“A friend in need is a friend indeed” may be an unofficial tagline of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) that took place in Lugano, Switzerland. Tattered by Russia’s aggression, Ukraine is seeking ways to rebuild and heal. Indeed success in terms of commitment to reconstruction, the conference was not just about raising money but also about a resolute advancement of democratic transformations. This special issue of our newsletter sums up the agenda that Ukrainian civil society pursued in Lugano and offers a look at key documents and commitments of the conference. Get engaged in the traditional read!
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Today, more than ever, Ukraine’s eastern neighbor threatens democracy and the values that free states profess. Repelling Russia’s troops on multiple fronts, Ukrainians are fighting shoulder to shoulder not only for personal survival but for the future of democracy. But do our citizens share a similar opinion when it comes to the future of their own country? The latest poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology revealed that 94% of Ukrainians strive for full-fledged democracy – the respondents from all regions of the country unanimously answer yes to the democratic development of Ukraine. Ukrainians also believe that freedom of speech and fair justice for all are cornerstones of democracy. Check our chart for more details.
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Ukrainian CSOs Release the Civil Society Manifesto
Ukrainian civil society presented a “Civil Society Manifesto” addressed to the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano (URC) on 4-5th July. The document declares six principles to which any decisions regarding the future system and rebuilding of Ukraine must comply, lists dangerous “red lines” and defines priority tasks for the development of Ukraine. More than a hundred prominent Ukrainian civil society organizations signed the Manifesto. You can read the full text by following the link below.
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Civil Society Side Event at URC 2022
On July 4, the conference hosted a civil society side event to highlight the Ukrainian civil society’s role in the joint mission of nonprofits, the private sector, public authorities, and the international community to rebuild and modernize Ukraine. During the event, participants discussed the ways of Ukraine’s recovery, highlighted the driving role of civil society in the recovery process, and advocated for an increase in international support for Ukraine. You can re-watch the live stream by the link below.
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Civil Society Activists Present a Coalition for Ukraine`s Reconstruction and Modernization
During the сonference, representatives of the civil society and the state announced the creation of a new coalition of Ukrainian organizations and international partners – RISE Ukraine. The goal of the coalition is to promote principles of integrity and participation for Ukraine’s development, building accountability mechanisms for reconstruction, timely disclosure of data development of digital solutions for reconstruction, and involving citizens and businesses in the planning, monitoring and oversight.
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RPR Coalition Develops Recommendations for the National Recovery Plan
On July 5, the RPR coalition released recommendations for the National Recovery Plan of Ukraine presented during the Lugano conference. The recommendations cover various reforms and would be helpful for the authorities and international partners. You can read them at the link below.
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Transparency International Ukraine Develops Recommendations for the Anti-Corruption Reform in Ukraine
Lugano`s сonference gathered leaders from around the world to discuss Ukraine’s post-war recovery and reconstruction and reforms that need to be carried out. However, every reconstruction effort brings with it massive corruption potential. To prevent the potential risks, Transparency International Ukraine and Basel Institute on Governance presented recommendations for immediate priority anti-corruption reform in Ukraine. Check them by the link below.
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Case Ukraine to Host Discussion on Future Reforms in Ukraine
On July 7, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., the CASE Ukraine Center for Socio-Economic Research will hold an expert discussion “How we will reform the country: following the footsteps of the conference in Lugano.” The participants will talk about the results of the conference, a vision for Ukraine`s post-war recovery, and analyze what will be the reform plan and financing mechanism for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The event will be held online and will be broadcast on the Cost. Ukraine Facebook page.
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