Hope Butterflies 2026: An International Summit on Pediatric Palliative Care
From September 25 to 26, 2026, Chernivtsi will welcome the international summit 'Hope Butterflies 2026,' Ukraine’s sole platform dedicated to advancing pediatric palliative care. Expected to attract over 500 participants from Ukraine and abroad, the event will gather leading medical and social work professionals. The agenda features more than 60 presentations alongside workshops and panel discussions focused on real-life clinical and social cases involving children with palliative care needs.
The summit will take place at the charitable initiative 'City of Good,' which has operated in Chernivtsi since 2016, providing comprehensive support to Ukraine’s most vulnerable women and children. Covering 4,000 square meters and comprising six buildings, this project can simultaneously assist up to 400 individuals. Key components include:
- a shelter for women, children, and elderly women;
- the children's hospice 'House of Butterflies';
- a medical center;
- emergency evacuation teams;
- vocational training programs;
- educational and social initiatives.
Since its inception, 'City of Good' has aided more than 10,000 women, children, and animals.
Distinguished Speakers and Participants
Among the prominent international experts attending are:
- Berthold Koletzko, President of the European Academy of Pediatrics from Germany;
- William M. Novick, a pediatric cardiac surgeon from the USA;
- Rachel Clarke, founder of palliative care services in the United Kingdom.
Rachel Clarke expressed, 'It is a true honor to speak at the Hope Butterflies international palliative care conference in Ukraine this September.'
She also emphasized the vital role of the 'House of Butterflies' hospice, which cares for children with incurable illnesses, calling its team 'a shining example of highly skilled and deeply compassionate pediatric palliative care in Ukraine.'
Representatives from various government bodies will engage in discussions, including the Ministry of Social Policy, the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, the Office of the Prosecutor General, National Police and Juvenile Prevention units, alongside local authorities, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations. Key topics will address risk assessments for the lives and health of children in palliative care, as well as protocols for cases involving parental abandonment, loss of housing due to war, or the need for specialized care.
The summit will also unveil a comprehensive care pathway for children with palliative conditions, bridging healthcare, social services, child protection agencies, law enforcement, and community support. Experts from Ukraine, the USA, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Georgia, and Moldova will participate in this collaborative effort. Notable partners and participants include:
- Ukrainian Academy of Pediatric Specialties;
- Gen Ukraine;
- Heart Institute of Ukraine's Ministry of Health;
- National Children's Specialized Hospital 'Ohmatdyt';
- Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health;
- First Medical Association of Lviv;
- Odessa Children's Polyclinic Compass.
Marta Levchenko remarked, 'This is a vital step to ensure no child with a serious diagnosis feels abandoned. It equips doctors with necessary tools, empowers communities with support, and gives children a chance for a life filled with care.'
The 'Hope Butterflies 2026' summit will mark a significant milestone in the advancement of pediatric palliative care within Ukraine, fostering collaboration among international and local professionals dedicated to this critical field.
This event highlights the growing recognition in Ukraine of the challenges surrounding pediatric palliative care, emphasizing the need to integrate medical, social, and legal frameworks in supporting children with severe illnesses. The involvement of global experts and government officials underlines the importance of united efforts to improve these children’s quality of life. The summit is poised to drive progress and inspire new approaches in pediatric palliative care across the country.