On January 19, 2023 there was a regular meeting of the Coordination and Expert Council on Social Policy (CEC). The Council was created at the Research Institute of Social Policy of the Ministry of Social Policy and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The meeting was held in the format of a video conference to discuss the restoration of social capital in Ukraine. Especially with the denationalization of the social sphere. The meeting was attended by scientists, representatives of Ukrainian civil society, and experts in social policy. The videoconference was organized by the Bureau of Social and Political Research (Ukraine) and the non-governmental organization Dor Moriah (Israel).
This meeting is a logical continuation of the theme of the anniversary meeting. The meeting, dedicated to the 10-year anniversary of the CES, was held in December 2022.
Population and social policy
The following issues were discussed at the meeting:
- Public participation in the implementation of social policy at the local level. This is a necessary condition for the preservation and further development of human capital. Forms, methods and tools of such participation. Volunteering, self-organization, social contracting, social services, systemic charity, etc.
- A solidarity-based societal response to social reform. Discussion of the results of the study “The Solidarity Society Response to the Social and Economic Consequences of the Pandemic. The study was conducted in December 2021-January 2022. in the Odessa region.
- research and analytical work of CEC, the main directions for the institutional development of human capital in Ukraine.
Leonid ILCHUK, Director of the Institute, opened the meeting by stating. We need professional help for local communities in introducing new approaches to addressing pressing social issues. Approaches to working with vulnerable social groups. IES experts have many years of experience in reforming and developing the social sphere in Ukraine. Preparation of normative legal acts on state and local levels, work with state and local authorities. Attracting international funds for the development of Ukraine’s social infrastructure and the introduction of social services. These activities are traditional for the Institute and the CES.
The CEC brings together scientists and experts from both national and international institutions. The main task is to coordinate activities to develop local and state policies to restore social capital.
Igor KAMINNIK, executive director of the NGO Dor Moria, noted that Ukraine’s social infrastructure has been destroyed. This happened both as a result of the hostilities and because of the denationalization of the social sphere. Local communities were left with a number of acute social problems alone. They require a solidarity response from communities and nongovernmental organizations. Without the preservation and restoration of social capital, Ukraine’s development and independence can be forgotten.
Rostislav DZUNDZA Chairman of the Board of NGO BSPR noted that the effective solution of social issues requires the support of the state. It is impossible to increase social capital without appropriate legislation and budget programs. Representatives of civil society must also influence international structures. The preservation and restoration of social capital in Ukraine should be a priority for international donors and sponsors of Ukraine.