Media room - Hepatica Foundation

Hepatica Foundation completes the introduction of its Advisory Board

2026-09-28

Today we present the final member: Guglielmo Picchi (Italy)

Chairman of SACE, Italy’s Export Credit Agency
Director General of Fondazione Machiavelli ETS
Former Undersecretary of State at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Guglielmo Picchi is an economist and investment banker by training. He holds a degree in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Florence and an MBA from SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan. Much of his professional career was spent in investment banking in London.

He served as a Member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies from 2006 to 2022 and took part in the NATO and OSCE Parliamentary Assemblies. From 2018 to 2019 he was Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with responsibility for relations with Latin America and NATO. He has previously served as Senior Adviser and Head of Europe at Aroca Consulting Group and is an Adjunct Professor at Università degli Studi Guglielmo Marconi in Rome.

A warm welcome to Guglielmo! With this introduction, the presentation of Hepatica Foundation’s Advisory Board is complete

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Hepatica Foundation – proud partner of Ukraine’s National Prayer Breakfast 2026

2026-09-28

On 23 August in Kyiv, on the eve of Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day, Hepatica Foundation had the honour of being a partner to the National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine.

The annual interfaith gathering, held under the patronage of President Volodymyr Zelensky, brought together more than 1,500 participants: Ukrainian officials, faith leaders, military personnel, chaplains, families of fallen heroes, civil society and international guests from 17 countries. Among those present were President Zelensky, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, former US Vice President Mike Pence and retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg.

The meeting was a space for prayer, unity and solidarity — for those in captivity, for those still in battle, and for a just and lasting peace. It also marked a simple truth that Russia tries to deny: Ukraine is a free nation with a thousand-year history, and the right to worship freely is part of what the country is defending.

Hepatica is proud to stand with Ukraine not only in words, but in partnership — supporting platforms that strengthen cohesion, dignity, religious freedom and international friendship in a time of war.

A stronger Ukraine is a stronger Sweden and a stronger Europe

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Hepatica Foundation – proud sponsor of Ukraine’s National Prayer Breakfast 2026

2026-09-14

On 23 August in Kyiv, on the eve of Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day, Hepatica Foundation had the honour of sponsoring the National Prayer Breakfast of Ukraine.

The annual interfaith gathering, held under the patronage of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, brought together more than 1,500 participants: Ukrainian officials, faith leaders, military personnel, chaplains, families of fallen heroes, civil society and international guests from 17 countries. Among those present were President Zelensky, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, former US Vice President Mike Pence and retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg.

The meeting was a space for prayer, unity and solidarity — for those in captivity, for those still in battle, and for a just and lasting peace. It also marked a simple truth that Russia tries to deny: Ukraine is a free nation with a thousand-year history, and the right to worship freely is part of what the country is defending.

Hepatica is proud to stand with Ukraine not only in words, but in partnership — supporting platforms that strengthen cohesion, dignity, religious freedom and international friendship in a time of war.

A stronger Ukraine is a stronger Sweden and a stronger Europe.

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Hepatica Foundation is proud to introduce another member of its Advisory Board

2026-09-14

Edna Adan Ismail (Somaliland)
Founder of Edna Adan University and Hospital
Former Foreign Minister of Somaliland
Former President’s Special Envoy for Peace Talks between Somaliland and Somalia

Edna Adan Ismail is a nurse, midwife and diplomat whose life’s work has been devoted to women’s health, human rights and peacebuilding. She was the first woman director in the Somali Ministry of Health, later served as WHO Representative in Djibouti, and after returning home founded the Edna Adan Hospital and University in Hargeisa. She served as Minister of Social Affairs and Family Welfare and as Foreign Minister of Somaliland, and from 2017 to 2025 as the President’s Special Envoy for peace talks with Somalia. She is a recipient of the Templeton Prize and numerous international honours for her work.

A warm welcome to Edna! We are honoured to have her exceptional experience in health, diplomacy and peacebuilding on the Advisory Board.

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Another member of Hepatica Foundation’s Advisory Board

2026-09-04

We are pleased to introduce:

Artak Apitonian (Armenia)
Former Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia
Former Ambassador of Armenia to Sweden and Finland
Founding Chairman of Participatory Democracy NGO (Armenia)

Artak Apitonian is a career diplomat who served as Armenia’s first resident Ambassador to Sweden and as Ambassador to Finland. From 2018 to 2021 he was Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia. He later founded Participatory Democracy NGO and has worked extensively on civic participation and democratic development.

A warm welcome to Artak! We are pleased to have his diplomatic experience and work for participatory democracy on the Advisory Board.

