Civil society in Ukraine has demonstrated incredible resilience and readiness for change, especially during the country’s reconstruction. The UAct network, which brings together civil society organisations from across the country, helps coordinate efforts to address key issues and ensure the sustainable development of local communities.
On 31 January, the Centre for Innovations Development gathered more than 20 representatives of civil society organisations, experts and activists from all over Ukraine at the UAct network event “Resilience and Impact of Civil Society on Reconstruction and Development Processes”. The event was an important step in strengthening cooperation between local initiatives and their impact on the country’s social and economic transformation.
Speakers and participants discussed how to maintain the sustainability of civil society, maintain dialogue and coordinate efforts in response to numerous challenges. They stressed that the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine is not only about infrastructure projects, but also a complex process that requires the participation of communities at all levels.
Inna Pidluzka, Deputy Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation, stressed the importance of a human-centred approach in the reconstruction process:
“The reconstruction of Ukraine must be people-centred. Communities must take responsibility for the outcome of the reconstruction and its development in the long term. This is our common task“.
An important topic of discussion was the activities of the UAct network, which brings together regional and local NGOs to influence local reconstruction processes. Kateryna Ivanchenko, director of the Centre for Innovation Development, said:
“The UAct network is based on the principles of cooperation and mutual support. We understand that real change starts with local initiatives. Our network provides support to organisations in influencing local government, budgeting processes and rebuilding critical infrastructure.” She added : “The sustainability of our network is based on shared values and goals. This is what will help us overcome challenges and promote democratic reconstruction and recovery in each community”.
Mykhailo Leichenko, CTO of the Centre for Innovations Development, stressed that the UAct network provides a necessary mechanism for integrating innovative approaches into the reconstruction process:
“The resilience of civil society lies in the ability to create new solutions and adapt to change. Thanks to the UAct network, we have a platform where each organisation can find support and implement its initiatives on the scale of local communities”.
Oleksandr Solontai, Head of the NGO “Agency for Recovery and Development”, moderator of the panel discussion, emphasised:
“The sustainability of civil society lies in its ability to act systematically, from the local to the national level. When we coordinate our efforts and act together, we create a solid foundation for democratic development”.
Mykola Melnyk, Chairman of the Board of the NGO “League of Interns”, noted that the main strength of the network is the quality of people who are able to unite and work for the benefit of their communities:
“Civil society is about the quality of people and their willingness to change. It is these people who can become the driving force behind Ukraine’s recovery”.
Andriy Kashpur, founder of Reputation Lab Ukraine, stressed the importance of maintaining trust in civil society, which is especially important in times of change and challenges. According to him, it is thanks to the effective programmes implemented by the UAct network that this trust can be maintained and even strengthened.
One of the key outcomes of the event was the signing of an open memorandum that defines the basic principles of interaction between the network members, facilitates coordination of efforts and strengthens the network’s organisational capacity. The first vision of the network’s media strategy was also presented, which aims to create an effective communication platform to promote the results of the network’s work.
The event ended with a discussion of UAct’s development plans, including:
- Expanding networking between local and national organisations.
- Strengthening educational programmes for network members.
- Implementation of innovative e-democracy tools.
- Advocating for transparency of budget processes at the local level.
The event also had a charitable component: it raised funds to support the 503rd Separate Mechanised Brigade. The funds raised will be used to purchase a pickup truck, a rebo and drones for the unmanned systems company.
The event was another confirmation that the strength of civil society lies in unity, shared values and the ability to adapt. Thanks to the UAct network, Ukrainian communities are getting new opportunities to develop and rebuild in the post-war reality.