How Do We Preserve Unity in Times of Profound Challenges? Days of Ideas 2026 Brings the Conversation to Chernivtsi

On 20–21 June, Aspen Institute Kyiv, with the continued support of Yehor Hrebennikov, hosted Days of Ideas in Chernivtsi. The event brought together more than 150 participants—representatives of government, education, business, civil society, the military, and community leaders—for a shared conversation on social cohesion, trust, and the value of diverse lived experiences.

At the heart of this year’s discussions was a central question: what enables a society to remain united in times of profound challenges, and how can differences become a source of strength rather than division? Participants reflected on the idea that unity does not emerge on its own. It is built through dialogue, a willingness to listen, and the ability to seek common ground even when experiences, perspectives, and life stories differ.

Opening the event, Yuliya Tychkivska, Executive Director of Aspen Institute Kyiv, spoke about the challenges that Russia’s full-scale invasion has posed not only to Ukraine’s resilience but also to trust, mutual understanding, and coexistence.

“We see the challenges that war places before us. It demands resilience and solidarity. At the same time, it raises difficult questions about trust, mutual understanding, and how we bring together the very different experiences each of us carries. There are no simple answers. But we believe that meaningful dialogue remains one of the most important ways of building understanding.”

These questions became the starting point for two days of conversations in Chernivtsi.

Chernivtsi and the wider Bukovyna region provided a natural setting for this dialogue. The region’s multicultural history, long tradition of coexistence among diverse communities, and vibrant civic life created a meaningful context for reflecting on how trust can be built and social cohesion strengthened.

The programme opened with the panel discussion “Social Cohesion in Post-War Ukraine: How Does It Depend on Us?”, featuring:

• Oleksandr Korniienko, First Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine;
• Father Heorhii Kovalenko, Rector of the Open Orthodox University of St. Sophia–Wisdom;
• Nataliia Yemchenko, Communications Director at SCM, Chair of the Supervisory Boards of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and Heart of Azovstal;
• Taras Kytsmei, Co-founder and Member of the Board of Directors of SoftServe;
• Halyna Zelenko, Deputy Director for Research at the I. F. Kuras Institute of Political and Ethnic Studies.

The discussion was moderated by Vadym Karpiak, spokesperson for the 8th Corps of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, soldier, journalist, and television presenter.

Participants reflected on the challenges Ukrainian society will face after the war, the role of trust and shared values in rebuilding the country, and how to preserve social cohesion during a period of inevitable change and difficult decisions.

The programme continued with the conversation “Culture as a Space of Belonging: What Holds Society Together?” featuring Nataliia Kryvda, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. The session was moderated by Ivan Butniak, Director and Artistic Director of the Olha Kobylianska Chernivtsi Academic Music and Drama Theatre.

The discussion focused on culture as a space for creating shared meaning, preserving memory, and fostering responsibility, as well as its role in strengthening society during wartime.

The second panel discussion, “The Bukovyna Formula: How Diversity Becomes a Foundation for Building Together,” explored the experience of Bukovyna as a region where diversity has become a source of development and cooperation rather than division.

The panel featured:

• Ruslan Osypenko, Head of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration;
• Yevhenii Makhovikov, Deputy Mayor of Chernivtsi;
• Ruslan Biloskurskyi, Rector of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University;
• Tymofii Zaritskyi, Deputy Commander of the 8th Corps for Personnel Psychological Support, Colonel.

The discussion was moderated by Serhii Rohol, Member of the Supervisory Board of Aspen Institute Kyiv and Co-owner of the ESTET Group.

Participants discussed how Bukovyna’s experience can inform the future of Ukraine, why diversity strengthens rather than weakens communities, and how respect for differences can become the foundation of lasting social cohesion.

The programme concluded with the discussion forum “Chernivtsi as a Laboratory of Cohesion: Where Do We Go from Here?”, moderated by Denys Poltavets, Director of Program Development at Aspen Institute Kyiv, and Liliia Bortych, Member of the Chernivtsi Regional Council and Chair of the HromadaHub Charitable Foundation.

The forum created space for an open exchange on the region’s opportunities and challenges, as well as a collective search for ways to strengthen trust and social cohesion in the years ahead.

On the second day, participants explored Chernivtsi and the Bukovyna region through a guided cultural programme, including a city tour and a visit to the Olha Kobylianska Chernivtsi Academic Music and Drama Theatre. Curated by Ivan Butniak, the programme offered participants a deeper appreciation of the region’s history, atmosphere, and unique character.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all speakers, moderators, partners, participants, and guests for their openness, thoughtful engagement, and willingness to seek answers to the complex questions facing our society.

Our special thanks go to the event’s title partner, the Bukovyna Entrepreneurs Club, as well as to our partners CBG and Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University for their hospitality and for providing the venue for this gathering. We are also grateful to Florium, Handmade Furnitura, Bacara, and Branda for supporting the event.

We would also like to thank our partners who contributed gifts and memorable experiences for participants: Gaisan Dental Clinic, Luxury Aroma, Padelbaza, Vintage Beauty, Nikonova Bakery & Confectionery, Gorgany, Yidlo, RG Health System, PR, Ekoniia, and SkillEdge.

Finally, we thank our media partners—Starlight Media, Suspilne, Espreso, and Ukrainian Radio—for their support of the event.