Consolidation of society and (re)thinking of the social contract: how the Aspen Institute Kyiv unites leaders to create a vision of the future
The full-scale war sharpened feelings, began to prompt reinterpretation of fundamental issues. One of them was obviously about building a sustainable future. What should it be based on? What should be its basis? What can we as a nation unite around and what divides us? Moreover, how to convert those separating factors into connecting ones?
Since 2022, the Aspen Institute Kyiv has been implementing the Social Contract for Ukraine Program. The goal is development and (re)thinking of the vision of the future of Ukraine. How? Bringing into the dialogue representatives of various spheres — the state and public sector, business, science, culture, media, to formulate a comprehensive and inclusive approach to solving the problems and challenges the country faces today and the ones that may appear in the future. We started the project in April 2022, when Russian troops had just withdrawn from the Kyiv region. Participants from Mykolaiv, Kharkiv and the capital, which had just broken out of encirclement, joined these discussions later, all united by a common goal and desire to develop Ukraine.
The mood of society according to the situation in the country: transformation of the focus of discussions
As part of the program, the Institute held a series of one-day events in online and, when the security situation allowed, offline format, said Olena Fomina, the Policy Program Director of the Aspen Institute Kyiv. This, in particular, made it possible to form a structured and concentrated program, ensuring the active involvement of participants from the very beginning of the events. The participants came to the seminar with starting positions and ideas about the social contract based on a collection of essays by leading Ukrainian intellectuals organised by the Institute. And during the discussion, the leaders shared their own views on certain issues.
It is noteworthy that the seminars acted as a certain barometer of public sentiments — the focus of the discussions changed according to the situation in the country and the world.
— The content of dialogues always reflects the current situation in the country and the mood in society. In 2022, it was about the importance of attracting international aid, the functioning of the state in general, and humanitarian support for the war-affected population. At the same time, a lot was said about the resilience of Ukrainians and the ability to adapt to new realities. In the spring of 2023, despite the winter blackouts, hopes for positive changes appeared in society, especially in the context of events at the front, as well as an understanding of the importance of national unity and identity.
Points of social agreement: what Ukrainian leaders are talking about today
Based on the leaders’ discussions, Olena Fomina highlighted the following insights: Ukrainians show their resilience and adaptability; an understanding of the importance of national unity and identity is imprinted in society; a strategic vision of the future is necessary for the development of the state; internal resources and self-sufficiency play key roles in maintaining sustainability; the development of education and science is critically necessary; there is a demand for justice in society.
Olena Fomina also draws attention to the gradual growth of fatigue and emotional exhaustion, increased awareness of the duration and unpredictability of war, shift of emphasis to the issue of survival and preservation of statehood.
— I believe that Ukrainian society should unite around common goals and values — the preservation of statehood, democracy, human rights and the pursuit of peace and stability. At the same time, it is important to maintain an open dialogue between different representatives of society. The widest possible discussion will allow to develop a consensus on the key directions of the country’s development, including economic growth, social justice, and the cultural component.
