Stockholm: a strategic dialogue between civil society, business and donors on the future of Ukraine
Olga Kosse, Head of the Board of Responsible Citizens NGO, took part in the event “Building Back Better for Ukraine: Business, Children’s Rights and Long-Term Resilience” organised by Rädda Barnen (Save the Children) and Forever Sustainable with the participation of Sida – the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, international partners and representatives of major Swedish businesses.
Responsible Citizens represented Ukrainian civil society on this platform with practical experience, field expertise and an understanding of what the situation looks like from the inside.
“Civil society provides business with access to the real situation on the ground: what is happening to children, families and communities, and which solutions actually work. We are building the evidence base for recovery — practical data, approaches and solutions tested in crisis conditions. It is important to understand that children are an indicator of the long-term resilience of society. Ignoring their needs creates systemic risks for the economy, for society and for any business planning to enter Ukraine for the long term with large-scale projects,” said Olga Kosse, Head of the Board of Responsible Citizens NGO.
At present, Sweden is one of Ukraine’s most consistent partners in terms of concrete actions. Sida finances mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programmes in the regions most affected by the war, Swedish businesses are systematically seeking tools for a long-term presence in Ukraine, and events like this are becoming part of this practical work. The position of the Swedish side is clear: investments in Ukraine are viewed as a strategic partnership in which business bears responsibility for the social environment in which it operates.
As part of a series of international meetings, Olga Kosse had the opportunity to discuss current issues with the Ambassador of Ukraine to Sweden, Svitlana Zalishchuk, and received support from Jan Eliasson — Sweden’s best-known diplomat and former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Responsible Citizens NGO continues to build partnerships that combine the expertise of civil society, the capacities of business and the support of international donors for the systematic recovery of Ukraine.
Більше новин
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“I regained the ability to enjoy the little things,” — Valentyna, RomnySince the beginning of autumn, our mobile teams of psychologists and facilitators have been visiting communities where people live under constant stress caused by the war and often have no access to professional support. This became possible thanks to the project implemented by the NGO “Responsible Citizens” in partnership with JERU – Joint Emergency Response in Ukraine, a joint initiative of Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide — with financial support from the German Federal Foreign Office.
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NGO “Responsible Citizens” became the winner in the nomination “Light of Knowledge: Charity in the Name of the Future” at the forum “Donetsk Region 2025: A Look into the Future.”The forum became an important platform for strengthening dialogue between the state, local authorities, and the civic sector.
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Support in the frontline zone: Psychologists and specialists help families persevereIn the frontline Malynivka community, war impacts every aspect of life, but the strength of unity and support helps children and families overcome challenges. The Child-Friendly Space, created with UNICEF Ukraine’s support, becomes a hub of hope and development.
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Responsible Citizens became partners in the charity fair “On the Road of Childhood” in ZaporizhzhiaThis event is a series of celebrations for children from occupied and frontline territories who live in the Zaporizhzhia region.
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Employees of the NGO “Responsible Citizens” completed a HEAT training course—a program on survival and response in high-risk areasThe staff of the NGO “Responsible Citizens” have completed a four-day intensive HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) course, designed to prepar...
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Kharkiv Region: Systematic Psychosocial Support for Children, Families, and CommunitiesIn partnership with UNICEF Ukraine, the NGO “Responsible Citizens” worked simultaneously with several groups: children who had experienced traumatic events, parents who had lost their support resources, and community professionals who themselves were living under constant stress.
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A Year of Support and Action: 2024 Impact Report by “Responsible Citizens” NGOWe built partnerships, strengthened communities, and supported grassroots initiatives. All of this became possible thanks to our partners, donors, skilled and responsible team, and community trust.
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Strategic Session: Responsible Citizens NGO Strengthens Its Vision and CapacityIn response to rapid shifts in the humanitarian landscape, growing community needs, and ongoing transformation in civil society, the team of Responsible Citizens NGO held a strategic planning session. The goal was to shape a relevant vision for the coming years and enhance the organization's ability to respond effectively in a highly turbulent environment.