Behind many large-scale cultural projects are people who work for years to ensure that Ukrainian traditions are recognized far beyond the country’s borders. Maryna Kobylinska, a record-holder and brand ambassador for the Book of World Records, has carved a path from working in state communications to launching international cultural initiatives. Today, her projects bring together thousands of Ukrainians.
— Could you tell us a little about yourself? How did you get involved in managing cultural projects?
“It was my childhood dream to promote Ukraine to the world,” Maryna says.
She began her professional journey at the Ministry of Information Policy of Ukraine, where she served as an international communications advisor. It was there that she implemented major international projects, including the “Year of Japan in Ukraine,” contributed to the production of promotional films about Ukraine, and managed the submission process to include Ukrainian borscht and “Shchedryk” (Carol of the Bells) into UNESCO lists.
Additionally, she initiated the creation of Ukraine’s first student council under the ministry, which later evolved into the Youth Advisory Body under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
“I have always been inspired by Ukrainian culture, traditions, nature, and people. That is why, alongside communications, I started creating cultural projects that bring Ukrainians together.”
Maryna Kobylinska has also been the initiator and achiever of numerous Records of Ukraine, all aimed at promoting Ukrainian culture.
— You were one of the initiators of the Ukrainian record for the “Most Mass Pysanka (Easter Egg) Painting by Masters from Different Regions of Ukraine.” How did this idea come about?
Today, Maryna Kobylinska herself is a Book of World Records holder. However, she notes that the primary goal has never been setting a record just for the sake of the achievement, but rather promoting Ukrainian culture.
The idea was born during the Year of the Ukrainian Pysanka, when Ukraine was submitting the tradition of pysanka painting to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
“I reached out to Hanna Krysiuk, the Director General and founder of the Book of World Records, to figure out how we could turn our idea into a record. After all, a record is always a powerful media hook that helps promote Ukrainian traditions even further.”
The strategy worked perfectly: dozens of media outlets covered the event, and the record drew the attention of thousands of Ukrainians to the art of pysanka painting.
— We know you have been involved in other massive, record-breaking projects. Which one holds a special place in your heart?
Over the years, Maryna Kobylinska has spearheaded several major initiatives that were officially certified as records.
Among them are the longest poetry reading dedicated to the Year of the Ukrainian Language, the most massive simultaneous creation of the word “Ukraine” by people across various countries for Europe Day, and a large-scale Borscht Marathon.
“The Borscht Marathon amazed me the most. All regions of Ukraine were cooking their traditional borscht simultaneously. It wasn’t just a culinary event—it was a demonstration of our cultural diversity and unity.”
— Ahead of Ukraine’s Constitution Day, we would like to ask: how do such records and cultural initiatives help unite Ukrainians and preserve our national identity?
In her view, records have long ceased to be just about numbers or achievements.
“They unite people around a shared idea. Through these initiatives, we promote traditions, remind people of our culture, and showcase it to the entire world,” Maryna emphasizes.
She is convinced that today it is particularly vital to involve youth in such projects, including Ukrainians who are temporarily abroad. It is these initiatives that help preserve national identity, regardless of where Ukrainians currently reside.
— What inspires and motivates you to create new projects today?
People remain the ultimate source of inspiration for Maryna.
“When you see how Ukrainians unite around culture, traditions, or charity, you realize that this work must continue.”
The sheer desire to show the world a strong, modern, and culturally rich Ukraine continues to inspire her to launch new initiatives.
— What advice would you give to future record-holders? Perhaps you could share an idea for a record that has yet to be set in Ukraine?
Maryna Kobylinska is convinced that a record can be born out of practically any idea, provided it carries social value and has the power to bring people together.
“Do not be afraid to think big. Sometimes, a single creative idea can become a record and, at the same time, promote Ukraine.”
On the eve of Ukraine’s Constitution Day, she also shares her own idea for future record-breakers.
“Almost every article of the Constitution can become the foundation for a new creative record. The main thing is to find an idea that will unite people,” concludes Maryna Kobylinska, record-holder and brand ambassador of the Book of World Records.
