15–18 October 2026 | Košice, Slovakia
Four days of intensive work, important decisions, thoughtful discussions and the joy of reconnecting with our worldwide Plast family!
Plast Ukrainian Scouts Australia proudly participated in the XXII General Assembly of the Conference of Ukrainian Plast Organisations (XXII Zbory KUPO), bringing together more than 150 delegates and participants from Plast krai and groups around the world.
Held every three years, the General Assembly provides an opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements, address challenges, adopt resolutions, elect international leadership and shape the future of Plast worldwide.
Australia’s active contribution
Our Australian delegation was led by pl. sen. dov. Chrestyna Kmetj (Hr), CEO of Plast Ukrainian Scouts Australia (Holova Kraiovoi Plastovoi Starshyny).
Our delegates and participants included:
- pl. sen. dov. Chrestyna Kmetj (Hr)
- pl. sen. dov. Teresa Lachowicz (ChKh)
- pl. sen. pr. Tomas Miljenovic (LCh)
- st. pl. skob Andrew Bernyk (LCh)
- st. pl. skob Olesia Bernyk (SV)
- pl. sen. dov. Jarema Semkiw (LCh)
- pl. sen. dov. Markian Lachowicz (ChM)
- st. pl. Kalyna Kogut
Throughout these demanding days, our representatives worked tirelessly in plenary sessions, commissions and the Great Councils of the Plast Divisions (ulady), bringing Australian perspectives and experience to discussions and decisions shaping Plast internationally.
Australians contributed to five important commissions:
- pl. sen. dov. Chrestyna Kmetj (Hr) – Publications Commission
- pl. sen. dov. Teresa Lachowicz (ChKh) – Resolutions Commission
- pl. sen. pr. Tomas Miljenovic (LCh) – Statutory Commission
- st. pl. skob Andrew Bernyk (LCh) – Financial Commission
- pl. sen. dov. Jarema Semkiw (LCh) – Nominations Commission
Their work involved detailed consideration of proposed resolutions, statutory amendments, financial and organisational responsibilities, leadership nominations and the future direction of our international movement.
We also warmly acknowledge pl. sen. Andrew Radion (LCh) and st. pl. skob Damian Pavlyshyn (LCh) for their contributions to the preparatory commissions in the months leading up to the General Assembly. Their work was an important part of Australia’s engagement in the international preparations and discussions.
Beyond the formal meetings, there was time to exchange ideas, share experiences, renew friendships and strengthen the bonds that connect plastuny across countries and continents. Whether around the meeting table or in conversations between sessions, these connections remind us of the strength and spirit of our international Plast family.
We sincerely thank all our delegates and contributors for their dedication, thoughtful participation and tireless commitment, both in preparation and throughout the General Assembly.
Australians elected to international Plast leadership
We are especially proud to congratulate three Australians taking on international leadership responsibilities:
- pl. sen. ker. Phil Botte (LCh) – Deputy Chair of the International Plast Council (Holovna Plastova Rada).
- st. pl. skob Andrew Bernyk (LCh) – Deputy Head of the International Executive of the Plast Rover’s Division (Holovna Bulava Ulad Starshi Plastuny).
- st. pl. skob Olesia Bernyk (SV) – Deputy Head of the International Executive of the Plast Cub Scouts’ Division (Holovna Bulava Uladu Plastovoho Novatstva).
These appointments reflect the experience, commitment and continuing contribution of Australian plastuny to the leadership and development of our worldwide Plast movement. We wish them every success in their new responsibilities!
Our growing international Plast family
Plast continues to grow, with more than 14,000 members worldwide and Plast activity extending across approximately 30 countries.
A particularly welcome outcome of the XXII General Assembly was the formal admission of Czechia and Sweden as new Plast krai, further strengthening our international organisation and bringing new communities into the wider Plast family.
We warmly congratulate our fellow plastuny in both countries! Their achievements reflect the dedication of volunteers and communities establishing and strengthening Plast programs, giving new generations of Ukrainian children and young people opportunities to experience its friendships, adventures and values.
Each new Plast community strengthens the bonds that unite us across countries and continents, opening the door for another generation to discover the joy of plastuvannia.
Important decisions and resolutions
The General Assembly adopted resolutions recognising the service and sacrifice of Ukrainians defending their homeland, including Plast members serving in Ukraine’s Defence Forces and those who have lost their lives. We honour their courage, remember those who have fallen, and stand with all who continue to serve Ukraine.
Among the other significant outcomes were:
- The admission of Czechia and Sweden as new Plast krai.
- The declaration of 2027 as the Year of Plast’s 115th Anniversary, encouraging Plast communities worldwide to celebrate our history, traditions and educational mission.
- Recognition of the centenary of the historic Plast campsite Sokil.
- A renewed commitment to mutual respect, constructive dialogue and cooperation across the international Plast community, in accordance with the Plast Law and our shared values.
The General Assembly and its commissions also considered matters of governance, organisational responsibilities, financial accountability, safeguarding, leadership development and educational programs.
The work ahead provides an opportunity to build on the broader vision and recommendations of the VII Plast Congress, translating these into meaningful programs and practical initiatives across our international Plast community.
Looking ahead – stronger together
The XXII General Assembly elected the new international leadership for the 2026–2029 term.
Plast Australia warmly congratulates pl. sen. Christina Santore (LM), elected Chair of HPB (Holovna Plastova Bulava), and pl. sen. Ksenia Baluk (Hr), elected Chair of HPR (Holovna Plastova Rada), together with their respective leadership teams and the newly elected leadership of the Plast Divisions.
We look forward to positive engagement, open and constructive discourse, and continued cooperation with the new international leadership and all Plast krai and groups.
We particularly welcome the General Assembly’s resolution encouraging mutual respect, constructive dialogue and cooperation throughout our Plast community. These principles are essential as we work together to strengthen educational programs, expand opportunities for international camps, training and exchanges, and support Plast communities, both established and emerging.
At this particularly challenging time for Ukraine and Ukrainians everywhere, our shared responsibility to provide safe, meaningful and inspiring programs for children and young people is more important than ever.
Wherever we plastuyemo, our common values, Ukrainian heritage and commitment to service unite us. From Australia to Ukraine and across the world, Plast continues to foster lifelong friendships, develop character and leadership, and give young people a strong sense of belonging to something much greater than themselves.
A heartfelt thank you to Plast Slovakia for hosting the XXII General Assembly and for the wonderful hospitality, friendship and care extended to plastuny from around the world.
We return from Košice with strengthened friendships, renewed international connections, new responsibilities and a shared commitment to the future of Plast.
СКОБ! 