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Meet the next member of Hepatica Foundation’s Advisory Board

2026-09-04

We are pleased to introduce:

Pavel Latushka (Belarus)
Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus
Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management
Leader of the “Team Latushka and Movement ‘For Freedom’” faction of the Coordination Council of the 4th convocation

Pavel Latushka is a former diplomat and Minister of Culture of Belarus. Since 2020 he has been a leading figure in the Belarusian democratic opposition, heading the National Anti-Crisis Management and serving as Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet with responsibility for the transfer of power.

A warm welcome to Pavel! We look forward to the experience and perspective he brings to the Advisory Board.

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Hepatica Foundation continues the introduction of its Advisory Board

2026-09-04

Today we are pleased to present the next member in our Advisory Board:

Olena Khomenko (Ukraine)
Member of Parliament of Ukraine
Chair of the Sub-Committee on Defence Procurement of the Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence
Chair of the PACE Parliamentary Network on the Situation of the Children of Ukraine

Olena Khomenko has been a Member of the Verkhovna Rada since 2019. She chairs the parliamentary sub-committee responsible for defence procurement and leads the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s network working on the situation of Ukrainian children affected by the war.

A warm welcome to Olena! We are honoured to have her experience in parliamentary work, national security and the protection of children’s rights on the Advisory Board.

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Hepatica Foundation continues the introduction of its Advisory Board

2026-09-04

Today we are pleased to present the next member in our Advisory Board:

Joanna Hofman is a diplomat, political scientist, and university lecturer.

In 2005, she served as Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C., and in 2007 she was appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Finland. Later in her diplomatic career, she also held the position of Director of the Polish Institute in Tel Aviv, and from 2020 to 2025 she was Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Sweden.

Since 2025, she has been a researcher and lecturer at the University of Białystok.

Beyond her diplomatic career, Joanna also brings several years of business experience, having worked as Vice President of Corporate and International Affairs at Fortum Corporation in Finland.

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Hepatica Foundation continues the introduction of its Advisory Board

2026-09-02

Today we are pleased to present the next member in our Advisory Board:

Dr. Vladzimir Astapenka (Belarus)
Representative for International and European Cooperation of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus
Head of the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels

Dr. Vladzimir Astapenka is a career diplomat and former Belarusian ambassador. After resigning from the diplomatic service in 2020 in protest against the regime, he has represented the democratic forces of Belarus internationally. He heads the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels and serves as Representative for International and European Cooperation in the United Transitional Cabinet.

A warm welcome to Dr. Astapenka! We are honoured to have his diplomatic experience and commitment to a democratic Belarus on the Advisory Board.

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Hepatica Foundation continues the introduction of its Advisory Board

2026-08-28

Today we are pleased to present the next member in our Advisory Board:

Garry Kasparov
Former World Chess Champion
Chairman and Founder of the Renew Democracy Initiative (RDI)
Founder of the Forum of Free Russia

Garry Kasparov became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history in 1985 and held the title until 2000. He later turned his focus to democracy and human rights advocacy. In 2016 he co-founded the Forum of Free Russia, and in 2017 he founded the Renew Democracy Initiative, where he continues to serve as Chairman.

A warm welcome to Garry! We are honoured to have his long-standing commitment to democracy and freedom on the Advisory Board.

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Hepatica Foundation continues the introduction of its Advisory Board

2026-08-24

Today we are pleased to present the next member:

Arkadiusz Mularczyk (Poland).
Member of the European Parliament | ECR.
Former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland

Arkadiusz Mularczyk is a lawyer and experienced politician. He has served as a Member of the Polish Sejm for six consecutive terms (2005–2024) and was Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2022 to 2023. Since June 2024 he has been a Member of the European Parliament, belonging to the European Conservatives and Reformists Group.

A warm welcome to Arkadiusz! We are glad to have his expertise in European affairs, foreign policy and parliamentary work on the Advisory Board.

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Hepatica Foundation continues the introduction of its Advisory Board

2026-08-17

Today we are pleased to present the next member:

Tsai Ing-wen (Republic of China, Taiwan).
Former President of the Republic of China, Taiwan.

Tsai Ing-wen served as the first female President of Taiwan from 2016 to 2024. Earlier in her career, she was appointed as a trade policy adviser in the administration of President Lee Teng-hui and played a key role in the negotiations that led to Taiwan’s accession to the World Trade Organization. In 2004 she was elected as a member-at-large to Taiwan’s national legislature.

A warm welcome to Tsai Ing-wen! We are honoured to have her extensive experience in international trade, diplomacy and democratic leadership on the Advisory Board.

Stay tuned — more members will be presented in the coming weeks.

