Addressing Today’s Challenges for Future Development: Dialogue “Ukraine and the World After the War: Visions and Concepts”

Ukraine is currently facing complex challenges on its path to development. However, discussing possible rules of coexistence and its future is necessary now.

On July 5th, Aspen Institute Kyiv held a Dialogue, “Ukraine and the World After the War: Visions and Concepts,” for the community.

Based on visionary texts by contemporary intellectuals (“Manifesto of Sustainable Peace: the World After Our Victory” and “Save Yourself and Save All of Humanity” by Yaroslav Hrytsak), the participants of the dialogue explored possible scenarios for Ukraine’s future and discussed the following:

• Why is Ukraine’s victory essential for us and the whole world?
• Will the democratic model and liberal values withstand the challenges of war, and how will they transform?
• How can we achieve victory, build lasting peace, and create conditions for development?

Participants focused their attention on the following ideas:

• Ukraine needs internal harmonious societal development, strengthening and supporting democratic institutions, and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. In addition, to victory over Russia in the war, preserving internal solidarity and consolidating Ukrainian society is necessary.
• The “Manifesto of Peace” should have working mechanisms that help ensure stability and address issues where society disagrees.
• Media independence is a necessary condition for Ukraine’s development as a democratic country. It is essential to guarantee freedom of speech, the inviolability of journalists, and access to objective information. These steps will contribute to forming an institute of conscious citizens and critical thinking in society.
• There is a great need for justice and punishment for criminals. However, effective mechanisms for organizing these processes and the functioning of courts that ensure objectivity, independence, and fairness in criminal cases need to be developed.
• It is essential to explain to citizens what peace is and how it affects our lives. It is necessary to honestly talk about what we can influence in its achievement and what we cannot. This will help realize the real opportunities and limitations related to the peace process.
• One should not expect declarative manifestos to solve all societal problems; this will only happen with internal changes. It is essential to find a balance between realistic approaches to problem-solving and meeting the needs and expectations of citizens.
• Ukraine should participate actively in international processes, advocate for its interests and positions, and participate in decision-making regarding our future.

Andriy Kulakov, Program Coordinator for Aspen Institute Kyiv Community, moderated the dialogue.

Thanks to the participants for a substantive and inspiring conversation!