This week, 15 Ukrainian veterans will begin their first international training as part of the Veteran Leadership Programme. It will be an intensive five-day course aimed at preparing political and community leaders who will contribute to the recovery and democratic development of Ukraine. The programme is initiated by the CHESNO Movement in partnership with the University of Warwick and Warwick Business School.
The programme combines academic science with practical tools for civic engagement, policy advocacy and strategic leadership. Strengthening veterans’ ability to influence the development of the state is an investment in Ukraine’s future, as it shapes a cohort of a new generation of leaders capable of reforming institutions and strengthening democracy.
The training will combine the best international practices with Ukraine’s experience and needs. Key modules of the programme will focus on strategic leadership and political literacy, stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy, veteran reintegration and social policy development, opportunities and access to civic engagement.
Meetings with representatives of leading institutions in the United Kingdom responsible for supporting veterans and democratic governance are also planned to show policy ‘in action.’
According to Bo Kelestin, Associate Professor at Warwick Business School, Co-Director of the programme and expert in design thinking, Warwick University is honoured to welcome Ukrainian veterans to its campus:
“Their commitment to public service and democratic values resonates deeply with our mission to develop inclusive and innovative leadership. Through design thinking and collaborative learning, we strive to empower participants with the tools to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.”
Vita Dumanska, leader of the CHESNO Movement, co-director of the programme, and expert on political institutions and civic participation, sees great potential for veterans in Ukrainian politics. Knowledge and international connections can be the first steps towards confidently entering Ukrainian political institutions.
“Veterans are not only defenders of our freedom, but also future architects of our democracy. They have exceptional credibility in society, and with the right tools and international partnerships, they can transform their frontline resilience into leadership that rebuilds institutions and firmly roots Ukraine in the democratic world,” Dumanska believes.
During the programme, participants will develop practical strategies to strengthen veterans’ participation in Ukraine’s civic and political life; build professional connections with institutions and experts in the United Kingdom; and become part of a growing community of veteran leaders committed to democratic values and public service.
Veteran and programme participant Danylo Shynhelsky has high expectations for the training and is convinced that the British experience will inspire his brothers and sisters in arms to come up with new projects and ideas on politics:
“On the front line, we learned to make difficult decisions under pressure and to trust each other. I am convinced that the training provided by the University of Warwick and the CHESNO Movement will help transform this experience into skills for public service — in the fields of politics, negotiations and civic engagement — so that veterans with political ambitions can join in rebuilding Ukrainian institutions and strengthening our democracy.”
Training in the UK is implemented within the framework of the CHESNO Movement’s Veteran Leadership Programme with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation and the MATRA programme (Government of the Netherlands).
Warwick Business School (WBS) is the largest faculty at the University of Warwick. WBS has a ‘triple crown’ of accreditations from leading business education associations; its Executive MBA is ranked in the top 10 in Europe by QS, and its Global Online MBA is ranked in the top 2 in the world by the Financial Times. The school offers a full range of programmes, from bachelor’s degrees to DBAs and short executive courses, and has a strong doctoral programme.
Source: Chesno
