Ukraine Forum: Providing Insight into Ukraine’s Policy Landscape

A democratic and independent Ukraine has the potential to completely change the geopolitical outlook in Europe. Even as domestic politicians, activists, and observers watch the country make active strides toward a decentralized, more democratic future many understand that more systemic and institutional change is desperately needed.

In response to the recent and dramatic changes in Ukraine, The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (BST) awarded a grant to the Ukraine Crisis Media Center (UCMC) in June of 2015 to organize the Ukraine Forum. The Forum was organized to build the capacity of the new generation of Ukrainian government officials and civil society leaders by offering well-researched and accurate policy suggestions and analysis. The Forum also sought to serve as a neutral place for Western and Ukrainian leaders to build relationships between themselves and the interests of their countries.

“Ukraine is at a critical stage right now,” says Anna Pidgorna, UCMC’s donor relations manager. “It’s been 3 years since the revolution. There needs to be some bridge building between Western countries and Ukraine that shows the positive progress that is happening — because there is progress.”

Over the course of a year, and in partnership with the London based Chatham House,the Ukraine Forum organized 12 different events for Ukrainian, British, and European policymakers, journalists, civil society leaders, and business representatives.

The Ukraine Forum acts as a place for independent research and dialogue between key players in Ukrainian politics. Participants at the Ukraine Forum analyze the progress of various reforms and discuss policy recommendations to some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

The initiative also serves to provide factual and relevant policy analysis to Ukraine’s newest generation of government officials and members of parliament. “Many of the elected officials in Ukraine are new to their office, with just 2 out of 20 ministers having had previous cabinet experience,” notes Ana Aelenei, BST senior program officer. “Roughly 56% of the cabinet members were voted in for the first time in 2015. Events like the Ukraine Forum contribute to ongoing efforts at capacity building for the elected officials.”

“Another goal of the UCMC is to build bridges between Western observers and stakeholders to help strategic partners and experts to better understand the situation in Ukraine,” Pidgorna explains.

“There is interest in Ukraine becoming a part of the EU. This project can bring together leaders and experts who aren’t in touch with each other so that they can build networks in Ukraine.”

In addition to providing the West with accurate information about the reforms taking place in Ukraine, the UCMC also seeks to ensure that Ukrainians themselves are aware of the transformation that is happening in their country. Events like the Ukraine Forum can highlight progress towards EU integration for the public at the same time that it shows the active engagement of the EU in Ukrainian affairs.

“People over-imagine what will happen [after a revolution],” Pidgorna says. “They think that change will be quick and easy and aren’t prepared for the reality of working through the mechanisms of government. This is true of the public, partners, foreign media, and the reformers themselves.”

A large part of the work that the UCMC undertakes is managing the fears, expectations, and aspirations of both the public and those of government officials.

“Reform is a slow process,” says Pidgorna. “And of course there was disappointment after the war. The progress is slow, but the way forward is to make sure that the people are engaged and helping.”

“There’s nothing worse than becoming disappointed in something you believed in,” she continues. If people get disappointed in the pace of the reforms they can be even more dangerous to progress.”

The UCMC helps to allay these fears by encouraging transparent and accountable governance models and policy processes. The organization releases research and reports on the progress of the reforms to help keep the public informed of the progress that is being made. This acts as an incentive for policymakers and elected officials to continue along the path toward a more open and democratic government.

As Ukraine moves forward with steps toward EU integration it is more important than ever that the people, their elected representatives, and international stakeholders feel that they have the support they need to encourage democratic change.