The conference “Resilient Chernihiv Region: Recovery Through Partnership” brought together communities, civil society, business, education, and international partners in Chernihiv on December 9. More than 80 participants gathered to discuss current challenges and develop solutions to strengthen the resilience of the Chernihiv region. The event was organized by the non-governmental organization “Dobrochin Center” in partnership with Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, the Ichnia City Council, the Chernihiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chernihiv City Council.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from the following speakers:
- Dina Narezhneva, Program Manager of the “Democracy and Good Governance” Program at the International Renaissance Foundation
- Oleksandr Pidhornyi, Director of the Resource Center for Local Democracy Development, “Center Dobrochin” NGO
- Konstantin Megem, First Deputy Head of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration
- Viktoria Pekur, Deputy Mayor of Chernihiv
- Guntis Lapsa, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Latvia in Ukraine
- Pierre Coutaz, Project Manager for Resilience, Expertise France
They emphasized that the key was understanding resilience as a shared responsibility of communities, government, the civil society sector, business, and international partners. The speakers stressed that the reconstruction of the Chernihiv region must be grounded in the human dimension—safety, resident engagement, consideration of their needs, and the creation of conditions for the development of each community. Particular attention was paid to the role of solidarity, trust, and the active engagement of people who, even in wartime, demonstrate the ability to unite for shared decisions.
Representatives of international institutions and local authorities emphasized the importance of partnership as the driving force behind the region’s recovery. They noted that it is precisely the interaction between communities, active organizations, youth, volunteers, and the education sector that lays the foundation for long-term development. The opening remarks outlined a vision of the Chernihiv region as an area undergoing not only infrastructural but also social renewal, fostering a new culture of cooperation and resilience.
Three panel discussions—focused on resilience and people-centered reconstruction, economic resilience, and the synergy between education and business—enabled participants to analyze the region’s needs in the context of the war in greater depth, identify priorities for recovery, and develop joint solutions necessary to strengthen regional resilience both now and after Victory.
The panel discussion “Resilience and Human-Centered Reconstruction During Wartime” concluded that the resilience of the Chernihiv region should be considered in two interconnected dimensions: resilience BEFORE Victory, which includes active defense, adaptation, and support for community viability; and resilience AFTER Victory, which involves strategic recovery, the formation of new development models, and integration into the European community.
During the panel discussion “Education and Business – Synergy for Recovery and Development,” participants engaged in a substantive discussion on how educational institutions and local businesses can join forces to strengthen human capital, respond promptly to labor market needs, and create conditions for the region’s long-term development.
During the “Economic Resilience” panel, key challenges for entrepreneurs in the frontline region were identified, and a vision was presented for implementing a special regime for economic and entrepreneurial activity in areas of heightened military risk as a tool to support businesses and stimulate economic activity.
In the “Solutions Lab” format, participants developed practical proposals for cooperation with international partners, business support, modernizing approaches to vocational education, and fostering synergy between business and education.
The conference confirmed that partnership is the key to a sustainable Chernihiv region, which is rebuilding itself through collaboration, joint decisions, and shared responsibility. The future of Chernihiv Oblast is shaped by the joint efforts of communities, civil society, government, business, educational institutions, and international partners.
The event was organized by the NGO “Dobrochin Center” as part of the project “Sustainable Chernihiv Oblast: Recovery Through Partnership,” which is part of the Impulse Project. The Impulse Project is implemented by the International Renaissance Foundation and the Eastern Europe Foundation with funding from Norway (Norad) and Sweden (Sida). The content of this material does not necessarily reflect the views of the International Renaissance Foundation, the Eastern Europe Foundation, the Government of Norway, or the Government of Sweden.
Джерело: Громадський простір
