On 13 May, ICLD held a global webinar, Building Resilient Communities through Local Democracy in Ukraine, gathering local government officials, civil society actors, academics, researchers, and international partners to reflect and learn on the Ukrainian experience and its relevance for crisis-affected communities worldwide, on municipal resilience in Ukraine during conflict. As Ukraine endures the hardships of full-scale war, its local self-governments (LSGs) are proving to be vital anchors of resilience.
The event demonstrated how decentralized governance and empowered local leadership have supported rapid, community-centered crisis responses, even in the most difficult times. It showcased real-world examples of resilience and innovation from Ukrainian municipalities.
Panelists highlighted Ukraine’s ability to mobilize local resources, safeguard critical infrastructure, and foster strong collaborations between municipalities, NGOs, businesses, and residents. Mayors placed special emphasis on supporting internally displaced people to rebuild their lives. Participants also gained practical recommendations for enhancing preparedness, fostering collaboration, and promoting inclusivity at the local level. Finally, the event sparked meaningful international dialogue, allowing local government actors from around the world to exchange best practices for building stronger, more resilient communities.
Keynote Presentation:
Dr. Oleksandra Keudel, Associate Professor at the Kyiv School of Economics, presented findings from her research on Local Democracy and Resilience in Ukraine: Learning from Communities’ Crisis Response in War. She highlighted how locally managed finances and decision-making structures enabled more agile and effective responses to community needs.
Panel Discussion:
The webinar featured a diverse panel of local leaders and policy experts:
- Mayor Bogdan Kelichavyi of Kopychyntsi Municipality shared first-hand experiences on emergency planning and public engagement during crises in helping internationally displaced people.
- Mayor Iryna Pletnova of Uman Municipality discussed infrastructure protection and inclusive local leadership.
- Mariya Tuzyk, International Cooperation Expert and ICLD Mentor, emphasized the importance of cross-border support and municipal partnerships.
- Andreas Umland, Analyst at the Centre for Eastern European Studies at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs (SCEEUS), provided a geopolitical lens on decentralization and democracy-building, pointing to the need for supporting local development in creating new experts and methods.
- The session was moderated by Clara Orstadius, Research Officer at ICLD.
Key themes included:
- The strategic importance of decentralization in emergency response
- The role of inclusive, people-led governance in building trust and social cohesion
- Safeguarding services and communication systems during prolonged crises
- The importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships and local innovation
The conversation emphasized that resilience is not just about surviving conflict, but also about protecting democratic values, fostering participation, and ensuring that marginalized voices are heard in recovery planning.
Ukraine’s story, while rooted in war, resonates globally. As climate disasters, increasing displacement, and economic shocks continue to challenge communities everywhere, the Ukrainian model offers insights for building local democracy that endures under pressure.
Attendees from Sub-Saharan Africa shared valuable perspectives during the discussion, reflecting a widespread international awareness and concern for the ongoing war in Ukraine, while also noting commonalities in some challenges and opportunities for participatory and transparent governance.
Local Democracy Talk is a safe place to exchange ideas and experiences on democratic governance, inclusive, transparent, and resilient responses to global challenges to contribute directly to building stronger democracies and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, starting at the local level.
Click here to learn more about ICLD’s Local Democracy Talks and support for decentralization and inclusive governance worldwide.