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.