This week, we highlight the collaborative endeavors of civil society actors that define Ukraine’s path to victory and a better future. Our featured infographic unveils Ukrainian sentiments regarding international relations, long-term aspirations for European Union accession, and opinions on international aid. Furthermore, we present a comprehensive brief outlining our programming priorities and showcasing our flexible approach in addressing Ukraine’s immediate needs and aspirations this year. Join us in delving into these insights and get inspired!
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Ukrainians support their country’s foreign policy and are in favor of Ukraine joining the European Union, as indicated by the Razumkov Center’s January 2024 poll. The survey reveals that 70% of respondents support the foreign policy of Ukraine’s leadership, down slightly from 74% in August 2023. Moreover, support for Ukraine’s EU accession increased from 79% in December 2022 to 84% in January 2024. When evaluating the effectiveness of international aid in countering Russia’s aggression on a scale of 1 to 5, respondents rated aid to Ukrainian refugees and financial aid at 3.9 and 3.8 respectively. Military aid, political solidarity, and support for Ukraine on the international stage received average ratings of 3.7. Assistance with reconstructing destroyed Ukrainian facilities (3.3), implementing reforms in Ukraine (3.2), and the effectiveness of sanctions against the aggressor country (3.0) were assessed lower.
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Civil Society Highlights
International Center for Ukrainian Victory Advocates for Confiscation of Russian Assets and Security Guarantees for Ukraine Abroad
Through January-March, the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) embarked on advocacy trips to European capitals, including London, Rome, Berlin, Oslo, Brussels, and Copenhagen. The delegation engaged with various stakeholders including EU representatives, ambassadors, NATO officials, and political advisors. The visits focused on lobbying for the confiscation of Russian assets, pursuing security guarantees, and advancing Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration. These visits exemplify ICUV’s commitment to advancing Ukraine’s interests on the global stage, striving for enhanced security and deeper Euro-Atlantic integration.
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Center for Innovations Development Studies Ukrainians’ Engagement in Reconstruction
Together with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the RISE Ukraine coalition, the Center for Innovations Development conducted a second round of research on engaging all stakeholders in the reconstruction process. The findings show a growing interest among the public to actively participate in reconstruction efforts and a willingness to discuss and plan projects. These research results have been integrated into the technical specifications of the electronic democracy tool (#eDem) for reconstruction and development, which interacts with the DREAM reconstruction management system.
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RISE Ukraine Coalition Calls for the Release of Key Datasets on Reconstruction Efforts
On February 29, the RISE Ukraine Coalition appealed to the Human Rights Commissioner, urging the release of crucial open data sets essential for transparent reconstruction efforts. The coalition underscores that the implementation of martial law has led to the disappearance of crucial datasets from public access, posing a threat to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. In response, RISE Ukraine has crafted concrete proposals aimed at restoring access to priority datasets.
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Ukrainian Leadership Academy Provides Over 7,800 Individuals with Essential Humanitarian Aid
Throughout February, the Ukrainian Leadership Academy (ULA) initiated a humanitarian aid initiative designed to aid vulnerable populations. In collaboration with the supermarket network “Aurora” and various CSOs, ULA distributed vouchers for elderly individuals and women with children, enabling them to access a range of essential goods such as personal hygiene items and household supplies at Aurora stores. This impactful effort reached 7,800 individuals in Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Kherson.
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Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation to Host Exhibition Focusing on Human Responsibility
From March 6, the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation will organize the exhibition, “The Silent Festival of Responsibility” at Ivan Franko Lviv National University. This event is designed to explore the concept of responsibility and inspire people to make a difference through meaningful action. The festival will showcase a poster exhibition highlighting the values of the Declaration of Human Responsibilities, initially crafted by Bohdan Hawrylyshyn and creatively reinterpreted by Ukrainian illustrators from Pictoric. Open to visitors until March 15, the exhibition will also be accessible online, ensuring wider participation and engagement.
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Opportunities
Check Our Request for Applications and Procurements
- We are pleased to introduce our updated and enhanced Request for Applications for civil society initiatives. It provides expanded institutional and project support, contributing to increased citizen participation in democratic processes, strengthening confidence in civil society, and advancing Ukraine’s drive toward victory. We encourage you to review its terms and conditions, submit your applications, and join us in empowering civil society in Ukraine!
- We invite qualified vendors to visit our website’s procurement section to access the latest consultant requests for USAID/ENGAGE – https://bit.ly/3u391QK
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Check Our Job Opportunities and Join the Team!
Qualified specialists interested in our job openings are encouraged to review the listings:
- Researcher: https://bit.ly/49wy4Lh
- Administrative Officer: https://bit.ly/48jagJL
- Receptionist/Administrative Assistant: https://bit.ly/3T2KJza
- HR Officer: https://bit.ly/4bGl9IB
- Procurement Officer: https://bit.ly/3v9ash8
- Finance Officer: https://bit.ly/3V8qvqa
- Program Officer, Reforms and Advocacy: https://bit.ly/3P5GgdG
- Grants and Contracts Officer: https://bit.ly/3HYSKzK
Check out all current vacancies on our website – https://bit.ly/41mdHN5
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Pact Announces Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Services Grants
This Request for Applications is being held within the framework of the USAID-funded Public Health Systems Recovery and Resilience (PHS R&R) Activity, led by Pact. The objective of this initiative is to support the direct provision of mental health and psychosocial support services for populations affected by the war. The application deadline is March 29, 2024.
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What We Read
ENGAGE Unveils Strategic Imperatives for Ukraine in 2024
In this edition of our highlights, we introduce “Forward Together: ENGAGE’s Strategic Imperatives for Ukraine in 2024,” a blueprint of our focus areas for the year, solidified at our recent strategic reflection meeting. This plan underscores our adaptability and unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s journey towards democracy and prosperity. Prioritizing EU membership aspirations, social cohesion, cultural heritage protection, and post-war reconstruction, we spotlight initiatives pivotal to Ukraine’s resilience and advancement. While these priorities guide our direction, they represent part of our broader mission to remain responsive to Ukraine’s evolving landscape and emerging challenges.
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