Ukraine Foundation
Inspiring Change, Driving Impact
Dr. Sergy (Serhii) Kasyanov, PhD, MPA serves as Director of Ukraine Foundation’s Brussels Program.
Dr. Sergy (Serhii) Kasyanov is a Ukrainian scholar, public servant, and executive leader with extensive experience in governance, education, defense-related and civil society policies. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Harvard Aerospace and Defense Alumni Organization, where he plays an advisory role in shaping strategic initiatives related to global security and innovation.
He is the Founding President of the Ukrainian-Dutch Society. He was President of the Toronto-based Council for the Advancement of Professions (CAPE) and a Senior Fellow at the University of Toronto’s Canadian Centre for Responsibility to Protect (CCR2P), contributing research and policy insight on humanitarian intervention and national resilience.
He has served as Director of the Charitable Foundation and as project manager for the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, as Member of the Academic Council of Ukraine’s National Aerospace Industry, and as Founding President of its Solidarian Union.
Dr. Kasyanov has taught undergraduate and graduate courses.
Dr. Kasyanov holds a PhD from the National Aerospace University in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where his work focused on information technologies and applied systems. He earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the Harvard Kennedy School as an Edmund Muskie Freedom Support Act Fellow in Public Policy and Management. He has completed the Business Edge Executive Program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management under a Government of Ontario Fellowship. He also holds a Master of Science (Hons) and Bachelor of Science (Hons), with his early education rooted in engineering and quantitative analysis.
Dr. Kasyanov speaks Ukrainian, English, and Russian, and has intermediate proficiency in French and Polish.
Kyiv: Alex Luna Honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk.
On 12 June 2025, our Vice President for Cultural Diplomacy, Alex Luna, was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to cultural diplomacy.
Together with acclaimed photographer Vladyslav Krasnoshchek and international supermodel Snizhana Onopko, Alex Luna has been at the forefront of Somnia Disaster—a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition that highlights the ongoing dangers of the Chernobyl disaster and its symbolic and strategic manipulation in the context of the war against Ukraine. The exhibition has already been showcased in the Parliaments of Ukraine and Bulgaria, raising critical awareness among lawmakers and the public alike.
As Somnia Disaster prepares to continue its journey to Prague, the Ukraine Foundation reaffirms its commitment to bringing this vital exhibition to all 27 national parliaments of the European Union—a symbolic and strategic effort to strengthen cultural ties and support Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
Somnia Disaster Featured In ICTV News
Somnia Disaster Making the News in Korotko Pro
“Somnia Disaster”: Alex
Luna exhibition opened in the Verkhovna Rada
YEVHEN GORIN
April 29, 2025, Kyiv – On the days of the next anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, a unique art and documentary exhibition “Somnia Disaster” was solemnly opened in the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, under a glass dome. It became one of the central events of this year’s commemorative events and a symbolic reminder of the value of human errors and the responsibility for the future.
The exhibition takes place during the regular session of the parliament.
The Somnia Disaster project combines art, photography, film materials and modern audio installations in Ukrainian and German. Only the photographic part of the project, created by a prominent Ukrainian photo artist, a representative of the Kharkiv School of Photography, Vladyslav Krasnoshchek, is presented in the parliament building.
The photos are not only the iconic locations of the Exclusion Zone, but also the same age as the tragedy: the author of the project, opera singer Alex Luna, and Ukrainian supermodel Snizhana Onopko.
Today, the exhibition “Somnia Disaster” is shown in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Its ideologist Alex Luna, having implemented the project in 2021, sought to emphasize the fragility of life and the importance of remembering it. Probably, he had a “artist’s premonition,” says Tetiana Tsyba, MP and head of the subcommitteee on the protection of the rights of children who suffered as a result of military aggression. After all, today the relevance of this topic has not decreased, but on the contrary, it has acquired a new sound.
The exhibition “Somnia Disaster” will be available for viewing in the Verkhovna Rada during the week. From June 18, the exhibition will be hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Kyiv and Sofia: Alex Luna Taking Somnia Disaster -A Chernobyl-Fukushima Cultural Bridge- Across European Parliaments
At a time when the world stands precariously close to the threat of nuclear catastrophe, Somnia Disaster emerges as a powerful cultural project that unites two of the most devastating nuclear tragedies in human history: Chernobyl and Fukushima. This exhibition serves not only as a bridge between cultures, but also as a stark reminder of our shared responsibility to prevent such disasters in the future.
Somnia Disaster is being presented in a highly symbolic setting — the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Ukrainian Parliament) — from April 28 to May 2, during an active parliamentary session. Following this, the exhibition will move to the Parliament of Bulgaria from May 14 to May 21, where a major opening ceremony will be held. The event will bring together the Bulgarian Minister of Energy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, members of parliament from Bulgaria and Ukraine, as well as the Ambassadors of Japan and Ukraine, underlining the urgent international relevance of the project.
In an era when nuclear threats loom larger than ever, Somnia Disaster reminds us that memory, dialogue, and cross-cultural cooperation are vital for a safer future.
Somnia Disaster on Spotify
We are currently experiencing the greatest nuclear threat, which threatens not only Ukraine, but the entire world. What does it really look like in Ukraine’s largest nuclear power plant? What is the probability of a Chernobyl 2.0? This is what liquidators, military and scientists discuss in this podcast.
FAQs
How does the Ukraine Foundation support individuals affected by war?
The foundation empowers war-affected individuals by providing skill development programs, training opportunities, and employment initiatives. It collaborates with governments and stakeholders to shape policies that help displaced individuals integrate into job markets. Additionally, it supports entrepreneurial ventures through financial assistance, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
How does the Ukraine Foundation foster creativity and innovation?
The foundation supports creative minds by offering scholarships and grants for transformative projects in education, the humanities, and the arts. It implements programs that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, artistic expression, and academic excellence. Additionally, it connects emerging talents with experienced professionals and organizes high-profile events to amplify creative voices.
What kind of entrepreneurial support does the Ukraine Foundation provide?
The foundation encourages and supports entrepreneurial ventures by offering financial assistance, guidance, and networking opportunities. It helps individuals, especially those affected by war, establish their own businesses and develop sustainable economic solutions. Innovation-driven projects that contribute to rebuilding communities are also a key focus of its support.
Can I apply to be a part of the team or work as a contractor?
The foundation welcomes individuals who are passionate about its mission to apply for team positions or contractor opportunities. The foundation seeks talented professionals across various fields to support its initiatives in creativity, economic resilience, and global cooperation. Interested candidates can explore available opportunities on LinkedIn or contact us directly for more information. Selection is based on expertise, alignment with the foundation’s values, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to its programs.
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