Ukrainian leadership in action: shaping the future of Humanitarian Aid
On May 23, the Responsible Citizens team took part in the 3rd Annual International Conference “Ukrainian Leadership in Aid,” organized by the Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations and international partners.
The event brought together Ukrainian and international humanitarian organizations, government bodies, donors, and experts to discuss a central question: how can we make Ukraine’s humanitarian aid system more effective, sustainable, and locally driven?
For our team, localization is not a trend — it’s a daily reality in frontline communities. We firmly believe that local organizations are best positioned to act swiftly, appropriately, and with a deep understanding of the context. This is where meaningful, lasting solutions emerge.
The conference focused on concrete challenges:
- how to transfer leadership to Ukrainian organizations without compromising the quality of aid;
- what exit strategies for international actors should look like without putting communities at risk;
- what tools and mechanisms can ensure a safe, sustainable transition;
- how to secure financial stability and enable transparent, coordinated planning for all stakeholders.
“For us, it’s not just about attending such events — it’s about genuinely listening to how the humanitarian landscape is evolving. It’s a chance to see that our experience is relevant and needed. We implement multi-component family support programs, train specialists, and work every day in the most challenging areas. We know that localization is not only about shifting responsibilities. It’s about trust, long-term funding, stable partnerships, and equal participation in planning. It’s also about honest dialogue around risks, capacities, and realistic expectations,” says Olga Kosse, Head of the board of Responsible Citizens.
The future of humanitarian aid lies in shared responsibility.
Our participation in this conference is not about visibility — it’s about positioning: we are ready to help shape decisions, not just implement them. This is what a resilient and accountable aid system looks like.
We thank the organizers for creating space for meaningful professional dialogue. We return to our work with fresh ideas, a sense of solidarity, and confidence in the importance of Ukraine’s experience.




Більше новин
-
How to Support Those Nearby: A Humanitarian Discussion at the Kharkiv ForumThe event “Kharkiv Region: The Power of Law in the Fight for Freedom” was held with the support of the project “Human Rights for Ukraine, Phase II,” implemented by UNDP in Ukraine and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Olena Khvatynets, the regional coordinator of projects for the NGO “Responsible Citizens” in the Kharkiv region, participated in the forum.
-
12 km from the frontline: Support for those who need it mostIn the frontline communities of Donetsk region, the team of Responsible Citizens NGO is registering residents for multi-purpose cash assistance. This initiative is part of the project “Local, inclusive, and multisectoral emergency aid for war-affected people in Ukraine”, implemented in partnership with Mercy Corps and financially supported by the UK government.
-
Support that changes lives: Yulia’s story from KramatorskYulia had always been someone who supported others. In Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, she worked as a teacher, helping children understand the world and find their pla...
-
Mobile support in action: The story of a new psychologist in our teamFor our team, it’s a great responsibility when people come to us for their first professional experience. Especially when it’s a conscious decision to change career...
-
Safety for children in frontline communities: training in Kryvyi RihDaily air raid alerts, the risk of shelling, and constant uncertainty have become a reality for thousands of children living in frontline areas of Ukraine. To support their psychological resilience and provide practical safety knowledge, the NGO Responsible Citizens, with the support of @unicef_ukraine, is organizing a series of trainings in Child-Friendly Spaces.
-
Responsible Citizens NGO is launching activities within the framework of a new partnership with JERU – a joint initiative of the international organizations Welthungerhilfe and Concern WorldwideThe project is funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany and implemented in Sumy region.
-
“Job readiness training: How the LIVES 3.0 project supported the unemployedTo help people find their place in these new conditions, the LIVES 3.0 project, implemented by "Responsible Citizens" in partnership with Mercy Corps and supported by the UK government, organized a series of training sessions.
-
Kryvyi Rih NGO team trained in psychological first aidSpecial attention during the training was given to specialists’ self-regulation: how to cope with emotional exhaustion and avoid burnout when working daily with others’ pain. This experience is another step toward ensuring that assistance in communities is not just an act of goodwill but high-quality, professional support, even in the most challenging conditions.