Dialogue Between Authorities, Media, and Civil Society: Striking a Balance in Wartime Information Policy: the Aspen Institute Kyiv held the round table with stakeholders

How can freedom of speech and responsible communication be balanced to enhance trust in Ukraine among international partners collectively? What are the optimal boundaries for responsible reporting during martial law to safeguard national interests while upholding societal openness?

These questions brought together participants of the round table “Dialogue Between Authorities, Media, and Civil Society: Striking a Balance in Wartime Information Policy,” organized by the Aspen Institute Kyiv.

The event was supported by the International Renaissance Foundation and the EU-funded initiative “Continued Support for Comprehensive Public Administration Reform in Ukraine” (EU4PAR).

Participants included representatives from the Office of the President of Ukraine, Members of Parliament, officials from the Cabinet of Ministers, chief editors of leading publications, heads of communication agencies, representatives of civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders in information policy.

The round table was held under an off-the-record format, fostering an environment of candid and constructive dialogue.

Andriy Kulakov, Program Coordinator of the Aspen Institute Kyiv Community, and Denіs Poltavets, Director of Program Development at the Aspen Institute Kyiv, facilitated the discussion.

Olena Fomina, Policy Program Director of the Aspen Institute Kyiv, coordinated the seminar.

We thank all participants for their openness, honesty, and commitment to addressing these complex yet pivotal issues. The round table served as a platform for fostering mutual understanding, reconciling differing perspectives, and generating actionable ideas to advance our shared goal: preserving and developing the Ukrainian state and society.