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Hepatica Foundation continues the introduction of its Advisory Board

2026-08-10

Today we are pleased to present the next member:

Liliana Gutan (Republic of Moldova)
Moldovan Diplomat

Former Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland

Liliana Gutan is a career diplomat with extensive experience in the Moldovan foreign service. She previously served in Moldova’s diplomatic missions in the United States and Greece before being appointed Ambassador to Sweden, with concurrent accreditation to Norway, Finland and Iceland.

A warm welcome to Liliana! We are delighted to have her diplomatic expertise and international perspective on the Advisory Board.

Check out the rest of our Advisory Board here on our website.

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We are proud and delighted to announce the formation of our new Advisory Board

2026-07-23

The Advisory Board of the Hepatica Foundation is an advisory body composed of independent experts with specialised competence in international relations, democratic development, human rights, security policy, civil society affairs, and strategic communications.

The purpose of the Advisory Board is to provide the Board of Directors and the executive leadership with high-level strategic advice, contribute to global analysis, strengthen the organisation’s international networks, and enhance the quality of the Foundation’s programme activities.

We will introduce the board members one by one over the coming weeks.

Today we are pleased to present the first member:

Anders Lindberg (Sweden)
International Advisor

Anders is the Founder of Tilia Strategisk Rådgivning och Förvaltning AB, a Board Member of the Swedish Section of Société des Membres de la Légion d’Honneur (the French Legion of Honour) and Special Advisor to HM Margareta, Custodian of the Crown.

A warm welcome to Anders! We are grateful for your commitment and look forward to the valuable contributions you will bring to Hepatica Foundation.

Stay tuned for the next presentation soon.

Thank you to all our Advisory Board members for dedicating your expertise to the cause of a stronger and freer world.

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Chairman Björn Söder received The Cross of Good Neighbourliness from Belarusian President-Elect Mrs. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

2026-07-23

Chairman Björn Söder:

I am deeply grateful and honoured to have received The Cross of Good Neighbourliness today in Warsaw from Belarusian President-Elect Mrs. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
To be recognised by the United Transitional Cabinet is something I accept with both gratitude and humility. I do not see this award primarily as recognition of what has been done, but as a reminder of what still remains to be done.

Because the struggle for a free Belarus is not over.

More than five years have passed since the Belarusian people courageously stood up for democracy, freedom and human dignity.

They spoke with their votes, with their voices, and with their peaceful protests. Yet their democratic choice was stolen by a regime that continues to rule through fear, repression and violence.

Thousands have been imprisoned. Countless lives have been disrupted. Families have been separated. Independent media have been silenced. Civil society has been attacked. And far too many brave Belarusians remain behind bars simply because they dared to dream of freedom.

But despite all of this, the democratic movement of Belarus has not been defeated.
It continues to inspire people across Europe and around the world.
Over the years, we have already achieved much together.

Through cooperation with Hepatica Foundation, through seminars, advocacy efforts and international engagement, we have worked to keep the plight of Belarus in the public eye. Last year, we also organised the exhibition Belarus – Art from Behind Bars in the Swedish Parliament, giving political prisoners a voice through their art and reminding us all that behind every statistic stands a human being with hopes, dreams and loved ones waiting for their return.

But this is only the beginning.

Within the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I have taken the initiative for the Swedish delegation to serve as a proxy for the Belarusian democratic opposition. I am proud that we have been able to establish this cooperation, ensuring that the voices of democratic Belarus continue to be heard within an important international parliamentary forum.

I look forward with great confidence to developing this cooperation further. Together, we can strengthen the presence of the democratic opposition within the Assembly, build support among parliamentarians from across the OSCE region, and continue to challenge the regime’s attempts to silence the Belarusian people.

Because the future of Belarus belongs neither to dictators nor to the situation with political prisoners.

It belongs to the Belarusian people.

Therefore, we must continue our work.

We must continue to support the democratic opposition.

We must continue to demand the release of every political prisoner.

We must continue to defend truth against propaganda, freedom against oppression, and democracy against dictatorship.

And one day, I am convinced, Belarus will be free.

One day, the prisoners of conscience will walk free.

And one day, Alyaksandr Lukashenka will be held accountable for his crimes and end up where he belongs: behind bars, not in the presidential palace.

Until that day comes, we must not give up.

Thank you for this great honour.

Long live a free and democratic Belarus.

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Interview with Oleksandr Sanchenko

2026-07-13

We sat down with Oleksandr Sanchenko, Member of Parliament of Ukraine and Co-Chair of the Youth Affairs Council under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Youth Affairs Council serves as a key advisory body, shaping Ukraine’s youth policy by developing proposals that improve opportunities and living conditions for young Ukrainians.

