The Eastern Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils was the first interregional event in 2025 to discuss the further development of IDP councils, taking into account new challenges and regional specifics. Joint proposals developed to strengthen the influence of councils on the content of local programs and the formation of development strategies were presented at the III All-Ukrainian IDP Councils Forum. The event brought together representatives of councils from Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Zaporizka, Sumska, Kharkivska, and Chernihivska Oblasts. The forum became an important platform for exchanging experiences, forming partnerships, and seeking long-term solutions to improve the effective work of these advisory bodies.
Goal of the Forum
- To facilitate the exchange of experience, raise awareness, and jointly develop ideas to strengthen the capacity and role of IDP Councils in promoting the integration of IDPs into host hromadas;
- To develop mechanisms for removing barriers faced by IDPs while exercising their rights and freedoms.
Participants
114 participants joined the Eastern Ukrainian Forum of IDP Councils: representatives of 46 IDP Councils, oblast military administrations, the “IDPs of Ukraine” inter-factional MP association, local state institutions and local self-government bodies, non-governmental civic and international organizations.
Key Speakers:
- Iryna Vereshchuk — Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine;
- Valeriia Vershynina — Executive Director of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation ‘Stabilization Support Services'”;
- Pauline Hilmy — Senior Community-Based Protection Advisor at the UNHCR office in Dnipro;
- Olena Kryshen — Director of the Social Protection Department of the Dnipropetrovska Oblast State Administration;
- Serhiy Okovytyi — Rector of the Oles Honchar Dnipro National University;
- Kostiantyn Zhaldakov — Chairperson of the IDP Council under the Dnipropetrovska Oblast Military Administration.
Panel Discussions
Two panel discussions took place during the forum. The key topics of discussion were promoting change at the community level and involving internally displaced people and local residents in the work of IDP councils:
- “From Advocacy to Impact: How Do IDP Councils Influence Government Decisions? Successful Advocacy Campaign Cases and Communication with the Authorities: What Exactly Helped Achieve Success?”;
- “Involving IDPs and the Local Population in Active Cooperation and Participation in the Work of IDP Councils.”
Workshop: “Territory of the Future for IDP Councils — 2027”
Thanks to interactive tools and group work, participants were able to examine the development of IDP Councils from a strategic perspective, identify key areas for development, and outline practical steps.
Presentation of the IDP Councils Portal
During the forum, the IDP Councils Portal, an online platform for IDP Councils, was presented. This is an online resource providing access to educational and methodological materials, legislative updates, relevant news, and an interactive map with key information about each IDP Council. The platform enhances the Councils’ visibility and contributes to their development.
Mini workshop: “How to Present Your IDP Council in 3 Minutes”
Participants learned how to present the activities of an IDP Council, identify key challenges, and received constructive feedback.
Game Quest: “How an IDP Council Can Support Displaced Persons”
The CF SSS team developed a game to help IDP Council members understand how the decision-making process works in a community, explore different scenarios, see the possible consequences of management decisions, and develop skills in cooperation, argumentation, and finding compromises.
Forum Results
- Practical proposals and recommendations were developed for implementation during IDP Council activities.
- It was proposed to strengthen advocacy at the local level: housing, social programs, access to services, and a job vacancy registry for IDPs.
Media about the Forum
- D1 TV channel report
- TRK “Accent” report
- IDP Councils: Experience of Communities in Dnipro, Pavlohrad, and Chernihiv – Lessons for Shostka (Shostkanews.city)
The event was held by the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation ‘Stabilization Support Services'” with the support of the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine.