Madrid honours Sérgio Almeida for his support to Ukraine
Madrid, 19 November 2025. Within the Ukraine–Spain Industrial Cooperation Forum, held at the Financial Club Génova, the Ukrainian community in Spain paid special tribute to Sérgio Almeida, Portuguese consultant, Rotarian and author of the book Lemon – A Journey to Happiness, in recognition of his ongoing humanitarian contribution on behalf of Ukrainian refugee families.
The event, organised by the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA), the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) and the Rotary Club Madrid Intercontinental Passport, brought together dozens of representatives from Ukrainian companies as well as Spanish institutions and diplomatic entities.
Public recognition for the social impact of the book “Lemon”
During the plenary session, Ukrainian authorities highlighted the direct impact of the solidarity initiatives associated with the book. The proceeds helped support refugee families in Portugal, including enabling Ukrainian children to attend a summer camp through JRS/PAR – Jesuit Refugee Service. This example was emphasised as one of many gestures that have strengthened the hope of displaced Ukrainian families, showing how culture and literature can serve as tools for emotional reconstruction and integration.
RADA Association pays tribute to Sérgio Almeida
The RADA Association, an entity supporting the Ukrainian diaspora in Spain and promoting training and labour-inclusion partnerships, joined the tribute. It should be noted that RADA recently signed an agreement with Spanish authorities to train and integrate Ukrainian workers into the construction sector, reinforcing its role in integration, professional qualification and labour dignity.
The President of the RADA Association, Oleksandr Predytkevych, highlighted: “Sérgio Almeida is a rare example of someone who transforms words into action. His solidarity is not merely symbolic, it is concrete, human and reaches exactly where it is needed. His work, his book and his commitment to the Ukrainian people show the best of Europe and the best of Portugal.” Predytkevych added that the support of European citizens is “a beacon of strength in a time of darkness,” affirming that “gestures like this build bridges that last well beyond the war.”
Rotary and international cooperation in focus
Representatives of the Rotary Club Madrid Intercontinental Passport emphasised the organisation’s role in advocating for peace, humanitarian aid, and the creation of global support networks. The presence of Sérgio Almeida was welcomed as a living example of Rotary values.
Ukraine–Spain Forum promotes new opportunities
Beyond the tribute, the Forum continued with presentations on investment and business cooperation opportunities between Ukraine and Spain, including B2B meetings between Ukrainian and Spanish companies, exploring partnerships in engineering, energy, electronics, and industrial production.
The gathering reinforced both economic and human bridges, bringing together businesses, institutions, and civil society in support of Ukraine’s reconstruction.
A Portuguese gesture that travelled and took root in Madrid
The ceremony concluded with the awarding of a symbolic distinction to Sérgio Almeida, recognising his contribution to the integration of Ukrainian families in Portugal, the humanitarian impact of the book Lemon – A Journey to Happiness, and his personal commitment to the ideal of a more supportive world.
The Ukrainian community in Madrid applauded in a moment of strong emotion and recognition.