With the support of Hepatica Foundation, the Council has successfully organized Youth Day for several years — Ukraine’s flagship youth policy event. The event brings together the President, Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, and government ministers, giving young people a direct platform for advocacy and dialogue.

International partners like Hepatica play a vital role by providing space and time for youth to co-create solutions. This includes preparatory meetings in Lviv, which have already led to implemented ideas — such as establishing Youth Councils at Ukrainian embassies abroad. The first one has been launched in Spain.

Thank you, Oleksandr Sanchenko, for highlighting how strategic partnerships empower young Ukrainians to actively shape their future and that of their country.

To watch the whole interview:

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Pressmeddelande

2026-05-05

Belarus klassar svensk organisation som ”extremistisk” – ett allvarligt angrepp på internationellt demokratiarbete

Den 23 april fattade Högsta domstolen i Belarus beslut om att klassificera Swedish International Liberal Centre som en så kallad ”extremistisk organisation”.

Konsekvenserna av beslutet är mycket allvarliga. Enligt belarusisk lagstiftning kan medlemskap i, samarbete med eller till och med stöd till en organisation som klassats som ”extremistisk” leda till långa fängelsestraff.

Hepatica Announces Formalized Collaboration with AntAc – Project Now Underway

2026-04-30

We are pleased to announce that the contract and strategic partnership with AntAc have now been officially formalized. After dedicated preparations, the joint project has officially commenced. This collaboration marks an important milestone for Hepatica, and we look forward to the innovations and value it will bring.

Further updates will be shared as the project progresses.

To mark the occasion, Project Manager Caroline Nordengrip and Marta Ruda, Grants Manager for AntAc, met at Hepatica’s office in Kyiv earlier this month to celebrate the successful finalization of the agreement.

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Belarus Freedom Day

2026-03-26

Hepatica Foundation would like to express its sincere gratitude to the People’s Embassy of Belarus in Sweden for the kind and honourable invitation to attend the celebration of the 108th anniversary of the proclamation of the independent Belarusian state – Belarus Freedom Day (Dzień Voli).

It is a great honour for us to join this important event alongside the Belarusian democratic forces in exile and the democratic majority of the Belarusian people. We look forward to standing in solidarity with you in the continued struggle for a free, democratic, and sovereign Belarus.

We deeply appreciate your unwavering commitment to freedom, human rights, and democracy in Belarus.

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Opening of Kyiv office

2026-03-12

Historic day for Hepatica!

On Monday, Hepatica opened its first office outside Sweden – right in the heart of Ukraine, in Kyiv.

This is a milestone: The Sweden Democrats, with Hepatica at the forefront, become the only Swedish party with a permanent presence in Ukraine. A clear proof that we stand with Ukraine in action, not just in words.

The office was officially inaugurated by Jimmie Åkesson, Martin Åberg, Sweden’s Ambassador to Ukraine, and Caroline Nordengrip, Program Manager for Ukraine, who cut the inaugural ribbon.

Together with Hepatica’s secretariat, our local partners, and friends, they marked the start of a long-term commitment to democracy, freedom, and Ukraine’s victory.

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Exciting milestone for Hepatica!

2026-02-06

Hepatica Foundation has long prioritized Ukraine as one of our key focus areas – especially since the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022. To support our local partners and those affected even more effectively and sustainably, we have now established a dedicated local office in Kyiv, Ukraine.

This new office in Kyiv enables us to work even closer with local partners, deepen our humanitarian efforts, and contribute more effectively to rebuilding and resilience in the country.

Deutsche Welle visited our Kyiv base and interviewed our Program Manager for Ukraine, Caroline Nordengrip, about Hepatica's vital work – from emergency aid to supporting long-term recovery and community strength. We extend our sincere thanks to the Deutsche Welle team for highlighting our activities in Ukraine.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Sweden Democrats' National Congress

2025-12-03

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

2025-10-13

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.

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

2025-09-17

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.

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Celebrating 10 Years of Hepatica Foundation

2025-09-05

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

2025-09-01

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!

2025-08-20

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

2025-07-03

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

2025-06-24

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

2025-06-04

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

2025-06-04

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.

Watch the speech

Visit by Deputy Mayor of Kharkiv, Ukraine

2025-05-08

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

2025-03-14

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

2024-10-25

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Allvarliga anklagelser om vår biståndsverksamhet från Socialdemokraterna

2024-10-07

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

2024-10-07

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

2024-07-03

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

2023-12-21

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

2023-12-15

Björn Söder: Sida behandlar SD orättvist

15 december 2023

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

SD garanteras pengar efter nya regler om demokratibistånd

2023-12-20