appreciate all support you can give to Ukrainian veterans and, by extension, Ukraine’s fight for survival.

Swish: 123 276 97 01

Bankgiro: 277 9635

Watch the interview

Hepatica at the Black Sea Security Forum 2025

The Hepatica Foundation is a proud financier and institutional partner of the Black Sea Security Forum 2025, held in Odesa, Ukraine. Hepatica played a key role in supporting this major international platform last weekend, which brought together over 500 participants from 20 countries, including high-profile figures like Lord Michael Ashcroft, former president of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, former Australian PM Scott Morrison, and former U.S. Ambassador William Taylor, to discuss security, economic, and political challenges in the Black Sea region. Represented by Vice Chairman Markus Wiechel, the foundation emphasized its commitment to promoting freedom, democracy, and regional stability through its support for the forum.

Key discussions focused on Ukraine’s maritime innovations, particularly naval drones, Russia’s aggression, and the region’s geopolitical significance. The forum emphasized Odesa’s strategic role and the need for stronger sanctions and support for Ukraine, aiming to foster regional stability and cooperation.

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Markus Wiechel's speech at Black Sea Security Forum 2025

This weekend, Hepatica was at the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, Ukraine. Markus Wiechel, a board member of the Hepatica Foundation and a Swedish parliamentarian, talked about the importance of what Ukraine is doing: fighting for freedom, democracy, and resilience across borders.

He expressed profound gratitude to the event organizers for the Black Sea Security Forum and the courage of Ukrainian soldiers who are defending not only their nation but the entire free world against tyranny. Wiechel emphasized the forum’s critical role in shaping policies, forging alliances, and driving progress, while underscoring Hepatica’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine.

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Visit by Deputy Mayor of Kharkiv, Ukraine

Hepatica recently hosted the Deputy Mayor of Kharkiv, Ukraine, for a significant visit that illuminated the city’s challenges amid Russia’s ongoing war. This exchange deepened Hepatica’s understanding of the region’s needs and reinforced its commitment to fostering stronger ties between Sweden and Ukraine, supporting the nation’s fight for sovereignty and resilience.

Hepatica stands firmly with Ukraine, championing its right to self-determination and security against Russian aggression.

Cuba - Interview Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat

The Hepatica Foundation has a project that aims to support the Cuban democratic resistance. A key figure in that movement is Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat, a prominent Cuban activist, author, and spokesperson for the Cuban Democratic Directorate (Directorio Democrático Cubano), which he co-founded in 1990. Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1965, he and his family fled to the United States in 1971, seeking freedom from the Castro regime. His work includes organizing anti-communist efforts and promoting a vision of a free, democratic Cuba.

He recently visited Sweden and was interviewed by the Swedish channel Riks, where he discussed the current situation in Cuba and Sweden's role in promoting the democratic movement.

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Hon nekades vård i Sverige – Nu startar en insamling för tvååriga Alma

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Allvarliga anklagelser om vår biståndsverksamhet från Socialdemokraterna

Sedan årsskiftet har vi inlett flertalet seriösa och demokratistärkande projekt över hela världen, med fokus på EU:s östliga partnerskap.

SD gör en omstart med sin biståndsorganisation

Nu tar Sverigedemokraterna ett omtag med sin partianknutna biståndsorganisation Hepatica. Riktningen är inte helt klar än och uppbyggnaden av organisationen ska ske med demokratistödet till partinära organisationer.

SD beviljas stöd för partianknuten organisation

Inför sommaren beviljades Sverigedemokraterna (SD) slutligen stöd för sin partianknutna organisation (PAO) Hepatica. Beslutet kommer efter att Tidöpartierna enats om att underlätta reglerna för PAO och skjuta till mer resurser.

Riks TV: Sverigedemokraterna berättar om biståndsarbetet genom organisationen Hepatica

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DN: SD räknar med demokratibistånd: ”Retar upp vänstersidan”

Publicerad 2023-12-15

Björn Söder: Sida behandlar SD orättvist

Publicerad 15 december 2023

Sverigedemokraten Björn Söder anklagar Sida för att behandla den partianknutna biståndsorganisation Hepatica orättvist.

SD garanteras pengar efter nya regler om demokratibistånd

Publicerad 2023-12-20