Challenges to Democracy and How to Overcome Them: The Participation of Ukrainians in an International Workshop

The Aspen Institute (USA) and the Aspen Institute Germany co-organized the workshop “Democracy Forward: Inspiring Change in the Modern World” in Berlin. The event brought together 37 young leaders from 21 countries. 

Rostyslav Tistyk, Member of the Parliament of Ukraine and the “Business and Society” — 7 seminar alumni, Roman Hryhoryshyn, CEO of ITOXI UA (Ukrainian-Korean project), and Denys Starostin, communications manager of The Aspen Institute Kyiv, represented Ukraine.

The event consisted of three seminar sessions: on the history and meaning of democracy, the challenges it faces today, and ways to support democratic institutions and ideals. Participants shared their professional and personal experiences and perspectives from their respective countries. 

In addition, the young leaders took part in a geopolitical simulation to better understand how to defend their values in the international arena.

Rostyslav Tistyk admitted that during the event, he was able to emphasize Ukraine’s security issues: 

— It is valuable to hear the positions of reliable friends and partners, and it is equally important to find and enlist the support of new supporters. We need to bring the issues of Ukraine and our security to the forefront. 

Both Roman Hryhoryshyn and Denys Starostin agreed. Each Ukrainian participant tried to present our country’s position as fully as possible.

Denys Starostin emphasized that participation in such events helps broaden horizons: 

— I usually watch seminars from the outside, but this is the first time I’ve participated in a dialogue. There are two big differences. The feeling of a certain insight when you start looking at familiar things in a new way thanks to the opinions of other participants is impressive and makes you perceive the situation differently – more comprehensively.”

Roman Hryhoryshyn also added that the workshop helped to create connections with young leaders from other countries: 

— Such events are a unique opportunity to expand your international network of contacts and to “pump up” your skills of persuasion and argumentation.