On May 29, an expert discussion was held in Kyiv on practices for engaging residents in the process of shaping and implementing local policy, as part of the implementation of the 2022–2027 Regional Target Program to Promote the Development of Civil Society in Luhansk Oblast.
According to the organizers, Ukraine’s laws “On Local Self-Government,” “On Citizens’ Petitions,” “On Access to Public Information,” and “On Public Consultations” provide a broad foundation.
The key problem with the legislation is the procedural gap between the law and community practices. Similarly, participation does not disappear—it transforms; resident participation remains a key mechanism for accountability, transparency, and the reconciliation of interests.
The research project was developed by experts from the civil society organization “Association for Self-Organization of the Population” in collaboration with “Luhansk Regional Civic Initiative,” the “Center for Political and Legal Reforms,” and the “Association for Revival and Development.” It was presented by senior expert Roman Kislienko.
According to the presenter, the study focuses on analyzing innovative practices for engaging residents in local policy-making processes and the practical implementation of the proposed models in 103 communities. These communities were divided into four groups: frontline communities, de-occupied communities, rear communities, and communities “in exile.”
“One of the most striking findings is the breakdown of practices by implementation format. Among the practices where the format can be clearly identified, 85.8% are online, and 12.4% are hybrid. In other words, digital participation is no longer a peripheral innovation but has become the primary channel through which communities seek to foster residents’ inclusion in local self-government,” R. Kislienko noted in his remarks.
The main conclusions reached during the discussion were that simple tools serve as a means of rapid adaptation, while more institutionalized methods are necessary for a more sustainable assessment. Additionally, platform-based solutions utilizing electronic systems, social media, and internet platforms can serve as medium-term pilot projects.
In turn, all forms of public participation must be supported by a state identification procedure, mandatory feedback, and legally binding outcomes as the foundation of the new system.
The expert discussion is taking place as part of the project “Engaging the Public in Eastern Ukraine in the Recovery of Their Communities: Phase III,” which is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation.
Source: Luhansk Regional State Administration – Regional Military Administration
