About Programs Fellowship News Calendar
Civil society plays a critical role in supporting the state and its citizens not only during wartime, but also in planning for the physical and political reconstruction after the end of hostilities. In the context of Ukraine, in which 5.9 million people are internally displaced and another 8 million have fled to neighboring countries, civil society will have a significant role to play in supporting displaced persons and refugees, as well as the reintegration and rebuilding of de-occupied territories after the war. Over the longer-term, civil society will also need to play a crucial role in any and all peace and reconciliation efforts, including in the development of a post-war and Ukraine-wide national dialogue project.
With so many people displaced inside and outside Ukraine, and the economy on wartime footing, it remains essential to keep civil society leaders supported and connected to one another and with other strategic actors in the international donor, development, political, and private sectors. Supporting a connected and resilient civil society sector in Ukraine will create opportunities for dialogue on different levels of society to develop a shared vision for post-war reconstruction and national dialogue, including different social and historical narratives that help shape an inclusive identity for Ukraine.
In July 2022, Salzburg Global Seminar, in cooperation with the United States Institute of Peace and other partners, convened the program Connecting and Supporting Ukrainian Civil Society in Time of War. The meeting provided a vital opportunity to elevate the voices of Ukrainian women’s and civil society organizations and support their connections to one another and to international political and development leaders. The program resulted in the Salzburg Statement of Ukrainian Civil Society, drafted by Fellows themselves, which outlines the crucial role of civil society in winning the war and rethinking Ukrainian reconstruction.
This meeting of the Forum, from June 4-8, 2023 will prioritize efforts supporting the rights, return, and reintegration of displaced persons and refugees, addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term perspectives including the ultimate physical reconstruction and social integration of liberated territories as part of a Ukraine-wide project of national identity.
While Ukrainian civic leaders set the agenda, Salzburg Global continues to provide connections to relevant international actors that can be useful resources based on relevant experience, access to funds or investment, and/or ability to influence political processes.
This Forum is for (not about) Ukrainian civil society and thus seeks to help keep Ukrainian civil society – both in exile and in-country – connected and supported. Through this international convening, we wish to elevate the voices of Ukrainian women’s and civil society organizations and supported their connections to other international political and development leaders.
Drawing from priorities set out in the 2022 Salzburg Statement of Ukrainian Civil Society, participants will devise strategies and action plans to advance next steps on the following key topics:
The highly-interactive program will mix curated conversations, knowledge exchange, practical small-group workshops, and informal interactions.
The agenda and outcomes will be created with Ukrainian civil society leaders, reflecting their own challenges, interests, and priorities.
The meeting will adhere to the Chatham House Rule, in order to allow for candid and open exchange of ideas.
This program will bring together approximately 45 participants. The majority will represent leaders from Ukrainian civil society, both inside and outside Ukraine, especially women’s groups and networks.
We also welcome participation from others with relevant experience able to support and enhance their efforts, including those coming from other countries which have had to rebuild their societies after war or conflict; organizations providing humanitarian aid and assistance to Ukraine and Ukrainians; journalists, photographers, and media specialists reporting and providing news and information about the war in Ukraine; innovators in the technology sector; legal experts with backgrounds in promoting the rule of law and transitional justice; and international development agencies and donors wishing to learn the priorities of Ukrainian civil society.