Ukraine’s cultural heritage is a cornerstone of the nation`s identity and reflects its own rich history. But today Russia’s invasion has left deep scars on Ukrainian cultural assets. In the face of this adversity, civil society organizations have risen as beacons of strength, championing resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice and the preservation of cultural heritage.
In this newsletter, discover the extent of damage inflicted by Russia on Ukraine’s cultural infrastructure, and stay tuned for updates on our upcoming cultural heritage forum by following the #ActForHeritage hashtag on Facebook! As usual, you will find more valuable insights from civil society and learn of our many job opportunities. Keep scrolling for more!
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Russia’s invasion inflicted severe damage upon Ukraine’s cultural infrastructure. According to a UN report, within the first year of Russia’s full-scale war, the country’s heritage and cultural sites suffered an estimated $2.6 billion in losses, necessitating $6.9 billion for recovery efforts. Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Information Policy reports that between February 24, 2022, and July 25, 2023, a total of 763 cultural heritage objects were affected. Among these, 23 were destroyed, 625 suffered partial damage, and the extent of damage for 115 remains unknown. The majority of these sites are located in Kharkiv (207), Donetsk (100), Kherson (76), and Kyiv (69) Oblasts.
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Civil Society News
USAID/ENGAGE to Host Cultural Heritage Protection Forum in Kyiv
On September 21-22, USAID/ENGAGE will host the “Ukrainian Cultural Heritage: #ActForHeritage” Forum in Kyiv. The event aims to establish a platform for dialogue and coordination among civil society, the government, local self-government, international organizations, and experts in preserving and protecting Ukraine’s cultural heritage. The Forum will encompass discussions on the existing legal framework of cultural heritage protection, strategies for its improvement, documenting crimes against Ukraine’s cultural heritage by the Russian Federation, and the use of documentary evidence in international advocacy efforts. Follow the #ActForHeritage hashtag on Facebook for more updates!
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Civil Society Organizations Urge Parliament to Refrain From Conducting Elections During Wartime
On September 18, civil society organizations issued a statement urging the Ukrainian parliament to refrain from conducting elections amid the full-scale war. The CSOs emphasize that conducting elections during martial law contradicts the law, undermines national unity, poses security concerns, and limits citizens’ ability to freely cast their votes. The organizations invite all interested parties to support this statement and to refrain from the manipulative discourse surrounding the topic of holding elections in Ukraine during wartime.
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Verkhovna Rada Adopts Law on Restoring Asset Declarations for Public Officials
On September 20, Verkhovna Rada voted in favor of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s amendments to the bill on asset declarations reinstatement for public officials. On September 5, the Verkhovna Rada passed bill No. 9534 on declaration reinstatement, including an amendment that kept the declaration registry closed to the public for an additional year. After appeals from civil society, including the USAID/ENGAGE partners, which strongly opposed the law in that iteration, President Volodymyr Zelensky vetoed it, emphasizing the necessity of granting open access to the declaration registry.
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Ukrainian Youth Delegates to Represent Ukraine at the United Nations in New York
Kyrylo Demchenko and Mykola Popadiuk, finalists of the “Youth Delegate of Ukraine to the UN 2023-2024” program launched by the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation (BHFF) joined the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations in New York. Throughout the month, the delegates will promote Ukraine at the UN`s events, support the implementation of Ukraine’s mission at the UN, and inform young people worldwide about the war in Ukraine.
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Ukrainian Antiquity Supports Youth Project Aimed at Revitalizing Youth Space in Sumy Region
On September 9, finalists from the “Active Position of My Region. Through the Eyes of Children” project, launched by Ukrainian Antiquity, inaugurated a mobile youth center in Trostianets, Sumy region. The revitalized youth space in a now de-occupied territory fosters informal education and communication among local youth. It also provides a venue for engaging activities like movie screenings, discussions, master classes, and intellectual games. The concept for the initiative emerged from a group of local youth who actively participated in the CSO’s project and received mentorship and a UAH 100,000 mini-grant to implement their idea.
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Opportunities
Explore Our Opportunities
We are excited to offer a variety of opportunities for job seekers and civil society actors:
- Qualified specialists interested in our job openings are encouraged to review the listings – https://bit.ly/3UKgGN7
- Request for applications for civil society initiatives to provide even greater institutional and project support – https://bit.ly/3GUdk4e
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Ukrainian-Danish Youth House Announces Grants for Youth Organizations
The Ukrainian-Danish Youth House is offering grants to bolster youth organizations and initiatives in Ukraine, dedicated to fostering a robust civil society and advancing democratic progress in the country. These grants will be available to activists, artists, and other members of the youthful civil society, engaging with individuals aged 15-35. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2023.
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What We Read
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage: Sectoral Analysis
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine significantly threatens Ukraine’s cultural heritage. At the same time, documenting the inflicted damage is complicated by substantial external and internal challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on developing a capable, transparent, and accountable state policy aimed at managing and protecting Ukraine’s cultural heritage, documenting Russia’s war crimes, and engaging citizens in preserving and promoting Ukraine’s unique identity domestically and abroad. Read the sectoral analysis by USAID/ENGAGE, which identifies the most relevant and impactful assistance interventions to protect Ukrainian cultural heritage.
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