Per the government announcement, The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today met with Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine, to discuss the second international conference on returning Ukrainian children detained civilians and prisoners of war. The event, Pathways to Peace, will be held in Toronto, Ontario, on September 28 and 29, 2026. The statement released following the meeting confirms that Canada, alongside Ukraine and Norway, will co-host the conference. The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that this conference will focus on advancing pathways to peace for Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war. The statement does not mention the number of individuals expected to be present at the conference.
Context
This meeting represents a continuation of Canada’s ongoing support for Ukraine’s efforts to address the critical issue of unaccompanied children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war. In March, the ministry said Canada was committed to working with international partners to secure the safe return of Ukrainian citizens. Following a similar meeting on September 28, 2026, with Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Orbán, the ministry reiterated its dedication to this objective. The Pathways to Peace conference builds upon the initial conference co-hosted by Canada, Ukraine and Norway in 2026, and aims to foster collaboration among governments, international organizations, and civil society groups. The statement does not address the specific outcomes anticipated from this second conference.
What to Watch
Should the conference yield positive outcomes in terms of facilitating the release and repatriation of Ukrainian citizens, Canada will continue to work with Ukraine and Norway to explore further avenues of support. The statement does not mention any specific commitments or pledges made during the meeting. If the conference attendees agree on a framework for increased coordination, Canada will consider further engagement with relevant international partners. The statement does not address the potential for increased financial or logistical support to be mobilized as a result of the conference.
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
- Canada, Ukraine and Norway to co-host international conference on returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war (12 Septemb)
- Minister Anand meets with Honduras’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (28 Septemb)
- Minister Anand meets with Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs (28 Septemb)
.jpg){kind=link}